What makes Next by Soulive notable?

Next received significant praise for its inventive compositions and energetic performances, contributing to Soulive's rise within the jam band scene. The album helped solidify their reputation as a pivotal act in contemporary jazz, influencing later artists blending genres and earning them a loyal following. Released in 2002, Next marked Soulive's third studio album, following their critically acclaimed release, Further. At this point in their career, the band had solidified their presence in the jazz-funk genre, showcasing their unique blend of soul and improvisational prowess while expanding their fanbase through extensive touring and collaborations.

Next works well if you're into soulful grooves for dancing, vibrant improvisation with friends and reflective moments during long drives.

How many songs are on Next?

Next has 13 tracks, running approximately 74 minutes.

Next (2002) by Soulive | Album Guide

Soulive · 2002

74 min · 13 tracks · jazz

Funky grooves intertwine with soulful improvisation, creating a vibrant jazz landscape that invites listeners to move and reflect.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Tuesday Night’s Squad — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its infectious groove and intricate interplay between instruments, encapsulating the band's signature style.
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Liquid — Featuring smooth transitions and dynamic solos, this track exemplifies the band's ability to fuse jazz elements with funk rhythms, making it a standout piece.
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Clap! — With its catchy hook and upbeat tempo, this track serves as a crowd favorite during live performances, reflecting Soulive's energetic stage presence.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

Soulive's 'Next' combines energetic grooves with improvisation, showcasing their jazz-funk style effectively.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features upbeat tracks with strong rhythmic grooves, while the second half shifts to more contemplative and slower pieces.
Several tracks incorporate extended improvisational sections, allowing the musicians to explore themes and motifs in real-time.

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: 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

soulful grooves for dancing
vibrant improvisation with friends
reflective moments during long drives
upbeat energy for gatherings
dynamic transitions between tracks

Maybe skip if you

prefer short, standalone tracks
seek immediate gratification

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2002, Next marked Soulive's third studio album, following their critically acclaimed release, Further. At this point in their career, the band had solidified their presence in the jazz-funk genre, showcasing their unique blend of soul and improvisational prowess while expanding their fanbase through extensive touring and collaborations.
Stylistic neighbors: The New Mastersounds· Snarky Puppy· Medeski Martin & Wood

Tracklist

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

1 Tuesday Night’s Squad 7:23
2 Flurries 5:55
3 Liquid 6:39
4 Joyful Girl 6:16
5 Kalen 7:39
6 Clap! 5:21
7 Interlude 1:11
8 Ne-Ne 8:06
9 I Don’t Know 5:09
10 Whatever It Is 4:30
11 Alkime 7:01
12 E.D. Hambone 5:06
13 Bridge to ’Bama (Hi Tek remix) 4:36

What to play next

Listen next

Turn It Out Remixed

2003

Go back to

Turn It Out

2002

Full Soulive discography Artists like Soulive

jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata