What makes Extra Soul Perception by Monk Higgins notable?

The album is notable for its inventive arrangements and has been influential in the development of soul jazz. It includes the iconic track 'Watermelon Man,' which has been covered by numerous artists and solidified Higgins' reputation within the genre. Extra Soul Perception marks Monk Higgins' debut album, showcasing his unique blend of jazz and soul at a time when both genres were evolving rapidly. Released in 1969, it positioned Higgins as a key figure in the burgeoning soul jazz movement, just as he was beginning to make a name for himself as a composer and arranger.

How many songs are on Extra Soul Perception?

Extra Soul Perception has 12 tracks, running approximately 36 minutes.

Extra Soul Perception

Monk Higgins · 1969

36 min · 12 tracks

A vibrant fusion of jazz, soul, and funk that grooves with infectious energy and playful melodies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Watermelon Man — This track stands out for its catchy melody and rhythmic complexity, becoming a defining piece of the soul jazz genre and a staple for many musicians.
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Collision in Black — With its dynamic tempo shifts and intricate horn arrangements, this track exemplifies Higgins' innovative style and compositional prowess.
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A Good Thing — This upbeat tune captures the essence of the album's joyful spirit with its infectious groove and engaging call-and-response vocal elements.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 75% of albums we've rated

The album blends jazz and soul with inventive arrangements, showcasing Higgins' unique style while maintaining strong grooves.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that features a prominent horn section, setting a lively tone that persists through most of the tracks.
Several tracks incorporate call-and-response patterns between instruments, particularly between the horns and the rhythm section, enhancing the groove.
The final track features an extended jam session that gradually fades out, allowing for improvisation and exploration of themes established earlier in the album.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Extra Soul Perception 2:34
2 The Look of Slim 2:57
3 A Good Thing 2:27
4 Watermelon Man 3:05
5 Straight Ahead 2:34
6 Canadian Sunset 3:51
7 Collision in Black 3:56
8 Just Around the Corner 2:54
9 Little Green Apples 3:21
10 Poker Chips 3:06
11 Sittin' Duck 2:56
12 Doing It to Deff 2:47

What to play next

Full Monk Higgins discography Artists like Monk Higgins

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