Black Radio III cover

Black Radio III

Robert Glasper · 2022

67 min · 13 tracks · jazz

A genre-blending tapestry of jazz, hip-hop, and R&B that celebrates cultural identity and unity through vibrant collaborations.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Black Superhero — This track stands out for its powerful message and energetic delivery, featuring contributions from multiple artists that amplify the theme of empowerment and resilience.
  • →
    Better Than I Imagined — A soulful exploration of introspection and hope, this track highlights Glasper's ability to blend emotional depth with intricate musicality.
  • →
    Everybody Wants To Rule the World — This cover of the classic song transforms it into a modern anthem, showcasing Glasper's unique approach to reimagining familiar tunes within a contemporary context.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album blends genres effectively, showcasing strong collaborations and a cohesive sound despite some uneven pacing.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements, blending seamlessly with the instrumentation to enhance thematic depth.
  • The final track introduces a gradual fade-out, creating a sense of closure while leaving some musical ideas unresolved.
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
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • vibrant collaborations that inspire unity
  • invigorating tracks for celebration moments
  • thought-provoking themes of cultural identity
  • short bursts of rhythmic exploration
  • uplifting melodies for social gatherings

Maybe skip if you

  • seek straightforward, predictable songs
  • prefer purely instrumental music

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on February 25, 2022, 'Black Radio III' is Robert Glasper's third installment in the 'Black Radio' series, following the critically acclaimed 'Black Radio II' from 2015. At this point in his career, Glasper was already an established figure in the jazz world, known for his innovative fusion of genres and collaborations with prominent artists across various musical landscapes.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 In Tune 3:19
  • 2 Black Superhero 5:56
  • 3 Shine 6:29
  • 4 Why We Speak 6:19
  • 5 Over 4:56
  • 6 Better Than I Imagined 4:52
  • 7 Everybody Wants To Rule the World 5:42
  • 8 Everybody Love 5:03
  • 9 It Don't Matter 5:27
  • 10 Heaven's Here 3:57
  • 11 Out of My Hands 5:36
  • 12 Forever 5:46
  • 13 Bright Lights 4:02

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata