Black Radio
Robert Glasper · 2012
65 min · 12 tracks · jazz
A seamless blend of jazz, R&B, and hip-hop that redefines genre boundaries with its innovative grooves and soulful melodies.
Top tracks — play these first
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Afro Blue — This track features a captivating blend of intricate rhythms and lush harmonies, showcasing Glasper's ability to merge traditional jazz with modern influences. Its improvisational sections highlight the collaborative spirit of the album.
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Gonna Be Alright (F.T.B.) — Infused with a message of resilience, this track combines soulful vocals with a driving beat, making it an anthem for hope and perseverance. The arrangement exemplifies Glasper's skill in fusing genres seamlessly.
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Smells Like Teen Spirit — Glasper's reinterpretation of this iconic Nirvana song transforms it into a jazz-fusion piece that breathes new life into the original while highlighting his unique approach to composition. The bold choice to cover such a well-known track emphasizes his innovative spirit.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends genres effectively while maintaining strong compositions and cohesive flow.
What we noticed
- Tracks like 'Afro Blue' and 'Cherish the Day' showcase intricate arrangements that blend jazz harmonies with R&B grooves.
- The sequencing maintains a consistent flow, with transitions between tracks often featuring overlapping musical motifs or themes.
- 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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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- soulful melodies that invite reflection
- smooth transitions between diverse moods
- uplifting anthems for collective joy
- thought-provoking themes throughout tracks
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward structures
- want fast-paced, high-energy music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- At the time of its release in 2012, Robert Glasper was transitioning from being a respected jazz pianist to a prominent figure in contemporary music. 'Black Radio' marked his major label debut and showcased his versatility as it featured collaborations with various artists from different genres, solidifying his role as a bridge between jazz and popular music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Kamasi Washington· Esperanza Spalding· Hiatus Kaiyote
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Gonna Be Alright (F.T.B.)
The song culminates in a repeated refrain that asserts optimism amidst challenges.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Lift Off / Mic Check 3:58
- 2 Afro Blue 5:13
- 3 Cherish the Day 5:53
- 4 Always Shine 5:22
- 5 Gonna Be Alright (F.T.B.) 6:14
- 6 Move Love 3:22
- 7 Ah Yeah 5:13
- 8 The Consequences of Jealousy 6:12
- 9 Why Do We Try 6:32
- 10 Black Radio 5:26
- 11 Letter to Hermione 4:53
- 12 Smells Like Teen Spirit 7:26
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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