The Budos Band II cover

The Budos Band II

The Budos Band · 2007

37 min · 10 tracks · funk

A vibrant blend of Afro-soul and funk, characterized by intricate rhythms and rich horn arrangements that evoke a lively atmosphere.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Chicago Falcon — This opening track sets the tone with its dynamic horn lines and driving percussion, showcasing the band’s ability to blend traditional African sounds with modern funk elements.
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    Budos Rising — Combining a hypnotic groove with layered instrumentation, this track exemplifies the band's knack for creating rich sonic landscapes that invite listener immersion.
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    Mas o Menos — With an infectious rhythm and catchy melodies, this track highlights the band's skill in crafting danceable music while maintaining an intricate arrangement.
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    My Girl — This cover features a unique instrumental interpretation that transforms the classic into a vibrant celebration of sound, showcasing their versatility.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

66 /100
Alpine
Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The Budos Band II showcases intricate rhythms and rich arrangements, solidifying its unique sound within the funk genre.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a strong horn section in 'Chicago Falcon' that sets a high-energy tone, which is maintained through the first five tracks.
  • Each track features complex rhythmic patterns and layered instrumentation, often incorporating call-and-response elements between horns and percussion.
  • The last three tracks introduce slower tempos and more atmospheric arrangements, allowing for a gradual winding down of energy.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

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

  • vibrant rhythms for dancing
  • short bursts of energy
  • celebratory atmosphere with friends
  • playful grooves for gatherings

Maybe skip if you

  • slow-paced introspective listening
  • long, drawn-out compositions

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2007, The Budos Band II is the band's second studio album, following their self-titled debut in 2005. At this point, The Budos Band was solidifying its signature sound, merging Afrobeat with American funk and jazz influences, which would help them carve a niche within the contemporary instrumental music scene.
Stylistic neighbors
Antibalas· Shabazz Palaces· Fela Kuti

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Chicago Falcon 2:53
  • 2 Budos Rising 4:49
  • 3 Ride or Die 3:35
  • 4 Mas o Menos 3:40
  • 5 Adeniji 2:45
  • 6 King Cobra 3:40
  • 7 My Girl 3:49
  • 8 Origin of Man 4:52
  • 9 Scorpion 3:51
  • 10 Deep in the Sand 3:45

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata