Is Soundtracks a good place to start with Can?

Yes, Soundtracks is recommended as a starting point for new Can listeners. A labyrinth of hypnotic rhythms and avant-garde soundscapes woven together with improvisational flair and ethereal vocals. Released on September 1, 1970, 'Soundtracks' was Can's third album, following their breakthrough project 'Tago Mago'. At this point in their career, Can was establishing their unique voice in the burgeoning Krautrock scene, pushing boundaries with their experimental approach and integration of sonic collage techniques.

Who is Soundtracks for?

Soundtracks works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, long, immersive listening sessions and dynamic emotional journeys.

How many songs are on Soundtracks?

Soundtracks has 7 tracks, running approximately 35 minutes.

Soundtracks

Can · 1970

35 min · 7 tracks · progressive rock

A labyrinth of hypnotic rhythms and avant-garde soundscapes woven together with improvisational flair and ethereal vocals.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Deadlock Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Mother Sky — This sprawling track exemplifies Can's improvisational prowess and features dynamic shifts that capture the essence of their experimental spirit.
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Soul Desert — With its minimalist instrumentation and haunting melodies, this track encapsulates the band's ability to create an atmospheric experience that transcends traditional song structures.
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She Brings the Rain — This track merges ethereal vocals with a droning backdrop, highlighting Can's unique blend of lyrical introspection and avant-garde instrumentation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

Can's 'Soundtracks' showcases innovative rhythms and soundscapes, solidifying their unique voice in progressive rock.

What we noticed

The first track, 'Deadlock', features a repetitive, driving rhythm that persists throughout its nearly eight-minute duration, creating a hypnotic effect.
Tracks often blend instrumental sections with ethereal vocals, as seen in 'Soul Desert', where the instrumentation builds gradually before the vocals enter.
The album includes an instrumental interlude with 'Deadlock (instrumental title melody)', which serves as a bridge between the more structured tracks and the improvisational pieces.

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

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady, consistent energy levels
long, immersive listening sessions
dynamic emotional journeys
gradual builds and payoffs

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — Solid entry that showcases Can's unique sound but isn't their most known work.
Career context: Released on September 1, 1970, 'Soundtracks' was Can's third album, following their breakthrough project 'Tago Mago'. At this point in their career, Can was establishing their unique voice in the burgeoning Krautrock scene, pushing boundaries with their experimental approach and integration of sonic collage techniques.
Stylistic neighbors: Neu!· Faust· Amon Düül II