What makes Make Someone Happy by Lonnie Liston Smith notable?

This album is notable for its seamless fusion of jazz standards and original compositions, showcasing Smith's ability to reinterpret classics while attracting a wider audience. It further entrenched his influence within the acid jazz movement that gained traction in the late '80s and early '90s. Released in 1986, Make Someone Happy arrived during Lonnie Liston Smith's established career as a prominent jazz fusion artist. Following his successful albums in the 1970s and early 1980s, this record reflects his continued evolution in sound while maintaining his signature style that blends elements of jazz, funk, and soul.

How many songs are on Make Someone Happy?

Make Someone Happy has 8 tracks, running approximately 35 minutes.

Released 40 years ago

Make Someone Happy

Lonnie Liston Smith · 1986

35 min · 8 tracks · funk

A lush blend of jazz and soul infused with vibrant funk grooves, inviting listeners to unwind and embrace joy.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Make Someone Happy — The title track encapsulates the album's ethos with its uplifting melody and smooth arrangement, making it a standout example of Smith's blending of jazz and soul.
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Satin Doll — Smith's rendition offers a fresh take on this classic, showcasing his ability to make familiar tunes feel both innovative and timeless with his distinctive keyboard work.
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I Can't Get Started — This track highlights Smith's emotive playing style and rich harmonies, capturing the essence of longing that resonates throughout the album.
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Wives and Lovers — The arrangement combines sophisticated lyrical content with a laid-back groove, demonstrating Smith’s skill in fusing storytelling with musicality.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

51 /100

Foothills

Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

The album blends jazz standards with original compositions, creating a warm and engaging listening experience.

What we noticed

The album opens with a jazz standard, 'Satin Doll', featuring a prominent piano melody supported by smooth brass arrangements.
Each track maintains a consistent mid-tempo groove, with rhythmic variations that invite listeners to engage without overwhelming them.
Several tracks incorporate lush string arrangements that enhance the overall warmth and richness of the sound.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Satin Doll 4:05
2 Make Someone Happy 5:46
3 Close Your Eyes 3:40
4 I Can't Get Started 4:44
5 Speak Low 4:23
6 Wives and Lovers 4:00
7 Cary Paul and Louisa 4:16
8 Duke's Place 4:25

What to play next

Go back to

Rejuvenation

1985

Full Lonnie Liston Smith discography Artists like Lonnie Liston Smith

funk jazz fusion

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata