What makes The Sacred Idol by Les Baxter notable?

The Sacred Idol is significant for solidifying Baxter's status as a pioneer of exotica music, blending orchestral elements with Latin rhythms and tropical themes. The album received acclaim for its innovative sound, which helped influence the lounge music revival of the 1990s, making it a touchstone for future artists exploring similar sonic landscapes. When Les Baxter released The Sacred Idol in 1960, he was already a prominent figure in the exotica genre, known for his lush instrumental compositions. This album followed his successful work on the soundtrack for the film 'The Forbidden Island' and showcased his continued exploration of world music influences during a peak in his creative output.

How many songs are on The Sacred Idol?

The Sacred Idol has 12 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

The Sacred Idol

Les Baxter · 1960

40 min · 12 tracks · lounge music

A lush tapestry of orchestral arrangements infused with tropical rhythms and evocative melodies that transport listeners to distant lands.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Procession of the Princes — Opening with grand orchestration, this track sets the stage for the album's thematic journey through lush soundscapes that reflect cultural homage.
→
The Feathered Serpent of the Aztecs — Evoking imagery of ancient civilizations, this track features dynamic percussion and haunting melodies that capture the mystique of its title.
→
Temple of Gold — With rich instrumentation and an exotic flair, this piece encapsulates Baxter's ability to blend orchestral depth with a sense of adventure and mystery.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album's lush orchestration and tropical rhythms create an immersive listening experience characteristic of exotica.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of lush orchestral arrangements that blend strings, woodwinds, and brass to create a rich soundscape.
Each track maintains a tropical rhythm, often employing percussion instruments like maracas and congas to evoke an exotic atmosphere.
Several tracks transition smoothly into one another, creating a continuous flow that enhances the immersive experience of the album.

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: 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 Procession of the Princes 5:28
2 The Feathered Serpent of the Aztecs 3:40
3 Fruit of Dreams 2:29
4 Pool of Love 2:06
5 Aquaducts 3:19
6 The Games 3:27
7 Conquistadores 3:29
8 Gardens of the Moon 3:00
9 Temple of Gold 4:22
10 Pyramid of the Sun 2:30
11 The High Priest of the Aztecs 3:20
12 Acapulco 3:43

What to play next

Listen next

Young Pops

1960

Go back to

Midnight on the Cliffs

1957

Full Les Baxter discography Artists like Les Baxter

exotica lounge music

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata