Pizzazz
Patrice Rushen · 1979
38 min · 8 tracks · jazz
A vibrant fusion of jazz, soul, and funk that invites listeners to dance while exploring deeper emotional themes.
Top tracks — play these first
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Haven't You Heard — This track features a captivating groove and memorable melody, exemplifying Rushen's skillful blend of jazz and R&B while becoming one of her signature songs.
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Let the Music Take Me — Opening the album with an infectious rhythm and uplifting lyrics, this song perfectly encapsulates the celebratory spirit that defines Pizzazz.
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Keepin' Faith in Love — This track showcases Rushen's vocal prowess and songwriting depth, weaving a narrative about love that resonates through its heartfelt delivery.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Pizzazz blends jazz, soul, and funk with intricate arrangements, showcasing Rushen's compositional skill and distinct style.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track that features layered brass and rhythmic guitar, setting a lively tone.
- The final track is a reprise of an earlier piece, creating a cyclical structure that ties the album together.
- 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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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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
- dynamic emotional journeys
- atmospheric background focus
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1979, Pizzazz was Patrice Rushen's fourth studio album, following her breakthrough with the critically acclaimed 'Patrice.' By this time, she had established herself as a prominent figure in the jazz-fusion scene, blending intricate melodies with soulful grooves and shaping her distinctive sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- George Duke· Chaka Khan· Herbie Hancock
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Keepin' Faith in Love
The chorus shifts to a hopeful affirmation about enduring love amidst challenges.
This structural choice emphasizes resilience in relationships, contrasting with verses that detail uncertainty.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Let the Music Take Me 6:51
- 2 Keepin' Faith in Love 4:09
- 3 Settle for My Love 5:15
- 4 Message in the Music 3:02
- 5 Haven't You Heard 6:45
- 6 Givin' It Up Is Givin' Up 5:00
- 7 Call on Me 6:49
- 8 Reprise (Message in the Music) 0:57
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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