Respect
Jimmy Smith · 1967
31 min · 5 tracks · funk
A vibrant blend of jazz and soul, steeped in funky grooves and electrifying organ riffs.
Top tracks — play these first
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Mercy, Mercy, Mercy — This opening track is a soulful rendition that perfectly captures Smith's emotive playing style and sets the tone for the album's cohesive blend of jazz and funk.
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Funky Broadway — Smith’s interpretation of this classic showcases his mastery of syncopated rhythms and call-and-response patterns, making it a highlight of the album.
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Get Out of My Life — This track stands out with its driving beat and improvisational flair, exemplifying how Smith infused jazz with contemporary funk influences.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong compositions and vibrant performances, particularly in its title track.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track featuring prominent organ riffs and a tight rhythm section that sets a funky tone.
- Each track features extended improvisation, allowing the musicians to explore themes while maintaining a consistent groove.
- The title track 'Respect' is arranged with call-and-response elements between the organ and horns, creating an engaging dynamic.
- 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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5/10
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 grooves for social gatherings
- vibrant energy for upbeat moments
- captivating organ riffs throughout
- short tracks for quick enjoyment
Maybe skip if you
- prefer lengthy, introspective pieces
- seek complex, layered compositions
Where this album fits
- Career context
- In 1967, Jimmy Smith was already an established jazz organist, known for his pioneering work in hard bop and soul jazz. 'Respect' marked his continued evolution, following the success of albums like 'Back at the Chicken Shack' and further solidifying his influence in the jazz-funk genre during a peak period of creativity.
- Stylistic neighbors
- George Benson· Herbie Hancock· Jimmy McGriff
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Respect
The song shifts from playful to assertive as it repeats its central demand for recognition.
This structural transformation within the song emphasizes the urgency of its message, reflecting broader themes of empowerment and self-worth.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Mercy, Mercy, Mercy 6:38
- 2 Respect 2:18
- 3 Funky Broadway 6:40
- 4 T-Bone Steak 7:24
- 5 Get Out of My Life 8:53
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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