Always Something There
Stanley Turrentine · 1968
36 min · 10 tracks · jazz
A soulful blend of jazz and pop, marked by rich saxophone melodies and vibrant arrangements that invite listeners into a warm embrace.
Top tracks — play these first
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(There’s) Always Something There Start here — The opening track perfectly encapsulates the album’s essence, with Turrentine's smooth saxophone leading into a lush arrangement that sets a heartfelt tone for the collection.
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Light My Fire — This cover transforms the iconic Doors song into a jazzy exploration, showcasing Turrentine's improvisational skills while paying homage to the original's spirit.
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Hey Jude — Turrentine's rendition takes this Beatles classic and infuses it with a fresh jazz interpretation, illustrating his ability to bridge genres and connect with diverse audiences.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album effectively blends jazz with pop sensibilities, showcasing strong saxophone work and vibrant arrangements.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of lush saxophone melodies that dominate the arrangements, creating a warm and inviting sound.
- Each track typically follows a structured form, often starting with an introduction that leads into the main theme, followed by improvisational sections.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- soulful saxophone melodies
- easygoing afternoon listening
- smooth transitions between tracks
Maybe skip if you
- prefer high-energy tracks
- seek experimental soundscapes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Showcased Turrentine's blend of jazz and pop, gaining significant attention.
- Themes
- late '60s jazz scene· soulful saxophone melodies· contemporary pop reinterpretation
- Career context
- When Stanley Turrentine released Always Something There in 1968, he was building on the success of his earlier albums, including his breakthrough with Blue Note. This album showcased his ability to interpret contemporary pop songs through a jazz lens, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile saxophonist during the late '60s jazz scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Horace Silver· Joe Henderson· Cannonball Adderley
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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(There’s) Always Something There
The refrain repeats a comforting sentiment that resonates throughout the track, creating an inviting atmosphere that lingers in the listener's mind.
The repetition emphasizes the theme of persistence and hope, which is central to the song's emotional impact.
Tracklist
- 1 (There’s) Always Something There Start here 2:46
- 2 Little Green Apples 4:13
- 3 When I Look Into Your Eyes 2:35
- 4 Light My Fire 3:13
- 5 Those Were the Days 4:24
- 6 Stoned Soul Picnic 3:53
- 7 Home Town 4:27
- 8 Song for Bonnie 2:35
- 9 Hey Jude 5:09
- 10 Fool on the Hill 3:34
What to play next
The Look of Love
1968
Continues the soulful jazz-pop blend with rich arrangements and melodies.
Sugar
1970
Precedes a similar sound while exploring vibrant themes.
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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