In What Language?
Vijay Iyer · 2013
69 min · 17 tracks · jazz
A tapestry of complex rhythms and haunting melodies intertwines jazz improvisation with cultural narratives and political undertones.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Density of the 19th Century — This track showcases Iyer's ability to blend intricate rhythms with evocative storytelling, setting a tone that resonates throughout the album.
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Taking Back the Airplane — Here, the interplay between the musicians highlights Iyer's dynamic compositional style while addressing themes of conflict and resolution.
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Iraqi Businessman — This piece starkly contrasts delicate melodies with powerful undercurrents, embodying the album's exploration of personal and political narratives.
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In What Language — The title track encapsulates the album's core themes by merging lyrical introspection with rich musical textures, inviting listeners into its deeper meanings.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album intricately weaves jazz improvisation with cultural themes, showcasing strong composition and execution.
What we noticed
- The album features a recurring motif with variations on 'The Color of My Circumference' across four tracks, creating a thematic thread.
- Several pieces blend spoken word elements with instrumental sections, enhancing the narrative aspect of the music.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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9/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- 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
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
- wave-like pacing with peaks
- intricate rhythmic explorations
- thoughtful engagement required
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer straightforward song structures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By 2013, Vijay Iyer had established himself as a prominent figure in progressive jazz, following his critically acclaimed album 'Historicity' from 2009. 'In What Language?' represents a continued exploration of identity and cultural discourse through sound, marking his third album on the ECM label.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Jason Moran· Tigran Hamasyan· Kneebody
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Color of My Circumference I 4:10
- 2 The Density of the 19th Century 5:15
- 3 Terminal City 1:55
- 4 Rentals 2:44
- 5 Security 3:38
- 6 De Gaulle 6:37
- 7 TLC 2:39
- 8 Three Lotto Stories 4:49
- 9 The Color of My Circumference II 2:09
- 10 Iraqi Businessman 2:43
- 11 Taking Back the Airplane 4:54
- 12 The Color of My Circumference III 2:29
- 13 Innana After Bagdad 2:32
- 14 In What Language 4:05
- 15 Asylum 6:21
- 16 The Color of My Circumference IV 5:51
- 17 Plastic Bag 6:07
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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