What makes The Polite Force by Egg notable?

This album is notable for its innovative approach to progressive rock, influencing subsequent bands in the genre. It received positive critical reception upon release, being recognized for its experimental structure and musicianship, which helped solidify Egg's place in the early British progressive rock scene. The Polite Force is Egg's second album, released in February 1971 after their self-titled debut in 1970. At this point in their career, the band was exploring more ambitious compositions and refining their progressive rock sound, laying the groundwork for their distinct musical identity.

How many songs are on The Polite Force?

The Polite Force has 7 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

The Polite Force

Egg · 1971

42 min · 7 tracks · progressive rock

Intricate arrangements blend whimsical melodies with complex time signatures, creating a surreal yet engaging listening experience.

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Top tracks — play these first

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A Visit to Newport Hospital — This track effectively showcases Egg's signature blend of complex rhythms and whimsical themes, setting the tone for the album's adventurous spirit.
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Boilk — An epic piece that encapsulates the band's improvisational prowess and intricate arrangements, making it a standout example of their progressive style.
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Long Piece No. 3, Part 1 — This segment introduces thematic elements that recur throughout the suite, highlighting the band's ability to weave complex narratives within their music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album showcases ambitious compositions with intricate arrangements, making it a notable entry in progressive rock.

What we noticed

Tracks often shift abruptly between whimsical melodies and more complex, dissonant sections, challenging the listener's expectations.
The use of unconventional instruments alongside traditional rock elements adds layers of texture to the arrangements.

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

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 A Visit to Newport Hospital 8:26
2 Contrasong 4:24
3 Boilk 9:21
4 Long Piece No. 3, Part 1 5:07
5 Long Piece No. 3, Part 2 7:37
6 Long Piece No. 3, Part 3 5:02
7 Long Piece No. 3, Part 4 2:51

What to play next

Listen next

The Civil Surface

1974

Go back to

Egg

1970

Full Egg discography Artists like Egg

progressive rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata