What makes Four Corners by Yellowjackets notable?

Four Corners received critical acclaim and helped further cement Yellowjackets' influence in the jazz fusion scene. The album's intricate compositions and unique arrangements contributed to its chart performance, reaching notable positions in contemporary jazz charts during its release, showcasing the band’s ability to push boundaries while appealing to both jazz aficionados and broader audiences. Released in 1987, Four Corners marked Yellowjackets' fifth album and showcased their continued evolution within the jazz fusion genre. At this point in their career, they were solidifying their reputation as innovators, following the success of their self-titled debut and subsequent albums that established a distinct sound blending improvisational jazz with pop influences.

Who is Four Corners for?

Four Corners works well if you're into layered sonic landscapes to explore, for afternoon relaxation and inviting melodies for social gatherings.

How many songs are on Four Corners?

Four Corners has 10 tracks, running approximately 48 minutes.

Four Corners

Yellowjackets · 1987

48 min · 10 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of jazz and intricate melodies that transports listeners through layered sonic landscapes.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Wildlife — This track encapsulates the album's adventurous spirit with its dynamic shifts and engaging rhythms, highlighting the band's exceptional musicianship.
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Mile High — Mile High stands out for its melodic interplay between instruments, effectively illustrating the band's signature blend of complexity and accessibility.
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Open Road — With its laid-back groove and evocative melodies, Open Road captures a sense of freedom that resonates throughout the album's themes of exploration.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album's intricate compositions and varied instrument focus highlight its jazz fusion roots.

What we noticed

Each track showcases a different instrumental focus, with varying lead instruments creating distinct sonic landscapes.
Several pieces incorporate call-and-response patterns between instruments, enhancing the dynamic interplay throughout the record.

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

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

layered sonic landscapes to explore
for afternoon relaxation
inviting melodies for social gatherings
subtle shifts in emotional tones

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward, upbeat tracks
seek instant gratification in music

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1987, Four Corners marked Yellowjackets' fifth album and showcased their continued evolution within the jazz fusion genre. At this point in their career, they were solidifying their reputation as innovators, following the success of their self-titled debut and subsequent albums that established a distinct sound blending improvisational jazz with pop influences.
Stylistic neighbors: Pat Metheny· Brad Mehldau· Snarky Puppy

Tracklist

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

1 Out of Town 5:05
2 Wildlife 6:06
3 Sightseeing 5:55
4 Open Road 3:40
5 Mile High 4:14
6 Past Ports 5:33
7 Postcards 5:31
8 Room With a View 4:31
9 Geneva 2:28
10 Indigo 5:29

What to play next

Listen next

Politics

1988

Go back to

Shades

1986

Full Yellowjackets discography Artists like Yellowjackets

jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata