High Crime
Al Jarreau · 1984
44 min · 10 tracks · funk
A vibrant blend of jazz, funk, and R&B that showcases Al Jarreau's exceptional vocal agility and emotive storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
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Raging Waters Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Murphy’s Law — This track features a catchy hook and playful lyrics that embody the album's theme of navigating life's unpredictability with resilience and charm.
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High Crime — The title track stands out with its funky groove and sharp social commentary, showcasing Jarreau's ability to blend serious themes with infectious rhythms.
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Love Speaks Louder Than Words — This ballad highlights Jarreau's smooth vocal delivery and emotional depth, representing the softer, more introspective side of the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong vocal performances and intricate arrangements, blending genres effectively while maintaining a cohesive sound.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a brisk tempo, maintaining an upbeat feel through the first half before shifting to more introspective songs.
- Vocal harmonies are layered throughout, with Jarreau frequently employing call-and-response techniques and playful vocal improvisation.
- Several tracks feature intricate arrangements with brass and string sections that enhance the funk and jazz elements, creating a rich sonic texture.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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 grooves for relaxing moments
- smooth transitions between tracks
- soulful vocals for uplifting vibes
- background energy for social gatherings
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek intense dramatic narratives
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Fan Favorite — Beloved by fans for its innovative sound and production techniques.
- Career context
- By the time 'High Crime' was released in 1984, Al Jarreau was already an established artist following his Grammy-winning album 'Breakin' Away' from 1981. This album marked a continuation of his successful fusion of jazz and pop, solidifying his reputation as a versatile performer capable of crossing genre boundaries.
- Stylistic neighbors
- George Benson· Bobby McFerrin· Stevie Wonder
Tracklist
- 1 Raging Waters Start here 4:28
- 2 Imagination 4:43
- 3 Murphy’s Law 4:10
- 4 Tell Me 4:35
- 5 After All 4:19
- 6 High Crime 4:31
- 7 Let’s Pretend 4:00
- 8 Sticky Wicket 4:19
- 9 Love Speaks Louder Than Words 3:56
- 10 Fallin’ 4:55
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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