Released 40 years ago
Gravity
James Brown · 1986
39 min · 8 tracks · blues
A vibrant fusion of funk and soul, underscored by James Brown's signature grooves and powerful vocal delivery.
Top tracks — play these first
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Living in America — This track captures the exuberant spirit of American life through a funky lens, featuring infectious hooks and an energetic arrangement that became synonymous with its appearance in Rocky IV.
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Gravity Start here — The title track blends deep grooves with introspective lyrics, illustrating Brown's ability to combine personal themes with danceable rhythms, making it a standout piece.
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How Do You Stop — This ballad showcases Brown's emotional depth, with poignant lyrics and soulful melodies that highlight his versatility beyond just funk-driven tracks.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong grooves and vocal interplay but lacks a cohesive flow across its tracks.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a title track that features a prominent horn section and a steady groove, setting an energetic tone.
- Each song typically features layered vocals, with call-and-response elements prevalent in the choruses.
- The final track returns to a slower tempo, providing a contrast to the upbeat nature of the preceding songs.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- steady mid-tempo groove exploration
- infectious beats for dance sessions
- uplifting vibes for social gatherings
- cathartic sing-along moments
- soulful anthems for celebration
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer fast-paced tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Achieved notable commercial success and cultural impact, re-establishing Brown's presence.
- Themes
- American life spirit· personal struggle· intimate connections
- Career context
- Released in 1986, Gravity marked James Brown's return to the music scene after a brief hiatus. This album came shortly after his struggles with personal issues and legal troubles, positioning it as a significant moment in his career as he sought to reclaim his place in the industry.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Prince· Sly and the Family Stone· Parliament-Funkadelic
Tracklist
- 1 Gravity Start here 6:00
- 2 Let’s Get Personal 4:28
- 3 How Do You Stop 4:48
- 4 Turn Me Loose, I’m Dr. Feelgood 3:09
- 5 Living in America 5:56
- 6 Goliath 6:14
- 7 Repeat the Beat (Faith) 4:18
- 8 Return to Me 4:38
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Charade
Prince
Combines funk grooves with introspective themes and lush arrangements, echoing personal struggle.
There's a Riot Goin' On
Sly and the Family Stone
Shares a raw, gritty funk sound with deep social commentary and emotional resonance.
Songs in the Key of Life
Stevie Wonder
Merges soulful melodies with uplifting themes and a rich, vibrant instrumentation similar to 'Gravity'.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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