Between Us cover

Between Us

Tab Two

66 min · 14 tracks · acid jazz

A fusion of jazzy grooves and electronic beats, creating a vibrant soundscape rich in improvisation and melodic exploration.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Reconcile — The opening track sets the tone with its intricate rhythms and lush instrumentation, effectively blending jazz improvisation with contemporary electronic elements.
  • →
    No Way No War — This track stands out for its socially conscious lyrics paired with a catchy groove, reflecting the band's ability to address themes of conflict through an upbeat sound.
  • →
    Mind & Soul — Featuring smooth vocal melodies and a compelling arrangement, this track exemplifies the album's exploration of emotional depth while maintaining an infectious energy.
  • →
    Life Is in Flux — With its reflective lyrics and dynamic instrumentation, this song encapsulates the band's artistic vision of navigating change through music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong musicianship and innovative production, making it a notable entry in the acid jazz genre.

What we noticed

  • The album features extended instrumental sections where improvisation takes precedence over structured melodies, allowing for fluid transitions between grooves.
  • Several tracks incorporate electronic elements that blend seamlessly with traditional jazz instrumentation, creating a layered soundscape.
  • The sequencing of the tracks maintains a consistent tempo throughout the first ten songs before introducing a more varied pace in the final four.
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
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

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

  • vibrant soundscapes for exploration
  • melodic improvisation during relaxation
  • thoughtful grooves for focused work
  • cathartic rhythms in solitude

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward song structures
  • want high-energy dance tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1996, 'Between Us' marked Tab Two's third studio album, following their 1994 project 'Tabula Rasa.' By this time, the band had established themselves within the acid jazz scene, showcasing their unique blend of elements from jazz, funk, and hip-hop.
Stylistic neighbors
Jamiroquai· The Brand New Heavies· Incognito

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Reconcile 5:26
  • 2 No Way No War 6:20
  • 3 Get There II 4:30
  • 4 Tidy Up 3:59
  • 5 Crazy Day 4:02
  • 6 Columbus 5:02
  • 7 Château de la Passée 3:39
  • 8 Life Is in Flux 4:01
  • 9 Get There I 3:35
  • 10 Mind & Soul 5:19
  • 11 Heaven's Too High 4:20
  • 12 Out of the Tab Cave 5:53
  • 13 Between Us 3:47
  • 14 No Way No War (Mixed Vocal Version) 6:20

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata