It Is What It Is
Thundercat · 2020
37 min · 16 tracks · electronic music
A vibrant blend of funk, soul, and electronic elements creates an immersive sonic landscape fueled by introspective lyrics.
Top tracks — play these first
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Black Qualls — This track features a smooth interplay of vocals and instrumentation that highlights Thundercat's signature style while also showcasing contributions from Steve Lacy and Steve Arrington.
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Dragonball Durag — With its catchy hook and playful lyrics, this song embodies the album's carefree spirit, resonating deeply with listeners and becoming emblematic of Thundercat's whimsical approach.
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Fair Chance — A poignant tribute featuring Ty Dolla $ign and Lil B, this track explores themes of love and loss with an emotional depth that stands out against the album's lighter moments.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong compositions and production, blending genres while maintaining a distinct sound.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks that blend intricate bass lines with layered synths, creating a rich texture.
- Several tracks incorporate unexpected tempo shifts, such as 'Funny Thing,' which transitions from a laid-back groove to a more frenetic pace.
- The album closes with 'Bye for Now,' which features a gradual fade-out, leaving a lingering sense of introspection.
- 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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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
- short, punchy listening sessions
- vibrant and joyful moods
- introspective moments of reflection
- dynamic emotional journeys
- playful and lighthearted vibes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on April 3, 2020, 'It Is What It Is' marks Thundercat's third studio album, following his acclaimed project 'Drunk' from 2017. At this point in his career, he was solidifying his position as a leading figure in modern funk and neo-soul, collaborating with notable artists like Flying Lotus and Kendrick Lamar.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Flying Lotus· Hiatus Kaiyote· Kamasi Washington
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Lost in Space / Great Scott / 22–26 1:22
- 2 Innerstellar Love 2:41
- 3 I Love Louis Cole 3:24
- 4 Black Qualls 3:09
- 5 Miguel’s Happy Dance 2:11
- 6 How Sway 1:14
- 7 Funny Thing 1:56
- 8 Overseas 1:28
- 9 Dragonball Durag 3:01
- 10 How I Feel 1:08
- 11 King of the Hill 2:51
- 12 Unrequited Love 3:14
- 13 Fair Chance 3:57
- 14 Existential Dread 0:51
- 15 It Is What It Is 5:02
- 16 Bye for Now
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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