The third and final
Shakti recording from the '70s. The songs here are shorter than those on
Shakti and
Handful of Beauty, but no less impressive. The novelty of combining Eastern and Western musical styles had worn off and
McLaughlin sounds comfortable. This allows for memorable compositions and interchanges, rather than the blistering virtuosity that characterized the first two releases. From the intense ("Daffodil and the Eagle") to the joyful ("Happiness Is Being Together"),
Natural Elements stands as a milestone in
McLaughlin's illustrious career.