Revival cover

Revival

Hugh Masekela · 2005

70 min · 12 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of jazz, Afrobeat, and traditional South African sounds creates a rich tapestry of cultural expression.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Woman of the Sun — This track captures the essence of African femininity and strength, driven by Masekela's signature trumpet melodies and intricate rhythms.
  • →
    District Six — A poignant tribute to the once-vibrant neighborhood in Cape Town, this song blends nostalgia with a call for remembrance through its emotive storytelling.
  • →
    Fresh Air — With its upbeat tempo and infectious energy, this track embodies the spirit of renewal and vitality that permeates the album, inviting listeners to embrace life.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Revival showcases a rich blend of jazz and South African sounds, highlighting Masekela's unique compositional voice.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of brass instruments, particularly the trumpet, which leads most tracks and establishes a vibrant sound.
  • Several tracks incorporate traditional South African rhythms and melodies, creating a fusion with jazz that is distinctive to Masekela's style.
  • The arrangement often includes layered percussion, which adds depth and complexity to the overall sound without overshadowing the melodic elements.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 5/10

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 mid-tempo groove consistency
  • soulful melodies for relaxation
  • rich instrumentation for deep listening
  • vibrant rhythms for uplifting mood

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking fast-paced excitement
  • prefer short, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
In 2005, Hugh Masekela released Revival as a significant return to form after a lengthy period of relative quiet following his 1994 album, Hope. This album marked a rejuvenation in Masekela's career, showcasing his ability to merge contemporary jazz with African musical traditions. At this point, he was not only an established artist but also a prominent figure advocating for social change through music.
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Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 After Tears 5:16
  • 2 Woman of the Sun 5:35
  • 3 Spring 7:22
  • 4 District Six 6:21
  • 5 Open the Door 7:07
  • 6 Nontsokolo 5:56
  • 7 Fresh Air 5:52
  • 8 Smoke 4:51
  • 9 Ibala Lam 5:11
  • 10 Sleep 5:39
  • 11 For the Love of You 4:50
  • 12 Working Underground 6:44

What to play next

The Chisa Years
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Almost Like Being in Jazz

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cape jazz jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata