What makes Keep It Unreal by Mr. Scruff notable?

'Keep It Unreal' received critical acclaim, particularly for its innovative sampling and genre-blending style, earning a place on various best-of lists and influencing the downtempo scene. The album's standout track, 'Get a Move On', became widely recognized, even featuring in commercials and film soundtracks, further cementing its cultural impact. When 'Keep It Unreal' was released in 1999, Mr. Scruff was establishing himself as a prominent figure in the chill-out music scene, following his debut album 'Shelflife' in 1997. This sophomore effort marked his artistic growth and solidified his unique blend of jazz, funk, and electronic influences.

Who is Keep It Unreal for?

Keep It Unreal works well if you're into dynamic flow with varied intensity, long immersive listening sessions and chill-out groove explorations.

How many songs are on Keep It Unreal?

Keep It Unreal has 14 tracks, running approximately 65 minutes.

Keep It Unreal

Mr. Scruff · 1999

65 min · 14 tracks · chill-out music

A vibrant blend of eclectic samples and laid-back grooves that invites listeners into a whimsical sonic landscape.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Get a Move On — This track epitomizes Mr. Scruff's playful approach to sampling, merging a catchy piano riff with a rhythmic groove that energizes the listener.
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Midnight Feast — With its smooth blend of jazzy elements and a laid-back beat, this track captures the essence of late-night relaxation while showcasing Scruff's production skills.
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Fish — This song features quirky vocal samples and intricate beats that highlight Scruff's talent for creating engaging soundscapes that are both fun and immersive.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album's innovative sampling and eclectic style contribute to its distinct sound within the chill-out genre.

What we noticed

Tracks often blend multiple musical elements, such as jazz, funk, and electronic sounds, resulting in a whimsical sonic landscape.
Several tracks incorporate spoken word snippets or vocal samples that add an additional layer of texture without dominating the music.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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

dynamic flow with varied intensity
long immersive listening sessions
chill-out groove explorations
wave-like pacing and rhythms

Where this album fits

Career context: When 'Keep It Unreal' was released in 1999, Mr. Scruff was establishing himself as a prominent figure in the chill-out music scene, following his debut album 'Shelflife' in 1997. This sophomore effort marked his artistic growth and solidified his unique blend of jazz, funk, and electronic influences.
Stylistic neighbors: Bonobo· Nightmares on Wax· Thievery Corporation