Is Jazz-Iz-Christ a good place to start with Serj Tankian?

Yes, Jazz-Iz-Christ is recommended as a starting point for new Serj Tankian listeners. A fusion of jazz rhythms and eclectic instrumentation, showcasing Tankian's unique vocal stylings in an adventurous musical landscape. Released in 2013, Jazz-Iz-Christ is Serj Tankian's second solo album, following his debut Elect the Dead in 2007. At this point, he was transitioning from the nu-metal sound of System of a Down to explore more diverse genres, particularly jazz and world music influences, which marked a significant artistic evolution.

Who is Jazz-Iz-Christ for?

Jazz-Iz-Christ works well if you're into immersive listening experiences, dynamic emotional landscapes and contemplative late-night vibes.

How many songs are on Jazz-Iz-Christ?

Jazz-Iz-Christ has 15 tracks, running approximately 56 minutes.

Jazz-Iz-Christ

Serj Tankian · 2013

56 min · 15 tracks · opera

A fusion of jazz rhythms and eclectic instrumentation, showcasing Tankian's unique vocal stylings in an adventurous musical landscape.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Fish Don't Scream Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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End of Time — This track exemplifies Tankian's ability to weave intricate melodies with poignant lyrics, reflecting themes of existential reflection and urgency.
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Honeycharmed — With its catchy hooks and vibrant instrumentation, this song encapsulates the album's playful yet introspective tone, making it a standout piece.
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Jinn — This track features a haunting arrangement and showcases Tankian's operatic vocal range, adding depth and emotional weight to the record.
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Yerevan to Paris — Bridging cultural influences, this song reflects Tankian's Armenian heritage while blending jazz elements that highlight his global musical perspective.

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 showcases innovative compositions and diverse instrumentation but lacks strong cohesion across its length.

What we noticed

The album features a wide range of instrumentation, including strings, brass, and woodwinds, which create a rich sonic tapestry throughout.
Tankian's vocal delivery varies significantly from track to track, sometimes employing spoken word elements alongside melodic singing.

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: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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

immersive listening experiences
dynamic emotional landscapes
contemplative late-night vibes
layered sonic explorations
gradual builds and payoffs

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — The album showcases a significant departure from Tankian's established rock sound.
Themes: Armenian heritage· jazz-infused introspection
Career context: Released in 2013, Jazz-Iz-Christ is Serj Tankian's second solo album, following his debut Elect the Dead in 2007. At this point, he was transitioning from the nu-metal sound of System of a Down to explore more diverse genres, particularly jazz and world music influences, which marked a significant artistic evolution.
Stylistic neighbors: System of a Down· Mike Patton· Rage Against the Machine

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

End of Time

The bridge shifts into a contemplative dialogue that addresses mortality and the passage of time.

This structural choice elevates the emotional stakes by contrasting the energetic verses with a moment of reflection, emphasizing the urgency conveyed throughout the song.