Renaissance
Marcus Miller · 2012
72 min · 13 tracks · funk
A vibrant fusion of jazz and funk, seamlessly blending intricate grooves with soulful melodies and rich instrumentation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Redemption — This track features a powerful interplay between bass and brass, highlighting Miller's mastery of groove while addressing themes of hope and resilience.
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Slippin’ Into Darkness — With its complex rhythms and emotive solos, this track stands out as a homage to classic funk while integrating contemporary jazz elements.
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Gorée (Go-ray) — This piece is notable for its evocative storytelling through music, reflecting on historical themes tied to the slave trade with a haunting melody.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends intricate grooves with soulful melodies, showcasing strong musicianship and a cohesive flow.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of syncopated bass lines that drive the rhythm, particularly evident in tracks like 'Detroit' and 'Mr. Clean'.
- The sequencing alternates between high-energy grooves and more reflective pieces, with 'Interlude: Nocturnal Mist' serving as a calming pause in the middle of the record.
- 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
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
- wave-like dynamics with resolution
- vibrant grooves for celebration
- intimate moments for reflection
- engaging rhythmic interplay throughout
- late-night vibe for winding down
Maybe skip if you
- prefer quick, upbeat tracks
- dislike extended musical explorations
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'Renaissance' was released in 2012, Marcus Miller had already established himself as a prominent figure in jazz fusion and funk, known for his work as a bassist and producer. This album followed his acclaimed 2008 release, 'Marcus,' which marked a return to his solo career after years of collaboration with various artists, showcasing his evolving artistry and personal expression.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Victor Wooten· Stanley Clarke· Herbie Hancock
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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I'll Be There
The melody shifts from minor to major key introduces a sense of uplifting optimism amidst the narrative of support.
This shift not only enhances the emotional depth but also mirrors the lyrical themes of commitment and reassurance.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Detroit 5:44
- 2 Redemption 6:09
- 3 February 4:15
- 4 Slippin’ Into Darkness 9:15
- 5 Setembro (Brazilian Wedding Song) 6:38
- 6 Jekyll & Hyde 6:31
- 7 Interlude: Nocturnal Mist 1:16
- 8 Revelation 4:46
- 9 Mr. Clean 5:01
- 10 Gorée (Go-ray) 5:39
- 11 CEE-TEE-EYE 7:40
- 12 Tightrope 5:47
- 13 I'll Be There 3:48
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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