Is Jacob's Ladder a good place to start with Brad Mehldau?

Yes, Jacob's Ladder is recommended as a starting point for new Brad Mehldau listeners. A contemplative blend of jazz, classical, and experimental elements that invites deep introspection through intricate melodies. Upon releasing Jacob's Ladder in 2022, Brad Mehldau was solidifying his status as a leading figure in contemporary jazz. This album followed a prolific period marked by collaborations and innovative explorations, including his work on the acclaimed 2018 album, After Bach. Mehldau's evolution during this phase showcases his ability to integrate diverse influences while maintaining his signature lyricism.

Who is Jacob's Ladder for?

Jacob's Ladder works well if you're into meditative soundscapes for reflection, dynamic exploration with resolution and wave-like pacing for deep listening.

How many songs are on Jacob's Ladder?

Jacob's Ladder has 12 tracks, running approximately 70 minutes.

Jacob's Ladder

Brad Mehldau · 2022

70 min · 12 tracks · jazz

A contemplative blend of jazz, classical, and experimental elements that invites deep introspection through intricate melodies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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maybe as his skies are wide Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Cogs in Cogs, Pt. I: Dance — This track sets the tone for the album with its rhythmic complexity and engaging interplay between piano and bass, showcasing Mehldau's innovative approach to composition.
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Jacob’s Ladder, Pt. II: Song — The emotional heart of the album, this piece combines lyrical piano melodies with rich harmonic textures that evoke a sense of longing and contemplation.
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Heaven: I. All Once – II. Life Seeker – III. Würm – IV. Epilogue: It Was a Dream but I Carry It Still — This expansive work encapsulates the album’s thematic depth, moving through different musical landscapes while exploring profound existential questions.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

73 /100

Alpine

Higher than 96% of albums we've rated

The album's intricate structure and thematic development create a compelling and cohesive listening journey.

What we noticed

The album features a series of interconnected suites, with each part building on themes introduced in previous tracks.
The pacing varies significantly, with some pieces maintaining a slow, meditative tempo while others introduce more dynamic shifts.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 9/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

meditative soundscapes for reflection
dynamic exploration with resolution
wave-like pacing for deep listening
thoughtful transitions between movements
immersive experience over long sessions

Maybe skip if you

prefer quick, catchy tracks
seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Recognized for its ambitious structure and emotional depth, marking a high point in Mehldau's career.
Career context: Upon releasing Jacob's Ladder in 2022, Brad Mehldau was solidifying his status as a leading figure in contemporary jazz. This album followed a prolific period marked by collaborations and innovative explorations, including his work on the acclaimed 2018 album, After Bach. Mehldau's evolution during this phase showcases his ability to integrate diverse influences while maintaining his signature lyricism.
Stylistic neighbors: Esbjörn Svensson Trio· Tigran Hamasyan· Robert Glasper

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Tracklist

1 maybe as his skies are wide Start here 3:43
2 Herr und Knecht 7:48
3 (Entr’acte) Glam Perfume 5:45
4 Cogs in Cogs, Pt. I: Dance 4:11
5 Cogs in Cogs, Pt. II: Song 4:02
6 Cogs in Cogs, Pt. III: Double Fugue 4:31
7 Tom Sawyer 7:44
8 Vou correndo te encontrar / Racecar 5:05
9 Jacob’s Ladder, Pt. I: Liturgy 1:27
10 Jacob’s Ladder, Pt. II: Song 11:30
11 Jacob’s Ladder, Pt. III: Ladder 4:19
12 Heaven: I. All Once – II. Life Seeker – III. Würm – IV. Epilogue: It Was a Dream but I Carry It Still 10:07