What makes By Any Means Necessary by Gary Thomas notable?

This album stands out for its innovative blend of jazz and rap, influencing subsequent artists seeking to merge genres. It received notable critical acclaim, with features in major publications highlighting Thomas's experimentation and contributions to the evolving jazz landscape during the late 80s. Additionally, it helped pave the way for future collaborations between jazz musicians and hip-hop artists. By Any Means Necessary is Gary Thomas's third studio album, released in 1989 after his critically acclaimed work on the 1988 release, The Kulture of the Mind. By this point, Thomas was establishing himself as a significant figure in the jazz scene, blending traditional jazz elements with contemporary styles, particularly hip-hop influences. This album marked a pivotal evolution in his sound, showcasing a more pronounced integration of vocals and rap into his music.

How many songs are on By Any Means Necessary?

By Any Means Necessary has 9 tracks, running approximately 54 minutes.

By Any Means Necessary

Gary Thomas · 1989

54 min · 9 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of intricate jazz improvisation with socially conscious rapping and a touch of funk-driven grooves.

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Top tracks — play these first

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By Any Means Necessary — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of resilience and determination while showcasing Thomas's virtuosic saxophone work intertwined with powerful vocal delivery.
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You're Under Arrest — This track combines a strong narrative with complex rhythms, illustrating Thomas's ability to incorporate social commentary through both instrumental and vocal elements.
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Screen Gem — With its infectious groove and playful interaction between instruments and vocals, this track exemplifies the album's unique blend of jazz sophistication and accessible melodies.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

This album effectively blends jazz improvisation with rap elements, showcasing strong craftsmanship and distinctiveness.

What we noticed

The album features extended improvisational sections that allow the musicians to explore themes in real-time, often shifting dynamics and tempo throughout.
Several tracks incorporate rhythmic spoken word elements that interact with the instrumental backdrop, creating a dialogue between jazz and rap.
The use of varied instrumentation, including brass and electronic elements, adds layers to the sound, enhancing the fusion of genres.

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: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

By Any Means Necessary

The verse shifts from personal resolve to collective struggle, emphasizing community action against adversity.

The transition from individual determination to a broader call for unity reflects an impactful shift in perspective that deepens the song's message.

Tracklist

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

1 By Any Means Necessary 7:45
2 Continuum 6:52
3 You're Under Arrest 7:18
4 Potential Hazard 6:24
5 To the Vanishing Point 4:37
6 Screen Gem 5:03
7 Janala 2:39
8 At Risk 7:13
9 Out of Harm's Way 6:11

What to play next

Listen next

While the Gate Is Open

1990

Go back to

Code Violations

1988

Full Gary Thomas discography Artists like Gary Thomas

jazz rapping

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata