What makes Heaven and Earth by Kamasi Washington notable?

Heaven and Earth received widespread acclaim, debuting at number one on the Billboard Jazz Albums chart and earning praise from outlets like NPR and Pitchfork for its ambitious scope. The album not only reinforced Washington's impact on the jazz revival movement but also showcased his ability to weave personal narratives into broader cultural and spiritual themes. Released in early 2018, Heaven and Earth is Kamasi Washington's second studio album following his critically acclaimed debut, The Epic. At this point in his career, Washington was solidifying his status as a leading figure in contemporary jazz, having garnered attention for his innovative compositions and collaborations with artists across genres.

Who is Heaven and Earth for?

Heaven and Earth works well if you're into sprawling explorations of sound, introspective journeys through themes and headphone detail hunting experience.

How many songs are on Heaven and Earth?

Heaven and Earth has 21 tracks, running approximately 182 minutes.

Heaven and Earth

Kamasi Washington · 2018

182 min · 21 tracks · jazz

A sprawling jazz odyssey blending rich instrumentation with spiritual themes and intricate arrangements that push genre boundaries.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Fists of Fury — This track opens the album with powerful energy, showcasing an intricate blend of rhythmic complexity and emotive brass lines that set the tone for the entire project.
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The Invincible Youth — With its uplifting melody and vibrant instrumentation, this track encapsulates the album's exploration of resilience and hope amid adversity, making it a standout moment.
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Ooh Child — A reimagining of the classic song, this rendition emphasizes communal uplift through its lush arrangements, embodying the themes of unity and healing that permeate the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

70 /100

Alpine

Higher than 94% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate compositions and strong craftsmanship, with a cohesive yet sprawling structure.

What we noticed

The album features extended tracks, with several pieces exceeding ten minutes, allowing for deep improvisation and exploration of themes.

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: 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

sprawling explorations of sound
introspective journeys through themes
headphone detail hunting experience
patient unfolding with rich layers
late-night contemplative listening

Maybe skip if you

seekers of instant gratification
prefer short, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in early 2018, Heaven and Earth is Kamasi Washington's second studio album following his critically acclaimed debut, The Epic. At this point in his career, Washington was solidifying his status as a leading figure in contemporary jazz, having garnered attention for his innovative compositions and collaborations with artists across genres.
Stylistic neighbors: Thundercat· Robert Glasper· Esperanza Spalding