Double-Booked cover

Double-Booked

Robert Glasper · 2009

72 min · 12 tracks · jazz

A genre-blurring exploration of jazz that seamlessly incorporates hip-hop, R&B, and blues influences into its rich tapestry.

Top tracks — play these first

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    No Worries — This track exemplifies Glasper's unique fusion of jazz improvisation with a laid-back groove, showcasing his ability to bridge multiple genres effortlessly.
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    Yes I'm Country (And That's OK) — A bold statement piece that intertwines country music elements with jazz, demonstrating Glasper's adventurous spirit and willingness to challenge genre norms.
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    Butterfly — With its ethereal quality and intricate piano work, this track captures the essence of Glasper's emotional depth and technical prowess, making it a standout moment on the album.
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    Festival — This lengthy composition invites listeners into a rich soundscape filled with dynamic shifts and collective improvisation, showcasing the collaborative spirit that defines much of Glasper's work.

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 blends genres effectively, showcasing strong craftsmanship but with varying cohesion across its runtime.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements or vocal samples, adding a layer of texture without dominating the instrumental focus.
  • The arrangement of the tracks varies significantly in tempo and mood, with some pieces maintaining a laid-back groove while others explore more complex rhythmic patterns.
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
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • extended tracks with rich exploration
  • simmering grooves for relaxed afternoons
  • thoughtful melodies for reflective moments
  • varied tempos that encourage engagement

Maybe skip if you

  • want quick, punchy songs
  • prefer straightforward, fast-paced albums

Where this album fits

Career context
When Robert Glasper released 'Double-Booked' in 2009, he was establishing himself as a prominent figure in the jazz scene following his debut album 'Canvas' in 2005. This project marked a pivotal moment as he began to merge traditional jazz with contemporary sounds, setting the stage for future works that would further blur genre boundaries.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Intro 0:30
  • 2 No Worries 7:08
  • 3 Yes I'm Country (And That's OK) 8:08
  • 4 Downtime 5:23
  • 5 59 South 6:13
  • 6 Think of One 9:13
  • 7 4eva 2:17
  • 8 Butterfly 6:02
  • 9 Festival 10:04
  • 10 For You 2:12
  • 11 All Matter 6:35
  • 12 Open Mind 8:34

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata