What makes In Search of the Rainbow Seekers by Mtume notable?

The album features the hit single You Can’t Wait for Love, which became a staple in clubs and on radio playlists, reflecting the era's fusion of jazz and funk. Critics praised it for its sophisticated arrangements and lyrical depth, helping to elevate Mtume within the funk genre during a time when disco was dominating popular music. In Search of the Rainbow Seekers was Mtume's third album, following the success of their previous record, Kiss This World Goodbye. By 1980, the band had solidified their sound, integrating jazz influences with contemporary funk, marking a pivotal moment in their artistic evolution as they sought broader recognition beyond the jazz circuit.

How many songs are on In Search of the Rainbow Seekers?

In Search of the Rainbow Seekers has 10 tracks, running approximately 45 minutes.

In Search of the Rainbow Seekers

Mtume · 1980

45 min · 10 tracks · funk

A vibrant blend of funk rhythms and post-bop sophistication, inviting listeners to dance while exploring deeper themes of love and aspiration.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
You Can’t Wait for Love — This track stands out with its infectious groove and relatable lyrics about seizing romantic opportunities, showcasing Mtume's knack for blending catchy hooks with deeper messages.
→
Give It on Up (If You Want to) — As an opening track, it sets the tone for the entire album with its upbeat tempo and motivational lyrics, emphasizing themes of personal empowerment and community.
→
(So You) Wanna Be a Star — This song critiques the pursuit of fame while maintaining an engaging melody, reflecting the complex relationship between ambition and authenticity in the music industry.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album combines vibrant funk with jazz sophistication, showcasing strong arrangements and engaging rhythms.

What we noticed

The album opens with a strong, danceable groove in the first track, which sets a high-energy tone that continues through the next several songs.
Tracks feature intricate arrangements with layered instrumentation, blending funk rhythms with jazz elements, particularly in the horn sections.
Several tracks incorporate call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the communal feel of the music and inviting listener participation.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Give It on Up (If You Want to) 6:41
2 You Can’t Wait for Love 4:53
3 She’s a Rainbow Dancer 4:56
4 We’re Gonna Make It This Time 4:56
5 Dance Around My Navel (Doesn’t Have to Make Sense, Just Cents) 2:00
6 (So You) Wanna Be a Star 5:17
7 Spirit of the Dance 4:19
8 Anticipatin’ 4:22
9 Everything Good to Me 4:09
10 Mrs. Sippi 3:41

What to play next

Listen next

Juicy Fruit

1983

Go back to

Kiss This World Goodbye

1978

Full Mtume discography Artists like Mtume

funk post-bop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata