The Time Machine
Alan Parsons · 1999
55 min · 13 tracks · pop rock
A conceptual journey blending lush melodies with progressive rock dynamics and thought-provoking themes of time and existence.
Top tracks — play these first
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Out of the Blue — This track encapsulates the album's central theme of existential reflection while showcasing Parsons' knack for expansive melodies and intricate arrangements.
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Ignorance Is Bliss — The song presents a contemplative narrative on human awareness and ignorance, combining poignant lyrics with a rich sonic landscape that exemplifies the album's depth.
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No Future in the Past — This track features a compelling lyrical exploration of regret and nostalgia, enhanced by its atmospheric instrumentation that underscores the album's thematic cohesion.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends progressive rock with lush melodies, showcasing strong production and thematic depth.
What we noticed
- The album features a narrative structure, with tracks divided into thematic sections that explore concepts of time.
- Several tracks incorporate orchestral arrangements alongside traditional rock instrumentation, creating a layered sound.
- The first and last tracks are titled 'The Time Machine, Part 1' and 'Part 2', framing the album's concept and providing a sense of closure.
- 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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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
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
- wave-like pacing with resolution
- sonic exploration of existence themes
- engaging in-order listening experience
- lush melodies inviting deep reflection
- dynamic journey through time concepts
Maybe skip if you
- prefer standalone hit tracks
- seek immediate gratification
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1999, The Time Machine marked Alan Parsons' return to the music scene after a lengthy hiatus following his previous album, Try Anything Once (1993). This album showcases Parsons' signature sound while exploring new thematic concepts, particularly the complexities of time, reflecting both a continuation and evolution of his artistic vision.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Pink Floyd· Yes· Genesis
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Time Machine, Part 1 4:54
- 2 Temporalia 1:00
- 3 Out of the Blue 4:54
- 4 Call Up 5:14
- 5 Ignorance Is Bliss 6:45
- 6 Rubber Universe 3:52
- 7 The Call of the Wild 5:22
- 8 No Future in the Past 4:46
- 9 Press Rewind 4:20
- 10 The Very Last Time 3:42
- 11 Far Ago and Long Away 5:15
- 12 The Time Machine, Part 2 1:49
- 13 The Time Machine (Dr. Evil edit) 3:23
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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