Secret Agent cover

Secret Agent

Chick Corea · 1978

43 min · 9 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of avant-garde jazz and post-bop, weaving intricate melodies with dynamic rhythms and rich improvisation.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Golden Dawn Start here — This opening track sets the tone with its energetic interplay between instruments and complex harmonic structures, showcasing Corea's virtuosic piano work.
  • →
    Slinky — With its playful rhythms and shifting tempos, this track exemplifies Corea's knack for blending traditional jazz elements with innovative approaches.
  • →
    Glebe St. Blues — A standout example of Corea’s bluesy influences, this track features an engaging groove and expressive solos that highlight the ensemble's chemistry.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
70 /100
Alpine
Higher than 94% of albums we've rated

The album's intricate compositions and dynamic improvisation highlight Corea's innovative approach to jazz.

What we noticed

  • Each track showcases extended improvisation sections, allowing the musicians to explore themes rather than adhering strictly to written melodies.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic peaks and valleys
  • engaging rhythmic explorations
  • intricate melodies to discover
  • late-night vibrant energy

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward listening
  • seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Experimental — Showcases a departure into avant-garde jazz, blending genres and improvisation.
Themes
experimental jazz fusion· dynamic improvisation· avant-garde exploration
Career context
By the time 'Secret Agent' was released in 1978, Chick Corea was already a prominent figure in jazz, following his acclaimed work with Return to Forever. This album showcases his exploration into more experimental territories, positioning it as a significant step in his evolution as an artist dedicated to pushing boundaries.
Stylistic neighbors
Herbie Hancock· Keith Jarrett· McCoy Tyner
New to Chick Corea? Find your way in →

Tracklist

  • 1 The Golden Dawn Start here 3:42
  • 2 Slinky 5:46
  • 3 Mirage 2:10
  • 4 Drifting 4:13
  • 5 Glebe St. Blues 7:01
  • 6 Fickle Funk 5:08
  • 7 Bagatelle 3:39
  • 8 Hot News Blues 6:19
  • 9 Central Park 5:21

What to play next

The Mad Hatter
Listen next

The Mad Hatter

1978

Continues the experimental vibe with rich improvisation and dynamic compositions.
Friends
Go back to

Friends

1978

Sets the stage for the vibrant fusion and energy found in Secret Agent.
Full Chick Corea discography Where to start with Chick Corea Artists like Chick Corea
avant-garde jazz post-bop

If this landed

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Thrust

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Heavy Weather

Heavy Weather

Weather Report

Features complex melodies and rich improvisation, merging jazz fusion with experimental soundscapes.

On the Corner

On the Corner

Miles Davis

Delves into avant-garde jazz with a focus on groove and rhythm, pushing boundaries of traditional jazz forms.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata