DJ-Kicks cover

Released 10 years ago

DJ-Kicks

Moodymann · 2016

79 min · 30 tracks · house music

A vibrant blend of house and jazz elements, creating an eclectic soundscape that invites both movement and introspection.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Where Will You Be — The opening track sets a reflective tone with its soulful melody and haunting vocals, encapsulating the emotional depth that permeates the mix.
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    When My Anger Starts to Cry — This track stands out for its poignant exploration of vulnerability, combining intricate rhythms with raw, emotive vocal samples that resonate throughout the album.
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    Kiss the Sky — An uplifting anthem within the mix, it captures the essence of joy and release that defines much of Moodymann's work while seamlessly blending genres.
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    My Funny Valentine — This reinterpretation adds depth to the collection by infusing a classic jazz standard with modern electronic elements, showcasing Moodymann's versatility as a producer.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

DJ-Kicks showcases Moodymann's innovative mixing and track selection, blending house and jazz in a cohesive manner.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks incorporate vocal samples that are manipulated and layered, creating a textured sound rather than traditional song structures.
  • The use of varied instrumentation, including live instruments alongside electronic beats, adds depth to the overall soundscape.
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
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

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

  • wave-like pacing for relaxed listening
  • dynamic flow with varied energy
  • urban nightlife vibe throughout
  • short tracks for quick engagement
  • immersive experience for late nights

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer long, cohesive albums
  • seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time DJ-Kicks was released in February 2016, Moodymann had already established himself as a significant figure in the house music scene, following acclaimed albums such as 'Black Mahogani' (2004) and 'DJ-Kicks: Moodymann' showcases his evolution as a producer. This compilation highlights his unique aesthetic, marrying deep house with soulful samples and eclectic influences.
Stylistic neighbors
Theo Parrish· Kerri Chandler· Larry Heard

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Where Will You Be 3:07
  • 2 Serve This Royalty 2:06
  • 3 Guttah Guttah 2:24
  • 4 Keepyourbusinesstoyourself 1:15
  • 5 Robot's Return (Modern Sleepover Part 2) 3:02
  • 6 When My Anger Starts to Cry 2:53
  • 7 Kiss the Sky 2:09
  • 8 BTSTU (Moodymann edit) 2:02
  • 9 Tea Leaf Dancers 2:40
  • 10 Les Nuits 1:54
  • 11 Can't Hold Back (Platinum Pied Pipers remix) 2:40
  • 12 Stained Glass Fresh Frozen 2:26
  • 13 Come Home 2:37
  • 14 El Ritmo de Mi Gente 1:46
  • 15 Uptown Tricks (Rodney Hunter remix) 2:15
  • 16 Cuz You're the One (Moodymann edit) 2:42
  • 17 Remain 1:40
  • 18 My Funny Valentine 3:45
  • 19 Grind (Moodymann edit) 3:19
  • 20 Disco Maniac 1:56
  • 21 Tag Team Triangle (Moodymann edit) 3:37
  • 22 How Do I Go On (Moodymann edit) 3:10
  • 23 Fall for You (Sandy Rivera Classic mix) 3:12
  • 24 Hostile Takeover 3:37
  • 25 Our Darkness 4:27
  • 26 Jeux de Langues 1:37
  • 27 Around (Solomun Vox) 3:20
  • 28 1044 Coplin (Give You Whatcha Lookin 4) 2:37
  • 29 It's House Music (Moodymann edit) 2:44
  • 30 Did You Ever (Moodymann edit) 2:35

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata