What makes Mandrill by Mandrill notable?

Mandrill received critical acclaim upon its release, noted for its innovative blend of styles that influenced later funk and soul artists. The album’s standout tracks helped establish them as a significant act within the genre, contributing to the evolution of funk music in the early 1970s. Released in 1971, Mandrill's self-titled debut album marked their entry into the music scene following their formation in the late 1960s. This album set the stage for their eclectic sound, blending various genres and establishing their identity in the burgeoning funk movement.

Mandrill works well if you're into intricate rhythms that invite movement, short bursts of vibrant energy and playful experimentation with sound.

How many songs are on Mandrill?

Mandrill has 10 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Mandrill

Mandrill · 1971

39 min · 10 tracks · funk

A vibrant fusion of funk, rock, and jazz that showcases intricate rhythms and rich vocal harmonies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Mandrill — This opening track introduces the band's vibrant energy and distinctive sound with a mix of catchy hooks and complex rhythms that define their style.
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Warning Blues — Combining bluesy vocals with dynamic instrumentation, this track highlights Mandrill's ability to weave storytelling into their funky grooves.
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Peace and Love (Amani Na Mapenzi), Movement IV: Encounter — This extended piece showcases the band's ambitious approach to composition, seamlessly blending various musical movements while promoting a message of unity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album blends genres with intricate rhythms and vocal harmonies, though its cohesion is affected by the varied tempos.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that features layered vocal harmonies and complex percussion patterns, establishing its eclectic sound.
Tracks vary significantly in tempo and mood, with some like 'Warning Blues' featuring a slower groove while others like 'Rollin' On' are more upbeat and danceable.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

intricate rhythms that invite movement
short bursts of vibrant energy
playful experimentation with sound
dynamic transitions between moods

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward song structures
want lengthy, contemplative pieces

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1971, Mandrill's self-titled debut album marked their entry into the music scene following their formation in the late 1960s. This album set the stage for their eclectic sound, blending various genres and establishing their identity in the burgeoning funk movement.
Stylistic neighbors: Earth, Wind & Fire· Chic· Tower of Power

Tracklist

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

1 Mandrill 4:23
2 Warning Blues 4:34
3 Symphonic Revolution 5:18
4 Rollin' On 7:42
5 Peace and Love (Amani Na Mapenzi), Movement I: Birth 1:50
6 Peace and Love (Amani Na Mapenzi), Movement II: Now 1:46
7 Peace and Love (Amani Na Mapenzi), Movement III: Time 2:14
8 Peace and Love (Amani Na Mapenzi), Movement IV: Encounter 6:03
9 Peace and Love (Amani Na Mapenzi), Movement V: Beginning 2:05
10 Chutney 3:05

What to play next

Listen next

Mandrill Is

1972

Full Mandrill discography Artists like Mandrill

funk

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata