Covered cover

Covered

Robert Glasper · 2015

72 min · 12 tracks · jazz

A genre-blurring exploration where jazz improvisation intertwines with soulful reinterpretations of contemporary songs.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    I Don’t Even Care — This track showcases Glasper's ability to merge hip-hop beats with smooth jazz melodies, presenting a fresh take on contemporary themes of apathy and disconnect.
  • →
    Reckoner — A reimagining of Radiohead's song, this track highlights Glasper's skill in transforming rock into fluid jazz, emphasizing emotional depth through intricate arrangements.
  • →
    So Beautiful — In this track, the blend of lush piano chords and vocal harmonies creates an intimate atmosphere, illustrating Glasper's talent for evoking strong feelings through minimalist yet powerful instrumentation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
66 /100
Alpine
Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album blends jazz with contemporary reinterpretations, showcasing strong improvisation and distinct arrangements.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a brief intro that sets a reflective tone, followed by tracks that blend jazz improvisation with reinterpretations of contemporary songs.
  • The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, creating a contemplative atmosphere that contrasts with the more upbeat earlier pieces.
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
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • soulful reinterpretations of familiar tunes
  • patient explorations with improvisational flair
  • intimate moments of reflective calm
  • engaging background for creative work

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced, high-energy tracks
  • want straightforward song structures

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2015, Covered marked Robert Glasper's continued evolution as a pivotal figure in modern jazz, following his acclaimed Black Radio series. At this point in his career, Glasper was recognized for seamlessly blending genres and expanding the boundaries of jazz music, solidifying his status after winning a Grammy for Black Radio.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • In Case You Forgot

    The narrative shifts to address moments of vulnerability directly, creating a reflective space that invites listeners to consider their own experiences.

    This direct engagement with vulnerability breaks from the album's more abstract moments, grounding the listener in personal recollection amidst the broader themes.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Intro 2:13
  • 2 I Don’t Even Care 7:42
  • 3 Reckoner 5:07
  • 4 Barangrill 7:07
  • 5 In Case You Forgot 13:01
  • 6 So Beautiful 7:40
  • 7 The Worst 5:22
  • 8 Good Morning 4:51
  • 9 Stella by Starlight 4:38
  • 10 Levels 7:38
  • 11 Got Over 2:08
  • 12 I’m Dying of Thirst 4:33

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata