What makes Kilimanjaro by The Rippingtons notable?

This album is significant for its commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz chart. It also played a crucial role in popularizing the smooth jazz genre during the late 1980s, influencing numerous artists and setting a standard for future releases in this style. Released in 1988, 'Kilimanjaro' was The Rippingtons' third studio album, following the successful 'Moonlighting' which established their signature sound. At this point, the band had begun to gain recognition within the smooth jazz genre, solidifying their role as innovators blending jazz with global influences.