Is Tap Step a good place to start with Chick Corea?

Yes, Tap Step is recommended as a starting point for new Chick Corea listeners. A vibrant fusion of complex rhythms and melodic improvisation, showcasing Corea's virtuosity and innovative spirit in jazz. By the time Chick Corea released 'Tap Step' in 1980, he was already an established figure in jazz, following his acclaimed work with Return to Forever. This album came after a series of successful records that blended jazz with various genres, showcasing his ability to innovate while staying true to his roots.

Tap Step works well if you're into steady rhythms for focused listening, spontaneous exploration with vibrant sounds and engaging narrative through consistent development.

How many songs are on Tap Step?

Tap Step has 7 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

Tap Step

Chick Corea · 1980

41 min · 7 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of complex rhythms and melodic improvisation, showcasing Corea's virtuosity and innovative spirit in jazz.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Samba L. A. Start here — This opening track sets the tone with a lively samba rhythm, highlighting Corea's ability to blend Latin influences with jazz sophistication.
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Tap Step — The title track features intricate rhythmic patterns and a dynamic interplay between instruments, exemplifying the album's adventurous spirit.
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Magic Carpet — This track showcases Corea’s playful side, incorporating whimsical melodies and spontaneous improvisation that invites listeners on a journey.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album's complex rhythms and improvisational style reflect Corea's innovative approach to jazz fusion.

What we noticed

Each track showcases extended improvisation, with Corea frequently shifting between piano and synthesizer to explore different textures.
The sequencing of tracks maintains a consistent energy level, with 'Samba L. A.' opening the album and 'Flamenco' closing it on a vibrant note.

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

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady rhythms for focused listening
spontaneous exploration with vibrant sounds
engaging narrative through consistent development
suitable for lively gatherings

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
seek standalone single experiences

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Showcases a departure into complex rhythms and avant-garde influences.
Themes: Latin jazz fusion· rhythmic improvisation· avant-garde experimentation
Career context: By the time Chick Corea released 'Tap Step' in 1980, he was already an established figure in jazz, following his acclaimed work with Return to Forever. This album came after a series of successful records that blended jazz with various genres, showcasing his ability to innovate while staying true to his roots.
Stylistic neighbors: Herbie Hancock· Keith Jarrett· McCoy Tyner