What makes Far from Over by Vijay Iyer notable?

'Far from Over' received widespread acclaim, including recognition as one of the best albums of the year by notable publications such as NPR and The New York Times. Its innovative compositions and socially conscious themes resonated within the jazz community and beyond, solidifying Iyer's status as a leading voice in contemporary jazz. By 2017, Vijay Iyer was firmly established in the jazz scene, following his critically acclaimed album 'Break Stuff' from 2015. 'Far from Over' marked a continuation of his exploration of complex musical dialogues and featured a new collaboration with drummer Tyshawn Sorey and bassist Linda May Han Oh, pushing the boundaries of modern jazz.

Who is Far from Over for?

Far from Over works well if you're into wave-like pacing with resolutions, vibrant exploration of rhythm and dynamic and intricate soundscapes.

How many songs are on Far from Over?

Far from Over has 10 tracks, running approximately 57 minutes.

Far from Over

Vijay Iyer · 2017

57 min · 10 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of intricate rhythms and evocative melodies, blending jazz improvisation with contemporary influences.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Poles — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its dynamic interplay between piano and percussion, establishing Iyer's signature blend of complexity and accessibility.
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For Amiri Baraka — A tribute to the influential poet and activist, this piece showcases Iyer's ability to weave narrative depth into his compositions through rich harmonic layers and rhythmic innovation.
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Threnody — This closing track encapsulates the album's emotional core with its haunting melodies, offering a reflective conclusion that resonates with themes of loss and remembrance.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

71 /100

Alpine

Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate compositions and strong performances, maintaining a cohesive flow throughout.

What we noticed

Each track often transitions seamlessly into the next, with motifs reappearing in varied contexts to maintain thematic continuity.
Improvisational sections are interspersed with composed passages, allowing for both spontaneity and structure within the pieces.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
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: 8/10

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

wave-like pacing with resolutions
vibrant exploration of rhythm
dynamic and intricate soundscapes
thoughtful listening in order

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
seek straightforward song structures

Where this album fits

Career context: By 2017, Vijay Iyer was firmly established in the jazz scene, following his critically acclaimed album 'Break Stuff' from 2015. 'Far from Over' marked a continuation of his exploration of complex musical dialogues and featured a new collaboration with drummer Tyshawn Sorey and bassist Linda May Han Oh, pushing the boundaries of modern jazz.
Stylistic neighbors: Jason Moran· Tigran Hamasyan· Kneebody