What makes Kin by Pat Metheny notable?

Kin received positive reviews from critics, highlighting its innovative sound and cohesive structure. The album peaked at number one on the Billboard Jazz Albums chart, reinforcing Metheny's continued relevance in the contemporary jazz scene. Released in 2014, Kin marked Pat Metheny's first album featuring the Unity Group, a new ensemble formed after his long-standing collaborations. This album followed his 2012 release, 'What's It All About,' showcasing an artistic shift towards collective improvisation with a focus on group dynamics rather than solo expression.

Kin works well if you're into wave-like pacing with resolution, dynamic journey with emotional depth and thoughtful reflection during listening.

How many songs are on Kin?

Kin has 9 tracks, running approximately 70 minutes.

Kin

Pat Metheny · 2014

70 min · 9 tracks · jazz

A serene blend of jazz and world music, characterized by intricate melodies and expansive improvisations that evoke a sense of journey.

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Top tracks — play these first

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On Day One — The opening track introduces the album's thematic motifs with a sweeping melodic line that evolves through rich harmonies and collective interplay, setting the stage for the entire project.
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Sign of the Season — In this track, Metheny's guitar work intertwines beautifully with the ensemble's rhythmic foundation, showcasing a blend of lyrical phrasing and complex grooves that define the album's jazz fusion essence.
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We Go On — This composition features an emotional depth characterized by its reflective melody and dynamic shifts, encapsulating the collaborative spirit of the Unity Group while maintaining Metheny’s signature sound.

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

Kin showcases intricate melodies and seamless transitions, creating a cohesive and immersive listening experience.

What we noticed

The album features extended tracks, with several pieces exceeding six minutes, allowing for deep improvisation and exploration.
Melodic themes are introduced and revisited across different tracks, establishing a cohesive narrative without relying on traditional song structures.

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 3/10

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

wave-like pacing with resolution
dynamic journey with emotional depth
thoughtful reflection during listening
immersive experience for quiet moments

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefer standalone tracks over cohesion

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2014, Kin marked Pat Metheny's first album featuring the Unity Group, a new ensemble formed after his long-standing collaborations. This album followed his 2012 release, 'What's It All About,' showcasing an artistic shift towards collective improvisation with a focus on group dynamics rather than solo expression.
Stylistic neighbors: Brad Mehldau· John Scofield· Chick Corea