Never Stop II
The Bad Plus · 2018
52 min · 10 tracks · jazz
A dynamic blend of avant-garde jazz and intricate melodies that challenge conventional structures while maintaining an engaging flow.
Top tracks — play these first
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Hurricane Birds — This track opens the album with a striking combination of rhythmic complexity and melodic exploration, setting the tone for the entire project.
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Commitment — A highlight that showcases the trio's tight interplay and emotional depth, illustrating their capacity to fuse technical prowess with heartfelt expression.
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1983 Regional All-Star — This composition features adventurous time signatures and bold improvisations, exemplifying the band's signature style and willingness to push boundaries.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album's intricate compositions and cohesive flow highlight The Bad Plus's evolving sound post-Ethan Iverson.
What we noticed
- Each piece showcases a distinct thematic development, with motifs reappearing in varied forms throughout the record.
- The instrumentation is primarily driven by piano, bass, and drums, allowing for intricate interplay and spontaneous improvisation.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- dynamic shifts that surprise listeners
- engaging flow with intricate melodies
- thought-provoking soundscapes for reflection
- moments of tension and release
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song structures
- want quick, catchy tunes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in January 2018, Never Stop II is The Bad Plus's first album after the departure of founding pianist Ethan Iverson, marking a significant shift in their sound. This album showcases the trio's ability to redefine their identity through new compositions while maintaining their jazz roots and collaborative spirit.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Brad Mehldau· Hiatus Kaiyote· Tigran Hamasyan
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Hurricane Birds 5:29
- 2 Trace 5:00
- 3 Boffadem 5:16
- 4 Safe Passage 3:22
- 5 1983 Regional All-Star 6:43
- 6 Salvages 5:34
- 7 Commitment 4:06
- 8 Lean in the Archway 4:41
- 9 Kerosene II 4:44
- 10 Seams 7:14
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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