What makes Wired by Jeff Beck notable?

Wired received widespread acclaim from critics and helped define the jazz fusion movement of the mid-1970s. It features the influential track 'Goodbye Pork Pie Hat', which has been covered by numerous artists and remains significant in jazz and rock circles. Released in 1976, Wired marked Jeff Beck's fourth studio album and was a pivotal work during his transition into jazz fusion. Following the critical success of Blow by Blow in 1975, this album further solidified his innovative approach, showcasing his ability to blend genres while attracting a broader audience.

Wired works well if you're into dynamic emotional journeys, gradual builds and payoffs and immersive instrumental explorations.

How many songs are on Wired?

Wired has 8 tracks, running approximately 37 minutes.

Released 50 years ago

Wired

Jeff Beck · 1976

37 min · 8 tracks · blues

A vibrant fusion of jazz, rock, and blues ignites with electrifying guitar work and intricate rhythms throughout the album.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Goodbye Pork Pie Hat — This track stands out for its emotional depth and intricate arrangement, paying tribute to jazz legend Charles Mingus while showcasing Beck's expressive guitar style.
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Blue Wind — An explosive opener that combines complex time signatures and virtuosic guitar solos, 'Blue Wind' encapsulates Beck's flair for blending technical prowess with melodic invention.
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Come Dancing — 'Come Dancing' highlights Beck's ability to incorporate accessible melodies within a fusion framework, making it one of the more radio-friendly tracks on the album.

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

Wired blends intricate guitar work with diverse rhythms, showcasing Jeff Beck's innovative approach to jazz fusion.

What we noticed

The album opens with 'Led Boots', featuring a syncopated rhythm and intricate guitar lines that set a high-energy tone.
Each track showcases a different instrumental focus, with 'Goodbye Pork Pie Hat' emphasizing melodic improvisation over a laid-back groove.

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

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic emotional journeys
gradual builds and payoffs
immersive instrumental explorations
atmospheric background focus

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Helped define jazz fusion and followed the critical success of Blow by Blow.
Career context: Released in 1976, Wired marked Jeff Beck's fourth studio album and was a pivotal work during his transition into jazz fusion. Following the critical success of Blow by Blow in 1975, this album further solidified his innovative approach, showcasing his ability to blend genres while attracting a broader audience.
Stylistic neighbors: Eric Clapton· Jimmy Page· Stevie Ray Vaughan