What makes Early Riser by Taylor McFerrin notable?

Critically acclaimed for its innovative fusion of jazz and electronic music, 'Early Riser' garnered attention for its unique approach to composition and production. The album received positive reviews from major outlets like Pitchfork, highlighting McFerrin's ability to create a meditative atmosphere that resonates with listeners seeking depth in modern music. Releasing his debut album 'Early Riser' in 2014, Taylor McFerrin was establishing his identity as a solo artist following his work as a producer and collaborator. This project marked a significant step in his career, allowing him to showcase his distinct sound and vision separate from the influences of his father, Bobby McFerrin.

How many songs are on Early Riser?

Early Riser has 13 tracks, running approximately 46 minutes.

Early Riser

Taylor McFerrin · 2014

46 min · 13 tracks · jazz

A delicate blend of electronic textures and jazz-infused melodies that invites introspection and exploration.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Degrees of Light — This track exemplifies McFerrin's ability to blend intricate melodies with layered rhythms, creating a serene yet engaging listening experience.
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The Antidote — With its uplifting vibe and infectious groove, this track showcases McFerrin's skill in marrying jazz improvisation with contemporary beats.
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Florasia — The lush soundscapes and emotive piano work found here highlight McFerrin's talent for crafting deeply atmospheric pieces that transport the listener.

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

The album blends electronic and jazz elements effectively, showcasing strong composition and production.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of layered electronic textures that intertwine with live instrumentation, creating a rich soundscape.
The first half of the album maintains a more upbeat tempo, while the latter half shifts to slower, more contemplative pieces.

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 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.

Tracklist

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

1 Postpartum 3:59
2 Degrees of Light 2:48
3 The Antidote 3:06
4 Florasia 4:17
5 4 AM 0:41
6 Stepps 5:01
7 Already There 3:00
8 Decisions 3:15
9 Blind Aesthetics 1:10
10 Place in My Heart 4:57
11 Invisible/Visible 4:24
12 PLS DNT LSTN 4:50
13 My Queen 4:45

What to play next

Listen next

Love’s Last Chance

2019

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jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata