Wake of the Flood (1973) opened a new era for the Dead—independent, mature, and quietly confident. Their first release on Grateful Dead Records and self-produced, it blended jazzy touches and soulful harmonies with graceful songwriting. “Eyes of the World,” “Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo,” and “Stella Blue” shimmer with warmth and optimism, the sound of a band moving forward while staying true to its cosmic roots.