Is Flood a good place to start with Herbie Hancock?

Yes, Flood is recommended as a starting point for new Herbie Hancock listeners. A vibrant fusion of funk, jazz, and electronic elements that pushes the boundaries of traditional musical structures. Released in 1975, Flood marked a pivotal moment in Herbie Hancock's career as he transitioned into the jazz-funk genre following his acclaimed album Head Hunters. This album showcased his innovative use of synthesizers and rhythmic experimentation during a time when jazz was increasingly merging with popular music forms.

Flood works well if you're into gradual build to intense climax, immersive exploration of soundscapes and engaging improvisation throughout tracks.

How many songs are on Flood?

Flood has 7 tracks, running approximately 74 minutes.

Flood

Herbie Hancock · 1975

74 min · 7 tracks · classical music

A vibrant fusion of funk, jazz, and electronic elements that pushes the boundaries of traditional musical structures.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Introduction/Maiden Voyage Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Actual Proof — This track exemplifies Hancock's intricate synthesis of jazz improvisation and funk rhythms, featuring complex time signatures and a dynamic interplay between musicians.
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Chameleon — With its iconic bass line and layered synths, this track encapsulates the essence of the album, becoming a defining moment in Hancock's career and the jazz-funk genre.
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Butterfly — The ethereal quality of this piece highlights Hancock's ability to blend melodic beauty with experimental sounds, showcasing his versatility as a composer and musician.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

73 /100

Alpine

Higher than 96% of albums we've rated

Flood showcases innovative compositions and high-level craftsmanship, making it a significant entry in jazz fusion.

What we noticed

The album opens with a lengthy introduction that blends ambient sounds with rhythmic elements before transitioning into the first track.
Several tracks, like 'Chameleon', incorporate extended improvisational sections that highlight the musicians' virtuosity and interplay.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 9/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

gradual build to intense climax
immersive exploration of soundscapes
engaging improvisation throughout tracks
vibrant energy for late nights

Maybe skip if you

prefer quick, standalone tracks
seek immediate gratification in music

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — It showcases a significant departure into jazz-funk and electronic sounds.
Themes: synthesizer experimentation· funk-infused jazz· improvisational interplay
Moods: Intense· Dark
Career context: Released in 1975, Flood marked a pivotal moment in Herbie Hancock's career as he transitioned into the jazz-funk genre following his acclaimed album Head Hunters. This album showcased his innovative use of synthesizers and rhythmic experimentation during a time when jazz was increasingly merging with popular music forms.
Stylistic neighbors: Chick Corea· Weather Report· Miles Davis