What makes Secret Story by Pat Metheny notable?

Secret Story was met with critical acclaim, earning a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Jazz Album in 1997. The album's unique blend of jazz and world music has influenced a generation of musicians, showcasing the possibilities of genre fusion and contributing to the growing acceptance of jazz in mainstream music. Released in 1992, Secret Story marked a pivotal moment in Pat Metheny's career as it followed his acclaimed album Still Life (Talking). This album saw him exploring more complex arrangements and orchestration while expanding his sound palette, which included elements of world music that would become a hallmark of his later work. At this point, Metheny had already established himself as a leading figure in jazz fusion.

Who is Secret Story for?

Secret Story works well if you're into dynamic journey with emotional peaks, lush melodies for reflective moments and nature-inspired soundscapes for relaxation.

How many songs are on Secret Story?

Secret Story has 14 tracks, running approximately 76 minutes.

Secret Story

Pat Metheny · 1992

76 min · 14 tracks · jazz

A sweeping blend of jazz, world music, and intricate melodies that evoke a sense of expansive wonder.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Finding and Believing — This track encapsulates the album's emotional core through its rich harmonies and lyrical improvisation, demonstrating Metheny's virtuosity and ability to convey deep feelings without words.
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The Longest Summer — With its lush melodic lines and intricate guitar work, this piece highlights Metheny's signature style while capturing the essence of nostalgia and warmth that defines the album.
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Always and Forever — This track features a hauntingly beautiful melody supported by thoughtful arrangements that reflect Metheny's exploratory spirit, making it a standout in showcasing both technical prowess and emotional depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

79 /100

Summit

Higher than 99% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate compositions and high-level craftsmanship, blending jazz with world influences effectively.

What we noticed

The album features a wide array of instrumental textures, with layered guitar melodies interwoven with orchestral strings and woodwinds.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 9/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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 journey with emotional peaks
lush melodies for reflective moments
nature-inspired soundscapes for relaxation
for quiet afternoon introspection

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification tracks
prefer upbeat party atmospheres

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1992, Secret Story marked a pivotal moment in Pat Metheny's career as it followed his acclaimed album Still Life (Talking). This album saw him exploring more complex arrangements and orchestration while expanding his sound palette, which included elements of world music that would become a hallmark of his later work. At this point, Metheny had already established himself as a leading figure in jazz fusion.
Stylistic neighbors: Brad Mehldau· John Scofield· Chick Corea