What makes Traffic Gold by Traffic notable?

This album encapsulates Traffic's significant influence on the progressive rock genre, showcasing tracks that have been covered by numerous artists over the years. Its release coincided with a renewed appreciation for classic rock bands, highlighting Traffic's contributions to the movement and solidifying their status within music history. By the time 'Traffic Gold' was released in 2005, Traffic had already established themselves as pioneers of progressive rock in the late 1960s and early 1970s. This compilation album served to celebrate their legacy while introducing new audiences to their distinctive sound, alongside the resurgence of interest in classic rock during this period.

Who is Traffic Gold for?

Traffic Gold works well if you're into long immersive listening experiences, headphone detail hunting and playful explorations of sound.

How many songs are on Traffic Gold?

Traffic Gold has 30 tracks, running approximately 158 minutes.

Traffic Gold

Traffic · 2005

158 min · 30 tracks · jazz fusion

A vibrant blend of jazz fusion and psychedelic rock, weaving intricate melodies with improvisational flair.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Dear Mr. Fantasy — This track exemplifies Traffic's lyrical depth and musical experimentation, blending evocative storytelling with lush instrumentation that captures the band's essence.
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Coloured Rain — With its swirling melodies and rich harmonies, this song reflects the band's innovative approach to blending genres, making it a standout piece on the album.
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Feelin' Alright — This cover became one of Traffic's most recognizable tracks, showcasing their ability to transform simple blues into something uniquely their own, resonating widely in popular culture.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

long immersive listening experiences
headphone detail hunting
playful explorations of sound
cathartic full-volume release

Maybe skip if you

prefer concise, radio-friendly tracks
want instant gratification

Where this album fits

Career context: By the time 'Traffic Gold' was released in 2005, Traffic had already established themselves as pioneers of progressive rock in the late 1960s and early 1970s. This compilation album served to celebrate their legacy while introducing new audiences to their distinctive sound, alongside the resurgence of interest in classic rock during this period.
Stylistic neighbors: Steely Dan· King Crimson· Weather Report

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

1 Paper Sun 4:14
2 Dealer 3:11
3 Coloured Rain 2:40
4 Hole in My Shoe 3:00
5 No Face, No Name, No Number 3:32
6 Heaven Is in Your Mind 4:16
7 Smiling Phases 2:39
8 Dear Mr. Fantasy 5:35
9 You Can All Join In 3:36
10 Pearly Queen 4:19
11 Feelin' Alright 4:17
12 Who Knows What Tomorrow May Bring 3:12
13 Forty Thousand Headsmen 3:15
14 Shanghai Noodle Factory 5:04
15 Medicated Goo 3:35
16 Glad 6:57
17 Freedom Rider 5:25
18 Empty Pages 4:34
19 John Barleycorn 6:20

Disc 2

1 Gimme Some Lovin (live) 9:03
2 Low Spark of High Heeled Boys 11:40
3 Light Up or Leave Me Alone 4:48
4 Rock and Roll Stew 6:10
5 Rainmaker 7:52
6 Shoot Out at the Fantasy Factory 6:01
7 (Sometimes I Feel So) Uninspired 7:33
8 Something New 3:16
9 Dream Gerrard 11:02
10 Walking in the Wind 6:52
11 When the Eagle Flies 4:21

What to play next

Go back to

The Last Great Traffic Jam

2005

Full Traffic discography Artists like Traffic

jazz fusion progressive rock psychedelic rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata