ALBUM REVIEW: Grateful Dead, 'Wake of the Flood' (1973, Grateful Dead)

A jazz-infused evolution.

Wake of the Flood is a pivotal album in the Grateful Dead's discography, marking their first entirely self-produced effort and the first without founding member Pigpen, who had recently passed away. It also introduced Keith Godchaux on keyboards and organ, whose technical prowess inspired the band to further incorporate jazz influences into their Americana sound.

The album features a strong selection of tracks, many of which had been road-tested during their extensive touring before entering the studio. Some of these songs have become among the Dead’s most beloved, even if they aren't necessarily presented in their definitive form on the album, highlighting some limitations in production and reinforcing the perception that the band was more comfortable on the road than in the studio. For instance, "Row Jimmy" is a beautiful blues ballad, but the studio version feels too slow, lacking the energy it would later have in live performances. Similarly, the closing track, "Weather Report Suite," misses the funky vibes that make its live renditions more memorable.

Nevertheless, Wake of the Flood is elevated by impressive, sprawling jams and a rich sonic texture, where Jerry Garcia’s guitar often takes a backseat to woodwinds, fiddles, and organs. The album shines brightest when the Grateful Dead step away from their usual hippie soul blues formula, particularly on the upbeat, folksy opener "Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodleloo," the dreamlike "Stella Blue" and the jazzy "Eyes of the World," an essential track with an unconventional time signature and outstanding improvisational interplay among the musicians.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Top Tracks: "Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo," "Stella Blue," "Eyes of the World"

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