DJ-Kicks: Smith & Mighty
Smith & Mighty · 1998
72 min · 24 tracks · trip hop
A masterful blend of trip hop rhythms and eclectic samples, weaving together a rich tapestry of soundscapes.
Top tracks — play these first
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Rwanda — This track stands out for its haunting vocal samples and deep basslines, encapsulating the emotional depth that characterizes much of the album.
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Jah Pure and Clear — Fusing reggae influences with trip hop aesthetics, this track exemplifies Smith & Mighty's ability to blend genres creatively while maintaining a reflective mood.
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Mr. A & R Man — With its sharp lyrics addressing the music industry, this track provides a critical viewpoint that resonates with both artists and listeners, making it a memorable highlight.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album excels in seamless mixing and diverse sampling, establishing a strong flow while showcasing Smith & Mighty's signature style.
What we noticed
- Several tracks feature vocal snippets that are manipulated and looped, contributing to the overall rhythmic flow without dominating the sound.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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9/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- kaleidoscopic journey through sound
- dynamic collection of experiences
- wave-like pacing with variety
- for late-night exploration
- soulful rhythms for reflection
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward, single tracks
- seek instant gratification
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By 1998, Smith & Mighty had established themselves as key figures in the Bristol music scene, known for their innovative integration of dub and electronic elements. DJ-Kicks: Smith & Mighty marked their first compilation release, showcasing their diverse influences and production style in a continuous mix format that appealed to both fans and new listeners alike.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Fantastic Plastic Machine· Towa Tei· Jazzanova
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Mr. A & R Man
The verses deliver pointed critiques of music industry practices, directly addressing industry gatekeepers with unfiltered honesty.
This direct confrontation contrasts sharply with the more introspective tones of other tracks, allowing for a dynamic shift in thematic focus within the album.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Amid the Ether 3:25
- 2 Rwanda 2:40
- 3 Jah Pure and Clear 2:48
- 4 Walk On 3:12
- 5 Same 3:15
- 6 Quite Frankly 3:45
- 7 Mr. A & R Man 3:44
- 8 Irrational 1:39
- 9 Anyone 3:46
- 10 Night Fall 3:26
- 11 First Time (More Rockers remix) 2:28
- 12 Sole Sentiment 2:40
- 13 Higher Dub 2:07
- 14 Never Felt This Way 2:40
- 15 Sound Boy 2:56
- 16 Show Love 3:17
- 17 Rainbows (More Rockers remix) 3:42
- 18 New World 3:34
- 19 Off the Edge 1:18
- 20 Bass Speaker (DJ Krust remix) 3:11
- 21 1-2-3 Break 2:59
- 22 Tripitaka 2:27
- 23 Vibrations 3:11
- 24 DJ Kicks / I Don't Know 3:41
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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