What makes Third by Soft Machine notable?

Third received critical acclaim for its innovative approach to music, solidifying Soft Machine's place in the progressive rock movement. The album's lengthy tracks and intricate arrangements influenced countless artists and helped define the jazz-rock fusion genre, making it a staple in discussions about experimental music in the early '70s. Released on June 6, 1970, Third marked Soft Machine's transition from a more conventional band to pioneers of the Canterbury scene. This was their third album, showcasing an artistic evolution as they embraced longer compositions and experimental sounds, following their earlier works that had established them within the progressive rock genre.

How many songs are on Third?

Third has 4 tracks, running approximately 75 minutes.

Third

Soft Machine · 1970

75 min · 4 tracks · progressive rock

A sprawling journey of avant-garde jazz and psychedelic rock, blending complex rhythms with intricate melodies and improvisational flair.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Facelift — The opening track features extended improvisations that set the tone for the album's adventurous spirit, blending jazz elements with rock dynamics.
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Moon in June — This track exemplifies Soft Machine's signature sound, merging poetic lyrics with intricate instrumentation and a captivating structure that evolves throughout.
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Out-Bloody-Rageous — Closing out the album, this piece encapsulates the band's eclectic style with its playful yet complex musical themes, inviting listeners into a layered sonic landscape.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

73 /100

Alpine

Higher than 96% of albums we've rated

Third showcases complex compositions and distinct improvisation, marking a significant evolution in progressive rock.

What we noticed

The album consists of four lengthy tracks, with each piece exploring different musical themes and improvisational sections.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 9/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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 Facelift 18:45
2 Slightly All the Time 18:12
3 Moon in June 19:08
4 Out-Bloody-Rageous 19:11

What to play next

Listen next

Fourth

1971

Go back to

Volume Two

1969

Full Soft Machine discography Artists like Soft Machine

jazz rock progressive rock psychedelic rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata