Shelter
The Brand New Heavies · 1997
62 min · 14 tracks · jazz
A vibrant fusion of acid jazz and funk, rich with soulful grooves and uplifting melodies.
Top tracks — play these first
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You Are the Universe — This track blends a catchy chorus with an infectious groove, showcasing the band's signature sound while becoming one of their most recognizable songs.
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I Like It — With its upbeat tempo and vibrant brass sections, this song captures the energetic essence of the album and exemplifies the band's ability to create danceable tracks.
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Crying Water — This track features smooth vocal delivery over a laid-back groove, highlighting the band's ability to weave emotional depth into their funk-infused sound.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends jazz and funk effectively, with strong grooves and skilled musicianship, though it lacks some cohesion in pacing.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a strong groove in 'I Like It', establishing a consistent mid-tempo feel that persists through the first half.
- The final three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, creating a reflective mood that contrasts with the earlier upbeat songs.
- 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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6/10
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
- uplifting grooves for social gatherings
- soulful melodies for relaxed afternoons
- danceable rhythms that invite movement
- warm vibes for sunny days
Maybe skip if you
- prefer intense, aggressive sounds
- seek minimalistic, stripped-down arrangements
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in early 1997, 'Shelter' marked The Brand New Heavies' third studio album, following their successful self-titled debut and the acclaimed 'Brother Sister'. At this point in their career, they were solidifying their presence in the acid jazz scene, expanding their sound while maintaining a strong fanbase.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Jamiroquai· Incognito· The Roots
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 I Like It 4:02
- 2 Sometimes 4:45
- 3 Shelter 5:01
- 4 Crying Water 4:21
- 5 Day by Day 4:41
- 6 Feels Like Right 4:21
- 7 Highest High 4:30
- 8 You Are the Universe 4:12
- 9 Stay Gone 4:56
- 10 Once Is Twice Enough 3:58
- 11 You Can Do It 4:01
- 12 After Forever 5:23
- 13 Last to Know 4:24
- 14 You've Got a Friend 4:09
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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