What makes Song of the Stallion by Robbie Basho notable?

This album is significant for its ambitious cross-cultural musical exploration, receiving praise for its innovative sound that blends traditional American folk with Indian raga elements. Critically, it has been recognized for influencing a generation of acoustic guitarists and contributing to the development of new age music. By 1971, Robbie Basho had already established himself as a pivotal figure in the American primitive guitar movement. 'Song of the Stallion' marked his fourth studio album, following the critically acclaimed 'The Voice of the Eagle,' solidifying his unique blend of folk, classical, and raga influences.

How many songs are on Song of the Stallion?

Song of the Stallion has 7 tracks, running approximately 45 minutes.

Song of the Stallion

Robbie Basho · 1971

45 min · 7 tracks

A tapestry of intricate guitar work interwoven with Eastern influences and meditative vocal explorations.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Song of the Stallion — The title track encapsulates Basho's signature style, merging emotive lyrics with virtuosic guitar playing that sets the tone for the entire album.
→
A North American Raga — This track showcases Basho's innovative approach to blending Western and Eastern musical traditions, featuring complex improvisation and rich textures.
→
California Raga — Highlighting Basho's deep appreciation for natural landscapes, this piece reflects his ability to evoke imagery through intricate melodies and rhythmic patterns.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

71 /100

Alpine

Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

The album's blend of American folk and Eastern influences showcases Basho's unique compositional style and craftsmanship.

What we noticed

Vocal lines are frequently layered with harmonies that echo traditional Eastern music, enhancing the meditative quality of the tracks.
Several tracks incorporate drone elements typical of Indian raga, which serve as a backdrop for both guitar and vocal improvisation.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Song of the Stallion 4:59
2 A North American Raga 11:18
3 The Lady She Is Waiting 5:01
4 Roses and Snow 7:42
5 California Raga 9:11
6 The Hajj 5:12
7 Khatum 2:03

What to play next

Listen next

The Voice of the Eagle

1972

Go back to

Venus in Cancer

1969

Full Robbie Basho discography Artists like Robbie Basho

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata