That Is Why You're Overweight
Eddie Harris · 1977
42 min · 8 tracks · jazz
A vibrant fusion of jazz and funk, woven with introspective lyrics and innovative arrangements that challenge musical boundaries.
Top tracks — play these first
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That Is Why You're Overweight — This title track exemplifies Harris's unique blend of humor and social critique, set against a funky backdrop that invites listeners to reflect on deeper issues.
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Tryin' Ain't Dyin' — This track stands out through its dynamic rhythms and uplifting message about perseverance, showcasing Harris's skill at marrying complex musicianship with relatable themes.
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Why Do You Hurt Me — With its poignant lyrics and soulful melodies, this track captures a sense of vulnerability that resonates deeply amidst the album's more upbeat songs.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album blends jazz and funk with innovative arrangements, showcasing Harris's unique style and solidifying his influence in the genre.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of electric instrumentation, with synthesizers and electric piano prominent in the arrangements.
- Each track incorporates complex rhythms that blend jazz improvisation with funk grooves, creating a danceable yet sophisticated sound.
- 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
Significant within its genre. 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
- infectious grooves for dancing
- thought-provoking lyrics for reflection
- vibrant sound for social gatherings
- dynamic pacing with varied lengths
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek minimalistic soundscapes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1977, That Is Why You're Overweight marked Eddie Harris's continued exploration of jazz-funk after his successful album, Free Speech. This album followed his experimentation with electric instrumentation and sought to merge social commentary with groove-driven music, reflecting his evolution as an artist during the peak of his career.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sun Ra· Herbie Hancock· Pharoah Sanders
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Why Do You Hurt Me
The moment shifts from a questioning tone to a raw confrontation about personal pain, revealing a deeper emotional layer.
This transition not only enhances the song's emotional impact but also showcases Harris's ability to navigate complex feelings within a jazz framework.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 It's All Right Now 3:53
- 2 Why Do You Hurt Me 4:15
- 3 Flowers 5:01
- 4 That Is Why You're Overweight 7:22
- 5 Tryin' Ain't Dyin' 7:09
- 6 Live Again 4:17
- 7 Ooh 2:48
- 8 Exempt 7:37
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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