Q: Soul Bossa Nostra
Quincy Jones · 2010
65 min · 15 tracks · funk
An eclectic fusion of funk, soul, and jazz that celebrates Quincy Jones' unparalleled influence in music.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Soul Bossa Nostra Start here — The title track is a vibrant reimagining of one of Jones' most famous compositions, showcasing his signature blend of rhythms and melodies while highlighting contemporary influences.
-
→
Give Me the Night — This track features smooth vocals and a polished production style that reflects the essence of '80s funk, illustrating Jones' ability to bridge different musical eras.
-
→
P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) — Returning to this Michael Jackson classic, the arrangement presents a fresh take that reverberates with nostalgia while showcasing modern vocal talents.
-
→
Strawberry Letter 23 — This interpretation retains the original's lush harmonies and intricate instrumentation, making it a standout example of how Jones revitalizes beloved classics.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album celebrates Quincy Jones' legacy with diverse collaborations and arrangements but lacks a strong cohesive narrative.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate layered instrumentation, blending brass, strings, and rhythm sections to create rich textures.
- 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
-
6/10
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
- dynamic mix of tempos
- celebratory party atmosphere
- headphone detail hunting
- for social gatherings
- wave-like pacing for engagement
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song structures
- seek intense emotional depth
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Fan Favorite — Celebrates Quincy's influence with eclectic collaborations, cherished by dedicated fans.
- Themes
- retro funk revival· 80s smooth jazz· contemporary soul reinterpretation
- Career context
- By the time 'Q: Soul Bossa Nostra' was released in 2010, Quincy Jones had already established himself as a legendary figure in music, known for his production work and collaborations. This album serves as a retrospective celebration of his career, featuring reinterpretations of his classic compositions alongside contributions from contemporary artists.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Herbie Hancock· Stevie Wonder· George Benson
Tracklist
- 1 Ironside 3:55
- 2 Strawberry Letter 23 3:53
- 3 Soul Bossa Nostra Start here 4:08
- 4 Give Me the Night 3:45
- 5 Tomorrow 4:31
- 6 You Put a Move on My Heart 5:00
- 7 Get the Funk Out of My Face 3:11
- 8 Secret Garden 5:53
- 9 Betcha Wouldn’t Hurt Me 7:05
- 10 Everything Must Change 5:24
- 11 Many Rains Ago (Oluwa) 4:57
- 12 P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) 4:05
- 13 It's My Party 2:36
- 14 Hikky-Burr 2:56
- 15 Sanford and Son 4:08
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.