Ali cover

Ali

Khruangbin · 2022

37 min · 8 tracks · psychedelic rock

A mesmerizing blend of West African rhythms and psychedelic rock that transports listeners to sun-drenched landscapes.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Savanne — This opening track sets the tone with its intricate guitar work and hypnotic grooves, embodying the album's blend of influences.
  • →
    Diarabi — Featuring a captivating melody, this track showcases how Khruangbin seamlessly incorporates traditional African sounds into their psychedelic framework.
  • →
    Ali Hala Abada — The rhythmic complexity and vibrant instrumentation make this track a standout, reflecting the collaborative spirit of the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

66 /100
Alpine
Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong compositions and skilled craftsmanship while blending genres distinctively.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a rhythmic guitar line that sets a steady groove, which is maintained throughout most tracks.
  • Each track features intricate layering of instruments, often blending traditional African sounds with psychedelic elements.
  • Several songs incorporate extended instrumental sections, allowing for improvisation and exploration within the established themes.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • atmospheric background focus
  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • gradual builds and payoffs

Where this album fits

Career context
In 2022, Khruangbin released 'Ali' as a tribute to Malian musician Vieux Farka Touré, marking their first collaborative project. This album followed their critically acclaimed releases like 'Mordechai' (2020), showcasing their evolution and willingness to explore diverse musical cultures.
Stylistic neighbors
Tame Impala· The Internet· Mild High Club

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Savanne 5:16
  • 2 Lobbo 4:34
  • 3 Diarabi 5:01
  • 4 Tongo Barra 5:33
  • 5 Tamalla 5:55
  • 6 Mahine Me 2:40
  • 7 Ali Hala Abada 5:02
  • 8 Alakarra 2:59

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata