Built to Last
The Rippingtons · 2012
62 min · 16 tracks · jazz
Bright, polished jazz instrumentation meets sophisticated melodies, creating an inviting sonic landscape that feels both expansive and intimate.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Built to Last — This title track encapsulates the essence of the album with its uplifting melody and engaging rhythm, showcasing the band's signature sound.
-
→
American Panorama — This track offers a vibrant musical journey reflecting diverse American landscapes through intricate guitar work and lush harmonies, exemplifying the band's compositional strengths.
-
→
Fool’s Gold — With its catchy hooks and rhythmic groove, this song stands out as a testament to the band's ability to create infectious melodies that appeal to a wide audience.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases polished musicianship but lacks strong thematic cohesion across its length.
What we noticed
- The first five tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the subsequent tracks introduce varied tempos and textures.
- Several tracks incorporate layered instrumentation, creating a rich soundscape that blends melodic lines with rhythmic complexity.
- The album includes orchestral versions of three tracks towards the end, which shift the sonic palette significantly from the earlier pieces.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
- melodic journeys for relaxation
- vibrant soundscapes for gatherings
- playful rhythms for lighthearted moments
- soothing background for work
- engaging solos for attentive listening
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer standalone tracks only
Where this album fits
- Career context
- When 'Built to Last' was released in 2012, The Rippingtons were already established in the contemporary jazz scene, marking their 15th studio album. This release followed their critically acclaimed album 'Modern Art' from 2011, continuing the band's exploration of melodic jazz infused with elements of pop and rock.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Spyro Gyra· Chick Corea Elektric Band· Dave Koz
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Built to Last 5:31
- 2 American Panorama 3:20
- 3 Fool’s Gold 3:51
- 4 Hotel Deville 4:43
- 5 Cougars & Gigolos 4:15
- 6 Route 66 3:25
- 7 In the Shadow of Giants 4:09
- 8 Black Oak 4:31
- 9 We Made a New World 3:20
- 10 Monument/Monolith 5:59
- 11 Firefly 4:28
- 12 Built to Last (classical guitar reprise) 1:52
- 13 Fool’s Gold (orchestral) 3:01
- 14 Black Oak (orchestral) 3:22
- 15 Hotel Deville (orchestral) 2:56
- 16 Built to Last (orchestral) 3:33
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.