What makes Brave New World by The Rippingtons notable?

Brave New World received significant critical acclaim and commercial success, reaching high positions on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz chart. Its fusion of melodic elements with jazz instrumentation influenced many artists within the smooth jazz movement during the mid-90s. Released in 1996, Brave New World is The Rippingtons' sixth studio album, following their successful record Life in the Tropics. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their position as leaders in the smooth jazz genre, showcasing their evolving sound while maintaining a strong fanbase.

Who is Brave New World for?

Brave New World works well if you're into exploratory urban soundscapes, vibrant melodies for relaxation and inviting intricate arrangements.

How many songs are on Brave New World?

Brave New World has 11 tracks, running approximately 52 minutes.

Released 30 years ago

Brave New World

The Rippingtons · 1996

52 min · 11 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of contemporary jazz and smooth melodies, infused with eclectic rhythms and intricate arrangements.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Brave New World — The title track encapsulates the album's essence with its lush harmonies and dynamic instrumentals, setting the tone for the entire record.
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Urban Wanderer — This track stands out for its intricate guitar work and rhythmic complexity, representing the band's signature style while exploring urban themes.
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While My Guitar Gently Weeps — A stunning cover that showcases both technical prowess and emotional depth, this track highlights the band's ability to reinterpret classic songs within a jazz context.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate arrangements and solid performances, making it a notable entry in the smooth jazz genre.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that features a prominent guitar melody layered over smooth keyboard textures, establishing its contemporary jazz sound.
The last three tracks feature a gradual decrease in tempo, creating a reflective mood as the album concludes.

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

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

exploratory urban soundscapes
vibrant melodies for relaxation
inviting intricate arrangements
gentle background for conversations
soothing tunes for reflective moments

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy tracks
prefer straightforward song structures

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1996, Brave New World is The Rippingtons' sixth studio album, following their successful record Life in the Tropics. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their position as leaders in the smooth jazz genre, showcasing their evolving sound while maintaining a strong fanbase.
Stylistic neighbors: Spyro Gyra· Chick Corea Elektric Band· Dave Koz

Tracklist

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

1 Brave New World 4:14
2 Urban Wanderer 4:41
3 Key to the Forbidden City 4:47
4 Hideaway 5:11
5 Caravan of Love 4:05
6 Faith 4:33
7 First Time I Saw Her 4:25
8 Cicada 5:45
9 While My Guitar Gently Weeps 4:46
10 Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now 4:44
11 Virtual Reality 5:06

What to play next

Listen next

Black Diamond

1997

Go back to

Sahara

1994

Full The Rippingtons discography Artists like The Rippingtons

jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata