What makes Three Ragas by Ravi Shankar notable?

This album is significant for its role in popularizing Indian classical music in the West during the mid-20th century, helping bridge cultural gaps. It received critical acclaim and contributed to Shankar's later collaborations with Western musicians, influencing genres such as world music and jazz. Three Ragas marks Ravi Shankar's first major international release in 1956, following his rise as a prominent figure in Hindustani classical music. At this point, he was establishing his reputation globally, having already performed at various prestigious venues and festivals. This album served to introduce Western audiences to the nuances of Indian ragas.

How many songs are on Three Ragas?

Three Ragas has 3 tracks, running approximately 54 minutes.

Released 70 years ago

Three Ragas

Ravi Shankar · 1956

54 min · 3 tracks · Indian classical music

A transcendent journey through Indian classical music, showcasing intricate melodies and meditative rhythms that evoke deep emotion.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Raga Jog — This lengthy raga exemplifies the meditative qualities of Indian classical music, exploring complex melodic structures that transport listeners into a state of tranquility.
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Raga Ahir Bhairav — With its poignant mood and emotional depth, this raga highlights Shankar's virtuosity on the sitar while showcasing the beauty of morning raags.
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Raga Simhendra Madhyamam — This piece contrasts gracefully with the previous two, featuring a unique use of rhythm and pitch that illustrates Shankar's innovative approach to traditional forms.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

73 /100

Alpine

Higher than 96% of albums we've rated

The album's intricate structures and improvisational depth highlight its significance in Indian classical music.

What we noticed

Each raga is presented in a traditional structure, with an alap section introducing the melody followed by a faster jor and jhala.
The album features extended improvisation, allowing for intricate melodic variations and rhythmic exploration within each raga.
The three tracks vary in mood and tempo, with 'Raga Jog' being more meditative, while 'Raga Simhendra Madhyamam' showcases a more dynamic interplay between instruments.

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album established Shankar's international reputation and popularized Indian classical music in the West.
Themes: meditative soundscapes· morning raga beauty
Moods: Introspective· Chill
Career context: Three Ragas marks Ravi Shankar's first major international release in 1956, following his rise as a prominent figure in Hindustani classical music. At this point, he was establishing his reputation globally, having already performed at various prestigious venues and festivals. This album served to introduce Western audiences to the nuances of Indian ragas.
Stylistic neighbors: Anoushka Shankar· Ali Akbar Khan· Nikhil Banerjee