My Goal's Beyond

My Goal's Beyond
Studio album by
ReleasedJune 1971
RecordedNew York City, March 1971
GenreJazz fusion, world fusion
Length43:27
LabelDouglas
ProducerJohn McLaughlin
John McLaughlin chronology
Where Fortune Smiles
(1971)
My Goal's Beyond
(1971)
The Inner Mounting Flame (with Mahavishnu Orchestra)
(1971)
John McLaughlin solo chronology
Where Fortune Smiles
(1971)
My Goal’s Beyond
(1971)
Electric Guitarist
(1978)
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic
Christgau's Record GuideB
All About Jazz
The Rolling Stone Jazz Record Guide
The Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings

My Goal's Beyond is the third solo album (after Extrapolation and Devotion) by guitarist John McLaughlin. The album was originally released in 1971 on Douglas Records in the US. It was later reissued by Douglas/Casablanca (1976), Elektra/Musician (1982), and in 1987 by Rykodisc on CD and LP.

This album marks the first chronological major stylistic change from McLaughlin, apart from his move to an acoustic guitar. The music is strongly influenced by music of India, and was dedicated to McLaughlin's spiritual leader, Indian guru Sri Chinmoy. Side one has two longer pieces for the whole band, including soprano saxophonist/flautist Dave Liebman, violinist Jerry Goodman and percussionists Airto and Badal Roy. Side two of the album features eight short compositions (five standards and three originals) played by McLaughlin on double-tracked acoustic guitars, with occasional punctuation on various cymbals by Billy Cobham.