Something Magic
Procol Harum · 1977
40 min · 8 tracks · progressive rock
A lush tapestry of orchestral arrangements and poetic lyrics unfolds through intricate melodies and progressive rock sensibilities.
Top tracks — play these first
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Something Magic Start here — The title track encapsulates the album's essence, blending symphonic elements with haunting melodies that illustrate the band's signature sound while exploring themes of wonder and introspection.
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Skating on Thin Ice — This song showcases Procol Harum's knack for combining lyrical depth with a catchy chorus, representing the balance between their progressive roots and accessible songwriting.
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The Worm & The Tree, Part 1 — As an extended piece, this track highlights the band's ability to craft complex musical narratives, weaving together various motifs that reflect philosophical musings on nature and existence.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases ambitious compositions and thematic storytelling, though it may not fully resonate with all listeners.
What we noticed
- The album features three interconnected tracks titled 'The Worm & The Tree' that together span over 15 minutes, creating a continuous narrative flow.
- Each track incorporates orchestral elements alongside traditional rock instrumentation, blending lush arrangements with intricate melodies.
- The opening track, 'Something Magic,' sets a theatrical tone with its grand orchestration and poetic lyrics, establishing the album's thematic depth.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. 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 progression with climactic moments
- immersive listening for introspection
- thoughtful exploration of lyrical themes
- detailed arrangements for headphone enjoyment
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek standalone singles experience
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Marks a shift towards a more experimental sound after a hiatus.
- Themes
- philosophical musings· orchestral wonder· nature's duality
- Career context
- By 1977, Procol Harum was transitioning into a more experimental phase following their earlier successes like 'A Whiter Shade of Pale.' This album marked their return after a four-year hiatus, showcasing a mix of classic art rock elements with new influences as they sought to redefine their sound in a changing musical landscape.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Moody Blues· Yes· King Crimson
Tracklist
- 1 Something Magic Start here 3:37
- 2 Skating on Thin Ice 4:49
- 3 Wizard Man 2:40
- 4 The Mark of the Claw 4:38
- 5 Strangers in Space 6:06
- 6 The Worm & The Tree, Part 1 7:50
- 7 The Worm & The Tree, Part 2 5:29
- 8 The Worm & The Tree, Part 3 5:22
What to play next
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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