Strikes Twice
Larry Carlton · 1981
41 min · 8 tracks · blues
A blend of smooth jazz and rock, infused with bluesy guitar lines and intricate melodies that showcase Carlton's virtuosity.
Top tracks — play these first
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Strikes Twice Start here — The title track encapsulates the album's essence with its infectious groove and intricate guitar solos, setting the stage for Carlton’s expressive style.
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Midnight Parade — This track features a captivating melody intertwined with complex rhythms, highlighting Carlton's ability to craft engaging narratives through instrumental music.
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In My Blood — With its emotional depth and lyrical guitar lines, this song showcases Carlton's skill in blending heartfelt expression with technical proficiency.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends smooth jazz and blues effectively, showcasing strong guitar work but lacks broader impact.
What we noticed
- The opening track features a prominent guitar solo that establishes the bluesy tone, followed by intricate melodies layered with smooth jazz elements.
- The album maintains a consistent mid-tempo feel throughout, with only slight variations in pace across the eight tracks.
- 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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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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 pacing for reflective moments
- intricate guitar work exploration
- soulful melodies for evening relaxation
- gradual development with satisfying resolution
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek high-energy party vibes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Established Carlton's reputation as a solo artist after his session work.
- Themes
- midnight cityscapes· guitar virtuosity· smooth jazz fusion
- Career context
- Released in 1981, Strikes Twice marks Larry Carlton's transition from a celebrated session guitarist to a solo artist. Following his acclaimed work on albums like No Reservations, this record solidified his reputation in the contemporary jazz scene, showcasing a more personal and expressive side of his musicianship.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Lee Ritenour· Robben Ford· Pat Metheny
Tracklist
- 1 Strikes Twice Start here 5:28
- 2 Ain’t Nothin’ for a Heartache 3:18
- 3 Midnight Parade 5:04
- 4 The Magician 4:15
- 5 Springville 6:37
- 6 Mulberry Street 7:15
- 7 In My Blood 4:13
- 8 For Love Alone 4:58
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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