Is New Standards a good place to start with Kenny G?

Yes, New Standards is recommended as a starting point for new Kenny G listeners. Lush melodies soar over smooth jazz arrangements, blending Kenny G's signature saxophone with contemporary orchestration. By the time New Standards was released in December 2021, Kenny G had already established himself as a leading figure in smooth jazz since the late 1980s. This album marks his first collection of original compositions in several years, following a period of extensive touring and collaborations that underscored his enduring popularity.

Who is New Standards for?

New Standards works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, intimate reflective moments and long, immersive listening sessions.

How many songs are on New Standards?

New Standards has 12 tracks, running approximately 56 minutes.

New Standards

Kenny G · 2021

56 min · 12 tracks · easy listening

Lush melodies soar over smooth jazz arrangements, blending Kenny G's signature saxophone with contemporary orchestration.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Emeline Start here — Opening the album with a gentle yet captivating melody, this track highlights Kenny G's emotive saxophone playing while setting a serene tone for the entire project.
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Rendezvous — This track features intricate harmonies and showcases Kenny's ability to weave complex musical narratives through his improvisational skills, making it a standout piece.
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Legacy — With its reflective theme and rich instrumentation, this song encapsulates the essence of the album’s exploration of personal and musical heritage.
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Moonlight — The lush arrangement and romantic undertones in this piece exemplify the emotional depth that defines much of Kenny G's work throughout his career.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

49 /100

Foothills

Higher than 22% of albums we've rated

The album showcases polished craftsmanship but relies on familiar structures and sounds typical of the genre.

What we noticed

The album features lush orchestral arrangements that complement Kenny G's saxophone, creating a smooth and polished sound throughout.
Each track maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, with melodies that often resolve in a predictable manner.
Several tracks incorporate subtle variations in instrumentation, but the overall sonic palette remains cohesive and familiar.

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

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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

steady, consistent energy levels
intimate reflective moments
long, immersive listening sessions
smooth background ambiance

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Showcases Kenny G's continued vitality with fresh original material in his later career.
Moods: Chill· Introspective
Career context: By the time New Standards was released in December 2021, Kenny G had already established himself as a leading figure in smooth jazz since the late 1980s. This album marks his first collection of original compositions in several years, following a period of extensive touring and collaborations that underscored his enduring popularity.
Stylistic neighbors: David Sanborn· Chris Botti· George Benson