Tales
Marcus Miller · 1995
63 min · 16 tracks · funk
A vibrant fusion of funk and jazz, weaving intricate grooves with soulful melodies and rich instrumentation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Strange Fruit — This track stands out for its bold reinterpretation of a historical protest song, merging jazz sensibilities with a powerful message about racial injustice.
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Ethiopia — The song blends African rhythms with Miller's signature funk style, creating an atmospheric homage that celebrates cultural heritage.
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Come Together — This track encapsulates the album's spirit through its infectious groove and collaborative feel, highlighting Miller's ability to unite diverse musical influences.
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 compositions and skilled performances, though it lacks full cohesion.
What we noticed
- There are multiple interludes that create transitions between longer compositions, allowing for a dynamic flow throughout the record.
- The track 'Strange Fruit' is reinterpreted with a jazz-funk arrangement, contrasting its original somber tone with vibrant instrumentation.
- 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
- dynamic exploration with interludes
- wave-like pacing for deep listening
- rich grooves inviting engagement
- reflective moments throughout journey
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward single tracks
- seek instant gratification
Where this album fits
- Career context
- In 1995, Marcus Miller was already an established figure in the jazz world, known for his work with legends like Miles Davis. 'Tales' is significant as it marked his third studio album, showcasing his prowess as a composer and bassist while further solidifying his role as a leader in the smooth jazz and funk genres.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Victor Wooten· Stanley Clarke· Herbie Hancock
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Blues 5:37
- 2 Tales (intro) 0:14
- 3 Tales 5:44
- 4 Eric 6:18
- 5 True Geminis 5:38
- 6 Rush Over 4:59
- 7 Running Through My Dreams (interlude) 1:29
- 8 Ethiopia 5:17
- 9 Strange Fruit (intro) 1:48
- 10 Strange Fruit 2:04
- 11 Visions 5:39
- 12 Tales (reprise) 2:36
- 13 Forevermore (intro) 0:34
- 14 Forevermore 5:01
- 15 Infatuation 5:10
- 16 Come Together 5:30
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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