Is Dis Is da Drum a good place to start with Herbie Hancock?

Yes, Dis Is da Drum is recommended as a starting point for new Herbie Hancock listeners. A vibrant fusion of jazz, funk, and electronic elements that invites listeners to dance while contemplating deeper musical themes. By 1995, Herbie Hancock was an established pioneer in blending jazz with electronic music, having achieved commercial success with his previous albums like 'Future Shock' in 1983. 'Dis Is da Drum' marked a return to the forefront of innovation in his career, showcasing his ability to adapt and evolve with the changing musical landscape of the 90s.

Who is Dis Is da Drum for?

Dis Is da Drum works well if you're into dynamic progression with peaks, vibrant energy for movement and engaging rhythmic exploration.

How many songs are on Dis Is da Drum?

Dis Is da Drum has 12 tracks, running approximately 61 minutes.

Dis Is da Drum

Herbie Hancock · 1995

61 min · 12 tracks · classical music

A vibrant fusion of jazz, funk, and electronic elements that invites listeners to dance while contemplating deeper musical themes.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Call It 95 Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Dis Is da Drum — The title track embodies the album's exploration of rhythm and texture, merging traditional jazz elements with modern electronic influences.
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Butterfly — This track showcases Hancock's lyrical piano style and intricate melodies, reflecting his deep connection to jazz traditions while embracing new sounds.
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Mojuba — A standout for its hypnotic groove and layered instrumentation, 'Mojuba' illustrates Hancock's skill in creating immersive sonic landscapes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album effectively blends genres but has moments where it feels less cohesive.

What we noticed

The album opens with a strong electronic beat that persists through the first half, creating a danceable atmosphere.
The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, introducing more contemplative melodies that contrast with the earlier energy.

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: 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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic progression with peaks
vibrant energy for movement
engaging rhythmic exploration
immersive headphone experience

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward song structures
seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Challenges traditional jazz norms with electronic influences and a fusion of styles.
Themes: Afro-centric rhythms· electronic jazz fusion· cultural innovation
Moods: Energetic· Dark
Career context: By 1995, Herbie Hancock was an established pioneer in blending jazz with electronic music, having achieved commercial success with his previous albums like 'Future Shock' in 1983. 'Dis Is da Drum' marked a return to the forefront of innovation in his career, showcasing his ability to adapt and evolve with the changing musical landscape of the 90s.
Stylistic neighbors: Chick Corea· Weather Report· Miles Davis