Lift Every Voice and Sing cover

Lift Every Voice and Sing

Max Roach

37 min · 6 tracks · jazz

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Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
65 /100
Treeline
Higher than 88% of albums we've rated

The album effectively merges jazz with spirituals, showcasing strong compositions and distinctive arrangements.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a slow, mournful melody on the trumpet that sets a reflective tone, followed by intricate drum patterns that build in intensity.
  • Each track features a distinct arrangement that incorporates elements of traditional spirituals, often blending them seamlessly with jazz improvisation.
  • The final track culminates in a powerful crescendo, utilizing layered brass harmonies and rhythmic complexity to create an emotional climax.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Motherless Child 7:24
  • 2 Garden of Prayer 2:50
  • 3 Troubled Waters 7:02
  • 4 Let They People Go 6:52
  • 5 Were You There When They Crucified My Lord 5:52
  • 6 Joshua 7:12

What to play next

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1952
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The Loadstar
Full Max Roach discography Where to start with Max Roach Artists like Max Roach
jazz

Reference: MusicBrainz