Is Done by the Forces of Nature a good place to start with Jungle Brothers?

Yes, Done by the Forces of Nature is recommended as a starting point for new Jungle Brothers listeners. A vibrant fusion of hip-hop grooves and playful jazz influences, reflecting the eclectic spirit of late '80s New York. Released on November 7, 1989, Done by the Forces of Nature is the Jungle Brothers' second album, following their influential debut, Straight Out the Jungle. At this point in their career, they were solidifying their place in the alternative hip-hop scene and experimenting with more complex sounds and themes.

Who is Done by the Forces of Nature for?

Done by the Forces of Nature works well if you're into steady grooves for dancing, playful rhythms for socializing and uplifting vibes for celebration.

How many songs are on Done by the Forces of Nature?

Done by the Forces of Nature has 16 tracks, running approximately 60 minutes.

Released 37 years ago this November

Done by the Forces of Nature

Jungle Brothers · 1989

60 min · 16 tracks · alternative hip-hop

A vibrant fusion of hip-hop grooves and playful jazz influences, reflecting the eclectic spirit of late '80s New York.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Beyond This World Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Acknowledge Your Own History — This track encapsulates the Jungle Brothers' ethos of self-awareness and cultural pride, combining catchy hooks with a powerful message about recognizing one's roots.
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Good Newz Comin’ — Featuring an upbeat tempo and infectious energy, this song showcases the group's ability to blend positivity with social consciousness, making it a standout anthem.
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Feelin’ Alright — With its laid-back vibe and engaging lyrics, this track illustrates the group’s knack for creating feel-good music that still addresses deeper themes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album blends hip-hop with jazz influences, showcasing strong craftsmanship and a distinctive sound for its time.

What we noticed

Tracks often incorporate playful call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the communal feel of the music.
Several songs include samples from funk and soul records, which are woven seamlessly into the production.
The sequencing alternates between upbeat tracks and more introspective pieces, maintaining listener engagement throughout.

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: 7/10

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

steady grooves for dancing
playful rhythms for socializing
uplifting vibes for celebration
thought-provoking lyrics for reflection
inviting energy for group listening

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefer standalone singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Defined the Native Tongues sound, establishing wider recognition for the group.
Themes: cultural pride· late '80s New York· social consciousness
Career context: Released on November 7, 1989, Done by the Forces of Nature is the Jungle Brothers' second album, following their influential debut, Straight Out the Jungle. At this point in their career, they were solidifying their place in the alternative hip-hop scene and experimenting with more complex sounds and themes.
Stylistic neighbors: A Tribe Called Quest· De La Soul· The Roots