What makes Straphangin' by Brecker Brothers notable?

Straphangin' received positive reviews for its intricate compositions and virtuosic performances, notably from publications like DownBeat and JazzTimes. The album contributed to the Brecker Brothers' reputation within the jazz fusion genre, influencing later artists who sought to blend jazz with contemporary styles. Released in 1981, Straphangin' was the Brecker Brothers' fifth studio album, coming after their successful album, Back to Back, which had solidified their place in the jazz fusion scene. At this time, they were establishing themselves as key figures in jazz-funk, blending elements of rock and funk into their sound while continuing to develop their individual musical identities.

How many songs are on Straphangin'?

Straphangin' has 7 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

Straphangin'

Brecker Brothers · 1981

44 min · 7 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of jazz-funk grooves and intricate horn arrangements that showcases technical prowess and rhythmic innovation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Straphangin' — The title track stands out for its dynamic interplay between rhythms and melodic lines, showcasing the group's signature sound and improvisational skills.
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Threesome — This track features complex time signatures and a playful back-and-forth among the instruments, highlighting the band's ability to weave intricate arrangements with engaging melodies.
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Bathsheba — A more contemplative piece, Bathsheba balances lush harmonies with a haunting melody, demonstrating the emotional range of the brothers' songwriting.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

67 /100

Alpine

Higher than 91% of albums we've rated

The album features intricate compositions and strong performances, but its cohesion is slightly affected by varied pacing.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy title track that features complex horn lines layered over a tight rhythm section.
The final two tracks slow down significantly, creating a contrast to the earlier energetic pieces and allowing for more melodic exploration.

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

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Straphangin' 8:09
2 Threesome 6:29
3 Bathsheba 7:02
4 Jacknife 6:20
5 Why Can't I Be There 5:05
6 Not Ethiopia 5:45
7 Spreadeagle 5:57

What to play next

Listen next

The Brecker Bros. Collection, Vol 2

1991

Go back to

Detente

1980

Full Brecker Brothers discography Artists like Brecker Brothers

jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata