It's Just Begun cover

It's Just Begun

Jimmy Castor · 1972

35 min · 10 tracks · soul

A vibrant fusion of funk and soul, anchored by catchy hooks and infectious grooves that invite listeners to dance.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    It’s Just Begun — The title track embodies the album's spirit with its infectious energy and optimistic lyrics, making it an anthem of new beginnings.
  • →
    Troglodyte (Cave Man) — This track not only became Castor's breakout hit but also showcases his playful lyricism and catchy musical hooks that defined his style.
  • →
    L.T.D. (Life, Truth & Death) — A sprawling exploration of existential themes, this track features complex arrangements and highlights Castor's ability to blend deep soul with thought-provoking messages.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album blends funk and soul effectively, with strong hooks and engaging rhythms, though it dips in pacing towards the end.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a spoken-word prologue that sets a thematic tone before transitioning into the upbeat title track.
  • Several tracks feature call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the interactive feel and encouraging audience participation.
  • The last two tracks slow down significantly, creating a reflective mood that contrasts with the energetic earlier songs.
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
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

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

  • infectious grooves that inspire movement
  • short bursts of lively energy
  • playful rhythms for social gatherings
  • dynamic transitions keeping you engaged

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer slow, introspective tracks
  • want lengthy, immersive albums

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in January 1972, It's Just Begun was Jimmy Castor's first album after his hit single Troglodyte (Cave Man) from the previous year. This album marked a significant moment in Castor's career as he transitioned from a session musician to a prominent solo artist, showcasing his diverse musical talents and distinct style.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Creation (Prologue) 1:26
  • 2 It’s Just Begun 3:45
  • 3 Troglodyte (Cave Man) 3:40
  • 4 You Better Be Good (Or the Devil Gon’ Getcha) 2:59
  • 5 Psyche 4:28
  • 6 L.T.D. (Life, Truth & Death) 7:24
  • 7 My Brightest Day 4:06
  • 8 Bad 3:39
  • 9 I Promise to Remember 2:58
  • 10 Creation (Epilogue) 1:02

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata