Herb Alpert's Ninth cover

Herb Alpert's Ninth

Herb Alpert · 1967

29 min · 11 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of jazz and pop with playful brass arrangements and catchy melodies that invite listeners to dance.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    A Banda — This vibrant track highlights Alpert's signature trumpet style while seamlessly blending Latin rhythms with pop sensibilities, making it an irresistible standout.
  • →
    With a Little Help From My Friends — Alpert’s rendition transforms this classic into a lively brass-driven celebration that showcases his ability to reinterpret popular songs uniquely.
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    The Happening — The arrangement features infectious grooves and melodic hooks that exemplify Alpert's knack for crafting radio-friendly tunes while retaining artistic integrity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases vibrant brass arrangements and catchy melodies, making it enjoyable but not.

What we noticed

  • The album features a prominent use of brass instruments, with layered arrangements that create a lively and engaging sound.
  • Several tracks incorporate playful melodies that encourage rhythmic movement, particularly in the upbeat pieces like 'A Banda' and 'The Happening'.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • playful arrangements for lighthearted moments
  • short tracks for quick enjoyment
  • vibrant melodies for upbeat gatherings
  • nostalgic tunes for sunny days

Maybe skip if you

  • long, immersive listening preferences
  • serious themes and introspective moods

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in January 1967, Herb Alpert's Ninth marks Alpert's fifth studio album during a period of significant commercial success. Following the massive acclaim of Whipped Cream & Other Delights, this album further solidified his status as a leading figure in the crossover jazz movement, showcasing his unique blend of genres.
Stylistic neighbors
Chuck Mangione· Burt Bacharach· David Sanborn

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • My Heart Belongs to Daddy

    The playful tone shifts from flirtation to confidence as the protagonist asserts ownership over her affections amidst upbeat instrumentation.

    This moment encapsulates the playful spirit of the album, employing clever wordplay that complements the lively arrangement without losing its charm.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 A Banda 2:15
  • 2 My Heart Belongs to Daddy 2:01
  • 3 The Trolley Song 2:43
  • 4 The Happening 2:30
  • 5 Bud 3:42
  • 6 Love So Fine 2:33
  • 7 The Love Nest 1:58
  • 8 With a Little Help From My Friends 2:47
  • 9 Flea Bag 2:08
  • 10 Cowboys and Indians 2:56
  • 11 Carmen 3:40

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata