Devotion (John McLaughlin album)


Devotion is the second album by the English jazz fusion guitarist John McLaughlin, released in 1970. It was recorded while McLaughlin was in Tony William's band Lifetime; prior to forming The Mahavishnu Orchestra. McLaughlin was unhappy with the resulting album. On his website, he writes: “In 1969, I sign a contract in America for 2 records. First is 'Devotion' that is destroyed by producer Alan Douglas who mixes the recording in my absence.”

Critical reception

In a contemporary review, Rolling Stone magazine called the album "very fine" and said that McLaughlin "has managed to make an album as Heavy as the most fanatical Led Zeppelin devotee could wish, while maintaining a high musical level". AllMusic awarded the album four and a half stars, and Sean Westergaard concluded, "Devotion is a complete anomaly in his catalog, as well as one of his finest achievements."

Track listing

All songs written by John McLaughlin.
;Side one
  1. "Devotion" – 11:25
  2. "Dragon Song" – 4:13
;Side two
  1. "Marbles" – 4:05
  2. "Siren" – 5:55
  3. "Don't Let the Dragon Eat Your Mother" – 5:18
  4. "Purpose of When" – 4:45

    Personnel