Released 18 years ago this October
Ninja Tuna
Mr. Scruff · 2008
67 min · 13 tracks · chill-out music
A vibrant blend of jazzy beats and playful samples that invites listeners to unwind and dance simultaneously.
Top tracks — play these first
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Music Takes Me Up — This track encapsulates the album's spirit with its uplifting melodies and infectious groove, making it a standout anthem for relaxation and celebration alike.
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Whiplash — With its hypnotic bassline and intricate layering, this track showcases Mr. Scruff's ability to blend various musical elements into a cohesive, captivating experience.
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Stockport Carnival — A vibrant celebration of sound, this track combines lively instrumentation with rhythmic complexity, reflecting the festival atmosphere that defines much of Mr. Scruff's work.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Ninja Tuna blends jazzy elements with playful samples, creating a cohesive chill-out experience.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of jazzy samples layered over downtempo beats, creating a relaxed yet rhythmic atmosphere.
- Several tracks incorporate playful vocal snippets that add an element of whimsy and engage the listener without dominating the instrumental focus.
- The sequencing allows for smooth transitions between tracks, maintaining a steady groove while varying the instrumentation and tempo.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- 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
- steady, consistent energy levels
- long, immersive listening sessions
- groove-oriented background ambiance
- gradual builds and payoffs
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time Mr. Scruff released Ninja Tuna in 2008, he had established himself as a significant player in the downtempo and chill-out scenes with earlier albums like Keep It Unreal (1999). This album marked a continuation of his unique style, incorporating diverse influences while showcasing his evolving production techniques. Following a successful run of singles and remixes, this record solidified his reputation for crafting engaging, eclectic soundscapes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Bonobo· Nightmares on Wax· Thievery Corporation
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Hold On
The repetition of key phrases builds a sense of urgency while emphasizing resilience amidst uncertainty.
This structural choice creates an engaging contrast between tension and release, mirroring the dynamic flow found throughout the album.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Test the Sound 1:41
- 2 Music Takes Me Up 5:28
- 3 Donkey Ride 5:14
- 4 Hairy Bumpercress 6:31
- 5 Whiplash 6:01
- 6 Nice Up the Function 3:56
- 7 Bang the Floor 3:43
- 8 Get on Down 5:54
- 9 Hold On 5:04
- 10 Give Up to Get 6:45
- 11 Kalimba 5:51
- 12 This Way 5:32
- 13 Stockport Carnival 5:30
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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