What makes Out Louder by Medeski Martin & Wood notable?

Out Louder received critical acclaim upon its release, praised for its adventurous spirit and intricate musicianship. The album helped solidify Medeski Martin & Wood's reputation within the jam band scene and contributed to their growing influence on contemporary jazz. Released in 2006, Out Louder marked a significant phase for Medeski Martin & Wood as it was their first album after a four-year hiatus since 2002's Uninvisible. This album showcased their continued evolution as a band, blending different genres while retaining their unique sound that had garnered them a dedicated following in the jazz community.

Who is Out Louder for?

Out Louder works well if you're into dynamic journey with peaks, spontaneous grooves for exploration and for lively gatherings.

How many songs are on Out Louder?

Out Louder has 12 tracks, running approximately 62 minutes.

Released 20 years ago

Out Louder

Medeski Martin & Wood · 2006

62 min · 12 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of jazz, funk, and improvisation that invites listeners to dance and reflect simultaneously.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Tequila and Chocolate — This track exemplifies the band's ability to blend groove-heavy rhythms with complex melodic structures, creating an infectious energy perfect for live performance.
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Cachaca — Featuring Latin influences, this track highlights the trio's knack for cross-genre experimentation while maintaining a tight interplay between instruments.
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Hanuman — This song showcases the band's improvisational prowess, building from a laid-back groove into an explosive climax that underscores their dynamic range.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album's vibrant fusion of styles and strong musicianship create an engaging yet cohesive experience.

What we noticed

The album features extended improvisational sections, with several tracks exceeding six minutes and allowing for intricate interplay between instruments.

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

dynamic journey with peaks
spontaneous grooves for exploration
for lively gatherings
vibrant sound for dancing
headphone detail hunting

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward song structures
seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Helped solidify their reputation in the jam band scene after a hiatus.
Career context: Released in 2006, Out Louder marked a significant phase for Medeski Martin & Wood as it was their first album after a four-year hiatus since 2002's Uninvisible. This album showcased their continued evolution as a band, blending different genres while retaining their unique sound that had garnered them a dedicated following in the jazz community.
Stylistic neighbors: The Bad Plus· Snarky Puppy· Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Legalize It

The lyrics shift from personal reflections to broader social commentary, addressing the implications of cannabis legalization.

This transition not only broadens the song's thematic scope but also reflects the band's engagement with contemporary issues, showcasing their ability to blend music with meaningful dialogue.