“Follow Your Heart” and John McLaughlin (118)

“Follow Your Heart” is a reflective composition by guitarist John McLaughlin that appears on his 1971 album My Goal's Beyond. The piece reveals a quieter and more introspective side of McLaughlin, arriving just before the explosive fusion period that would define the Mahavishnu Orchestra. Rather than emphasizing speed or dense harmonic movement, the tune focuses on mood, space, and rhythmic subtlety. 

The composition is notable for its unusual 11/8 meter, which gives the melody a floating, slightly asymmetrical feel. The phrasing rarely lands squarely on beat one, creating a sense of suspension that reinforces the meditative character of the piece. Harmonically the music is simple, allowing the rhythm and melody to carry the emotional weight. “Follow Your Heart” reflects the spiritual and contemplative direction McLaughlin was exploring in the early 1970s.

John McLaughlin

Joe Farrell

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