What makes Man Made Object by GoGo Penguin notable?

Man Made Object received widespread acclaim, earning a nomination for Best Jazz Album at the 2017 BBC Music Awards. The album also charted well in the UK, showcasing GoGo Penguin's growing influence within the contemporary jazz scene and solidifying their reputation for pushing genre boundaries. Released on February 5, 2016, Man Made Object is GoGo Penguin's third studio album, following their breakthrough record v2.0 in 2014. At this point, the band had solidified their unique blend of jazz and electronic music, gaining critical acclaim and expanding their audience.

Who is Man Made Object for?

Man Made Object works well if you're into immersive sonic landscape exploration, thoughtful rhythms for concentration and playful yet intricate compositions.

How many songs are on Man Made Object?

Man Made Object has 10 tracks, running approximately 47 minutes.

Released 10 years ago

Man Made Object

GoGo Penguin · 2016

47 min · 10 tracks · jazz

Innovative jazz textures intertwine with electronic elements, creating a dynamic soundscape that feels both ethereal and grounded.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Unspeakable World — This track exemplifies the album's fusion of intricate rhythms and melodic exploration, featuring an engaging interplay between piano and bass that defines GoGo Penguin's sound.
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Surrender to Mountain — A standout piece that balances ambient soundscapes with rhythmic intensity, it captures the band's ability to evoke emotion through minimalist arrangements and dynamic build-ups.
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Protest — With its driving tempo and complex time signatures, this track showcases GoGo Penguin's technical prowess while maintaining an accessible emotional depth that resonates throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album showcases innovative compositions with strong electronic influences, maintaining a cohesive yet exploratory sound.

What we noticed

The album features intricate piano melodies that are often accompanied by syncopated drumming and electronic textures, creating a layered sound.
Several tracks utilize a call-and-response structure between the piano and bass, enhancing the dynamic interplay among the instruments.
The last three tracks gradually decrease in tempo, allowing for a more contemplative finish to the album.

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 4/10

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

immersive sonic landscape exploration
thoughtful rhythms for concentration
playful yet intricate compositions
dynamic shifts in mood
for evening relaxation

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefer straightforward song structures

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on February 5, 2016, Man Made Object is GoGo Penguin's third studio album, following their breakthrough record v2.0 in 2014. At this point, the band had solidified their unique blend of jazz and electronic music, gaining critical acclaim and expanding their audience.
Stylistic neighbors: Portico Quartet· BadBadNotGood· Phronesis