Is Mr. Hands a good place to start with Herbie Hancock?

Yes, Mr. Hands is recommended as a starting point for new Herbie Hancock listeners. A vibrant blend of jazz fusion and electronic elements that transports listeners to a futuristic soundscape. Released in 1980, 'Mr. Hands' marked Herbie Hancock's continued evolution as an artist following his commercial success with 'Head Hunters' in 1973. At this point, Hancock was experimenting more with electronic instrumentation while maintaining his roots in jazz, showcasing his willingness to push sonic boundaries. The album reflects a transitional phase as he navigated the emerging genres of jazz-funk and electro.

Who is Mr. Hands for?

Mr. Hands works well if you're into steady mid-tempo groove exploration, vibrant soundscapes for focus and immersive listening in sequence.

How many songs are on Mr. Hands?

Mr. Hands has 6 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Mr. Hands

Herbie Hancock · 1980

39 min · 6 tracks · classical · funk · jazz fusion

A vibrant blend of jazz fusion and electronic elements that transports listeners to a futuristic soundscape.

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Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo groove exploration
vibrant soundscapes for focus
immersive listening in sequence
playful rhythms inviting movement

Maybe skip if you want

prefer fast-paced instant gratification
seek standalone hit tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — The album showcases Hancock's departure into electronic sounds, diverging from earlier jazz styles.
Themes: futuristic soundscape· Caribbean rhythms· electronic jazz fusion
Career context: Released in 1980, 'Mr. Hands' marked Herbie Hancock's continued evolution as an artist following his commercial success with 'Head Hunters' in 1973. At this point, Hancock was experimenting more with electronic instrumentation while maintaining his roots in jazz, showcasing his willingness to push sonic boundaries. The album reflects a transitional phase as he navigated the emerging genres of jazz-funk and electro.
Stylistic neighbors: Chick Corea· Weather Report· Miles Davis
If this clicks, go next to: Monster — Continues the fusion and electronic vibe with a fresh approach.
Sounds like this from elsewhere: Return to Forever by Chick Corea — Explores similar jazz fusion with electronic textures and a vibrant, experimental spirit.

Heavy Weather by Weather Report — Combines jazz fusion with innovative electronic elements and a forward-thinking approach to rhythm.

Reach for It by George Duke — Merges funk and jazz with electronic influences, creating dynamic, upbeat soundscapes.

New to Herbie Hancock? Find your way in →

Tracklist

New here? Start with "Spiraling Prism".

1 Spiraling Prism Start here 6:25
2 Calypso 6:45
3 Just Around the Corner 7:36
4 4 AM 5:23
5 Shiftless Shuffle 7:11
6 Textures 6:38

What to play next

This album is considered a Experimental in Herbie Hancock's catalog. The album showcases Hancock's departure into electronic sounds, diverging from earlier jazz styles.

Listen next

Monster

1980

Continues the fusion and electronic vibe with a fresh approach.

Go back to

Butterfly

1979

Sets the stage with similar experimental elements and jazz fusion.

Full Herbie Hancock discography Where to start with Herbie Hancock Artists like Herbie Hancock

funk jazz fusion

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