What makes The Number of Magic by Richard H. Kirk notable?

The Number of Magic received critical acclaim for its innovative approach to electronic music, influencing a wave of artists in the genre. Its fusion of ambient sounds with rhythmic structures resonated well within underground circles and contributed to Kirk's lasting legacy in electronic and experimental music. By the time Richard H. Kirk released The Number of Magic in 1995, he was already a significant figure in the electronic music scene, known for his earlier work with Cabaret Voltaire. This album marked his continued evolution as a solo artist, showcasing his ability to blend experimental sounds with accessible grooves, further establishing him as a pioneer in electronic music.

How many songs are on The Number of Magic?

The Number of Magic has 9 tracks, running approximately 77 minutes.

The Number of Magic

Richard H. Kirk · 1995

77 min · 9 tracks · electronic music

A sprawling exploration of electronic textures interwoven with rhythmic pulses and ethereal melodies that challenge conventional dance music.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Lost Souls on Funk — This track opens the album with a dense tapestry of beats and samples, setting the tone for the exploratory nature of the record.
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Indole Ring — With its intricate layering and hypnotic rhythms, this track showcases Kirk's mastery over blending complex soundscapes with engaging hooks.
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Poets Saints Revolutionaries — This piece stands out for its ambitious structure and emotive depth, encapsulating the album's themes of transformation and introspection.
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The Number of Magic — As the title track, it encapsulates the essence of the album, merging rich sonic textures with a driving beat that invites reflection and movement.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album's innovative textures and rhythmic complexity set it apart in the electronic genre.

What we noticed

Several tracks utilize layered textures, creating a dense sonic environment that evolves over their duration.

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

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Love Is Deep

The bridge introduces an unexpected shift in melody that contrasts with the preceding verses, creating a sense of yearning.

This change not only emphasizes emotional depth but also reflects Kirk's ability to manipulate musical tension and release effectively.

Tracklist

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

1 Lost Souls on Funk 8:12
2 Love Is Deep 7:44
3 So Digital 7:34
4 Indole Ring 8:40
5 East of Nima 9:41
6 Atomic 6:38
7 Poets Saints Revolutionaries 9:28
8 Monochrome Dream 9:31
9 The Number of Magic 10:09

What to play next

Listen next

Knowledge Through Science

1998

Go back to

Virtual State

1993

Full Richard H. Kirk discography Artists like Richard H. Kirk

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata