Torched
Michael Hedges · 1999
62 min · 15 tracks · new age music
An intricate blend of fingerstyle guitar and ethereal melodies, weaving together natural imagery and emotional depth.
Top tracks — play these first
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Torched — The title track encapsulates Hedges' signature style, combining intricate fingerpicking with spiritual themes, showcasing his unique approach to acoustic guitar.
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Fusion of the Five Elements — This track exemplifies Hedges' ability to fuse natural sounds with complex musical structures, creating an immersive listening experience that evokes a sense of harmony with nature.
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Gospel of Mary / Holy Flame — This piece stands out for its rich narrative quality and deep emotional weight, using layered guitar techniques to convey a powerful spiritual journey.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Hedges' technical skill and unique sound create a compelling listening experience, though it may not have widespread recognition.
What we noticed
- The album features intricate fingerstyle guitar work that often employs alternate tunings, creating a rich harmonic texture.
- Several tracks incorporate natural soundscapes, blending environmental sounds with the music to enhance the thematic elements.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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9/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- intricate fingerstyle guitar melodies
- natural imagery and emotional depth
- reflective moments of tranquility
- cascading notes that inspire daydreams
- for quiet afternoon introspection
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy party tracks
- prefer straightforward song structures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1999, 'Torched' was Michael Hedges' final studio album before his untimely death the same year. This album marked a continuation of Hedges' exploration into the realms of new acoustic music, following the acclaimed 'Aerial Boundaries' and 'Live on the Double Planet'. At this point, he had established himself as a pioneering guitarist known for his innovative techniques and emotive compositions.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Leo Kottke· Andy McKee· Pierre Bensusan
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Torched 4:53
- 2 Spring Buds 4:21
- 3 Fusion of the Five Elements 4:01
- 4 Promised Land 3:53
- 5 Phoenix Fire 3:42
- 6 Dream Beach 3:55
- 7 Arrowhead 2:19
- 8 Shell Shock Venus 4:16
- 9 Ursa Major 3:46
- 10 Free Swinging Soul 4:22
- 11 Rough Wind in Oklahoma 4:20
- 12 Sapphire 3:50
- 13 Gospel of Mary / Holy Flame 5:36
- 14 Java Man 4:05
- 15 Coda: Free Swinging Soul (1994 Concert) 5:29
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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