What makes Rise by Herb Alpert notable?

'Rise' achieved commercial success by reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart and No. 2 on the Pop chart, solidifying Alpert's status as a crossover jazz artist. The title track became particularly notable for its instrumental brilliance, receiving heavy radio airplay and contributing to the overall popularity of smooth jazz in the late 1970s. Released in 1979, 'Rise' marked Herb Alpert's return to the music scene after a five-year hiatus since his last album. At this point in his career, Alpert was transitioning from his pop-centric Tijuana Brass sound into more sophisticated jazz and instrumental compositions, showcasing his growth as an artist and producer.

Rise works well if you're into smooth melodies for relaxation, sundrenched afternoon vibes and easy listening with rich textures.

How many songs are on Rise?

Rise has 8 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

Rise

Herb Alpert · 1979

41 min · 8 tracks · jazz

Smooth jazz grooves fused with lush orchestration, creating a tranquil yet vibrant sonic landscape that invites relaxation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Rise — The title track encapsulates the album's essence with its hypnotic melody and rhythmic complexity, instantly recognizable as a smooth jazz staple.
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Street Life — This track features sultry vocals intertwined with Alpert's trumpet lines, illustrating his ability to blend different musical elements and genres seamlessly.
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Rotation — With its engaging groove and intricate arrangements, this song showcases Alpert's talent for crafting danceable yet sophisticated instrumental music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

Smooth jazz grooves and lush orchestration create a vibrant yet relaxing soundscape throughout the album.

What we noticed

The title track 'Rise' features a prominent trumpet melody layered over smooth synth pads and a steady groove, establishing a tranquil atmosphere.
Several tracks incorporate lush orchestration with strings and horns, creating a rich sonic texture that complements the melodic lines.
The album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, with most tracks clocking in around four to five minutes, allowing for extended instrumental passages.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

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

smooth melodies for relaxation
sundrenched afternoon vibes
easy listening with rich textures
laid-back groove for gatherings

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy tracks
prefer fast-paced music

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1979, 'Rise' marked Herb Alpert's return to the music scene after a five-year hiatus since his last album. At this point in his career, Alpert was transitioning from his pop-centric Tijuana Brass sound into more sophisticated jazz and instrumental compositions, showcasing his growth as an artist and producer.
Stylistic neighbors: Chuck Mangione· Burt Bacharach· David Sanborn