Same as It Never Was
The Herbaliser · 2008
51 min · 12 tracks · jazz
A vibrant fusion of jazz, hip-hop, and funk that invites listeners to groove while exploring deeper lyrical themes.
Top tracks — play these first
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Just Won't Stop — This track stands out with its infectious rhythm and catchy hooks, exemplifying the band's ability to fuse upbeat melodies with thoughtful lyrics about perseverance.
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Street Karma (A Cautionary Tale) — With its storytelling format and poignant message, this track delves into social themes, showcasing the band's lyrical depth while maintaining a rhythmic groove.
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Clap Your Hands — The engaging call-and-response structure and lively instrumentation make this track an energetic highlight, encouraging audience participation and embodying the album's celebratory tone.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases strong compositions and skilled craftsmanship, though its cohesion is somewhat uneven.
What we noticed
- The first track features a layered arrangement of brass and percussion that sets a lively tone, while the subsequent tracks maintain a consistent groove with varying instrumentation.
- Several tracks incorporate samples from hip-hop and funk, blending them seamlessly with live instrumentation to create a dynamic soundscape.
- The album's pacing varies, with some tracks maintaining a steady tempo while others introduce breaks and shifts that keep the listener engaged.
- 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
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
- vibrant, reflective listening sessions
- steady grooves for concentration
- dynamic rhythmic exploration
- gradual builds and payoffs
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'Same as It Never Was' was released in 2008, The Herbaliser had established themselves as a prominent act within the UK jazz and hip-hop scenes, following up their 2005 album 'Something Wicked'. This release marked their continued evolution in sound and style, showcasing a blend of live instrumentation with eclectic samples that defined their artistry.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Bonobo· Jazzyfatnastees· Amon Tobin
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Same as It Never Was 3:38
- 2 On Your Knees 4:12
- 3 Just Won't Stop 3:23
- 4 The Next Spot 5:33
- 5 Can't Help This Feeling 3:22
- 6 Amores Bongo 4:09
- 7 Street Karma (A Cautionary Tale) 3:39
- 8 You're Not All That 4:35
- 9 Blackwater Drive 4:56
- 10 Game Set and Match 4:13
- 11 Clap Your Hands 3:17
- 12 Stranded on Earth 6:44
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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