Songwrights Apothecary Lab
Esperanza Spalding · 2021
60 min · 12 tracks · funk
A genre-defying fusion of jazz, funk, and soul that serves as a sonic exploration of healing and creativity.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Formwela 2 — This track encapsulates the album's experimental nature with its rich harmonies and meditative rhythms, inviting listeners into a reflective space.
-
→
Formwela 4 — Featuring intricate bass lines and layered vocals, this piece exemplifies Spalding's ability to blend complex musical ideas with accessibility.
-
→
Formwela 8 — The extended length allows for deep improvisation and musical exploration, showcasing Spalding's artistic vision of healing through sound.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's structured yet experimental approach to songwriting creates a unique listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album consists of twelve tracks, each titled 'Formwela' followed by a number, creating a cohesive thematic structure.
- Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements alongside instrumental sections, enhancing the narrative aspect of the music.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
8/10
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
- dynamic emotional journeys
- gradual builds and payoffs
- long, immersive listening sessions
- contemplative afternoon reflections
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on September 24, 2021, 'Songwrights Apothecary Lab' marks Esperanza Spalding's return after her Grammy-winning album '12 Little Spells.' At this point in her career, she was recognized not only as a virtuosic bassist and vocalist but also as an innovative composer seeking to integrate music with wellness and emotional expression.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Robert Glasper· Hiatus Kaiyote· Snarky Puppy
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Formwela 1 3:35
- 2 Formwela 2 6:10
- 3 Formwela 3 7:06
- 4 Formwela 4 4:20
- 5 Formwela 5 3:32
- 6 Formwela 6 3:11
- 7 Formwela 7 3:26
- 8 Formwela 8 11:40
- 9 Formwela 9 4:32
- 10 Formwela 10 3:29
- 11 Formwela 11 3:09
- 12 Formwela 13 6:44
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.