What makes BBNG2 by BadBadNotGood notable?

This album marked a significant evolution in BadBadNotGood's sound, receiving critical acclaim across various platforms. It helped solidify their place in the contemporary jazz scene, influencing a wave of musicians who blend genres, and it was even noted for its unique covers like Limit To Your Love, showcasing their ability to reinterpret popular music through a jazz lens. BBNG2 is BadBadNotGood's second studio album, released in 2012 as a follow-up to their self-titled debut. By this point, the Canadian trio had already begun to gain recognition for their innovative approach to jazz and instrumental hip-hop, setting the stage for their future collaborations with artists like Ghostface Killah and Frank Ocean.

BBNG2 works well if you're into gradual build to resolution, steady pacing for focused listening and vibrant instrumental exploration.

How many songs are on BBNG2?

BBNG2 has 11 tracks, running approximately 61 minutes.

BBNG2

BadBadNotGood · 2012

61 min · 11 tracks · jazz

A vivid intersection of jazz, hip-hop, and experimental sounds that redefines the boundaries of genre.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Limit To Your Love — The track transforms a minimalist pop ballad into an expansive jazz exploration, highlighting the band's improvisational skills while paying homage to its original structure.
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Earl — This opening track sets a dynamic tone for the album with its intricate rhythms and rich harmonies, establishing the band's unique fusion style right from the start.
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Rotten Decay — Employing complex time signatures and haunting melodies, this track showcases BadBadNotGood's prowess in creating atmospheric soundscapes that linger long after listening.
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You Made Me Realise — A cover of My Bloody Valentine’s classic, this rendition captures a heavy, droning sound that bridges the gap between shoegaze and jazz improvisation, revealing their versatility.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

70 /100

Alpine

Higher than 94% of albums we've rated

BBNG2 showcases intricate compositions and skilled improvisation, marking a significant evolution in their sound.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate samples from hip-hop, blending them seamlessly with live instrumentation to create a unique sound.
The use of improvisation is prominent, with extended sections where the musicians explore themes rather than adhering strictly to written parts.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

gradual build to resolution
steady pacing for focused listening
vibrant instrumental exploration
immersive late-night sessions
dynamic shifts in mood

Maybe skip if you

seek instant gratification
prefer radio-friendly singles

Where this album fits

Career context: BBNG2 is BadBadNotGood's second studio album, released in 2012 as a follow-up to their self-titled debut. By this point, the Canadian trio had already begun to gain recognition for their innovative approach to jazz and instrumental hip-hop, setting the stage for their future collaborations with artists like Ghostface Killah and Frank Ocean.
Stylistic neighbors: GoGo Penguin· Snarky Puppy· Hiatus Kaiyote