Seven
Soft Machine · 1973
43 min · 12 tracks · progressive rock
A surreal blend of jazz rock and progressive elements, creating intricate soundscapes punctuated by whimsical melodies.
Top tracks — play these first
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Nettle Bed — This track exemplifies the album's blend of complex rhythms and melodic experimentation, setting an intricate tone for the rest of the record.
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Penny Hitch — With its extended improvisational sections, this track captures the essence of Soft Machine's progressive approach, showcasing their musicianship and creativity.
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Down The Road — The track stands out for its lyrical storytelling combined with an engaging musical backdrop, embodying the band's unique fusion of jazz and rock influences.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's intricate compositions and unique sound blend showcase its experimental nature within progressive rock.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, with abrupt transitions between themes and motifs.
- The use of varied instrumentation, including saxophones and synthesizers, adds layers to the soundscapes, enhancing the experimental nature of the music.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- kaleidoscopic sound explorations
- wave-like pacing with interludes
- dynamic flow of ideas
- intricate rhythms for deep focus
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song structures
- seek instant gratification
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1973, Seven marked Soft Machine's transition into a more experimental phase following the critical success of their previous album, Third. This was their fourth studio album, and it showcased a lineup that included new members while further developing their avant-garde style.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Can· King Crimson· Hatfield and the North
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Nettle Bed 4:47
- 2 Carol Ann 3:48
- 3 Day's Eye 5:05
- 4 Bone Fire 0:32
- 5 Tarabos 4:32
- 6 Dis 3:02
- 7 Snodland 1:50
- 8 Penny Hitch 6:40
- 9 Block 4:17
- 10 Down The Road 5:48
- 11 The German Lesson 1:53
- 12 The French Lesson 1:01
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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