I'm Movin' On cover

I'm Movin' On

Jimmy Smith · 1967

51 min · 8 tracks · funk

A vibrant blend of jazz-funk grooves and soulful melodies that showcases Smith's signature organ style.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    I’m Movin’ On — The title track sets the tone with an infectious groove and showcases Smith’s improvisational prowess on the organ, making it a standout opener.
  • →
    Back Talk — This extended piece highlights Smith's ability to meld intricate rhythms with soulful melodies, offering a deep dive into his musical versatility.
  • →
    What Kind of Fool Am I — Smith's interpretation brings emotional depth to this classic song, blending jazz sensibilities with heartfelt expression that resonates throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album blends jazz and funk effectively, showcasing Smith's organ work while maintaining a strong rhythmic foundation.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a title track that features a prominent organ riff, establishing a groove that persists throughout.
  • Several tracks incorporate call-and-response patterns between the organ and horns, creating a dynamic interplay.
  • The last two tracks slow down the tempo significantly, providing a contrast to the more upbeat songs earlier in the album.
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
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • steady grooves for focused listening
  • soulful melodies for reflective moments
  • gradual development with satisfying resolutions
  • vibrant energy for uplifting moods

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant gratification
  • prefer standalone hit tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1967, I'm Movin' On is Jimmy Smith's follow-up to the critically acclaimed album, The Cat, which solidified his reputation in the jazz world. At this point in his career, Smith was transitioning into a more experimental phase, incorporating funk elements into his traditional jazz sound.
Stylistic neighbors
George Benson· Herbie Hancock· Jimmy McGriff

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • What Kind of Fool Am I

    The narrative shifts from reflection to self-questioning illustrates vulnerability and introspection amidst a lively arrangement.

    This juxtaposition between upbeat instrumentation and contemplative lyrics creates a compelling tension that enhances the emotional weight of the song.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 I’m Movin’ On 5:17
  • 2 Hotel Happiness 2:56
  • 3 Cherry 3:58
  • 4 T’Ain’t No Use 6:08
  • 5 Back Talk 11:06
  • 6 What Kind of Fool Am I 7:33
  • 7 Organic Greenery 7:26
  • 8 Day In, Day Out 6:43

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata