What makes Heavy Weather by Weather Report notable?

Heavy Weather is significant for its critical acclaim, particularly for the track 'Birdland', which became a jazz standard and contributed to the album reaching number 30 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album's innovative approach influenced numerous artists within the jazz fusion scene and beyond, marking a high point in Weather Report's career. Released in 1977, Heavy Weather was Weather Report's sixth studio album and solidified their status in the jazz fusion genre. Following the commercial success of their previous album, Black Market, this record showcased a more polished sound that appealed to both jazz aficionados and mainstream audiences alike.

Who is Heavy Weather for?

Heavy Weather works well if you're into intricate musicianship appreciation, vibrant improvisational moments and engaging background for gatherings.

How many songs are on Heavy Weather?

Heavy Weather has 8 tracks, running approximately 37 minutes.

Heavy Weather

Weather Report · 1977

37 min · 8 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of jazz fusion and funk, driven by intricate melodies and dynamic improvisation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Birdland — This track features an unforgettable melody paired with intricate harmonies, making it one of Weather Report's most recognizable compositions. Its energetic arrangement showcases the band's ability to merge complex jazz with accessible pop elements.
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A Remark You Made — The composition embodies emotional depth through its lush instrumentation and reflective themes, highlighting Wayne Shorter's lyrical saxophone lines alongside Joe Zawinul’s atmospheric keyboard work.
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Teen Town — A lively showcase of rhythm and groove, this piece emphasizes Jaco Pastorius’ virtuosic bass playing and innovative use of harmonics, solidifying his role as a key figure in the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

79 /100

Summit

Higher than 99% of albums we've rated

Heavy Weather combines intricate melodies and dynamic improvisation, solidifying its place in jazz fusion.

What we noticed

Each track showcases extended improvisation sections, allowing individual musicians to explore their solos while maintaining a cohesive group sound.
The final track, 'Havona', features a gradual build-up that culminates in an energetic climax, effectively closing the album.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 9/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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

intricate musicianship appreciation
vibrant improvisational moments
engaging background for gatherings

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefer standalone singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Solidified their status in jazz fusion, gaining wider recognition with critical acclaim.
Career context: Released in 1977, Heavy Weather was Weather Report's sixth studio album and solidified their status in the jazz fusion genre. Following the commercial success of their previous album, Black Market, this record showcased a more polished sound that appealed to both jazz aficionados and mainstream audiences alike.
Stylistic neighbors: Miles Davis· Herbie Hancock· Chick Corea