What makes Secrets by Gil Scott-Heron notable?

'Secrets' was notable for its blend of jazz and spoken word, solidifying Scott-Heron's influence on the burgeoning hip-hop movement. It received positive reviews from critics and highlighted Scott-Heron's ability to tackle complex themes such as urban life and social justice through innovative musical arrangements. By 1978, Gil Scott-Heron had established himself as a key voice in the Black Arts Movement, following his acclaimed album 'Pieces of a Man' and the groundbreaking 'The Revolution Will Not Be Televised'. 'Secrets' represents a continuation of his exploration into social issues, showcasing his evolving sound alongside collaborator Brian Jackson's contributions on flute and keyboards.

Secrets works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, thought-provoking lyrical depth and mid-tempo reflective moments.

How many songs are on Secrets?

Secrets has 9 tracks, running approximately 38 minutes.

Secrets

Gil Scott-Heron · 1978

38 min · 9 tracks · jazz

A rich tapestry of jazz-infused soul that blends political commentary with introspective poetry.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Angel Dust — This track opens the album with haunting melodies and lyrics reflecting on addiction and societal neglect, setting a poignant tone.
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Cane — In this song, Scott-Heron draws parallels between personal struggles and broader societal issues, showcasing his signature storytelling style.
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Third World Revolution — This track serves as a powerful political statement, connecting local injustices to global movements for liberation, exemplifying Scott-Heron's activist spirit.
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A Prayer for Everybody / To Be Free — Closing the album, this piece combines hope and urgency in its call for collective freedom, encapsulating the album's overarching themes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The blend of spoken word and jazz creates a unique sound that stands out while addressing significant themes.

What we noticed

Tracks like 'Angel Dust' and 'Madison Avenue' employ a slow build, gradually introducing additional instruments to create a rich soundscape.
Several tracks incorporate abrupt shifts in tempo and mood, particularly evident in 'Third World Revolution' which transitions from reflective to urgent.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
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

steady, consistent energy levels
thought-provoking lyrical depth
mid-tempo reflective moments
immersive storytelling experience

Where this album fits

Career context: By 1978, Gil Scott-Heron had established himself as a key voice in the Black Arts Movement, following his acclaimed album 'Pieces of a Man' and the groundbreaking 'The Revolution Will Not Be Televised'. 'Secrets' represents a continuation of his exploration into social issues, showcasing his evolving sound alongside collaborator Brian Jackson's contributions on flute and keyboards.
Stylistic neighbors: Amiri Baraka· The Last Poets· Abbey Lincoln