The Clarke/Duke Project II cover

The Clarke/Duke Project II

Stanley Clarke · 1983

38 min · 9 tracks · contemporary R&B

A vibrant fusion of funk and jazz, blending intricate basslines with smooth R&B melodies.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Put It on the Line Start here — This opening track sets the album's energetic tone with its catchy hooks and infectious groove, exemplifying the collaborative chemistry between Clarke and Duke.
  • →
    Every Reason to Smile — This track features uplifting lyrics paired with a bright melody that showcases Clarke’s bass work, making it a standout representation of the album’s positive vibe.
  • →
    Heroes — With its soulful vocals and rich instrumentation, this song highlights the emotional depth of the project while maintaining a danceable rhythm.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

56 /100
Foothills
Higher than 47% of albums we've rated

The album blends funk and jazz with strong musicianship but lacks a cohesive flow across its tracks.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks incorporate call-and-response elements between the bass and keyboards, creating a dynamic interplay that keeps the listener engaged.
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
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

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 mid-tempo groove
  • soulful melodies for relaxation
  • vibrant background for socializing
  • uplifting tracks for positivity

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking intense emotional peaks
  • prefer fast-paced listening experiences

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — Beloved by fans for its genre-blending and virtuosic performances.
Themes
funk-infused joy· collaborative chemistry· uplifting melodies
Career context
By 1983, Stanley Clarke was already an acclaimed bassist and composer, having released several successful albums. The Clarke/Duke Project II marked his second collaboration with keyboardist George Duke, following their self-titled debut in 1981, solidifying their partnership in the contemporary jazz and funk scenes.
Stylistic neighbors
Victor Wooten· Marcus Miller· George Duke

Tracklist

  • 1 Put It on the Line Start here 4:23
  • 2 Heroes 4:53
  • 3 Try Me Baby 3:41
  • 4 Every Reason to Smile 4:21
  • 5 Great Danes 3:48
  • 6 The Good Times 4:39
  • 7 You're Gonna Love It 5:02
  • 8 Trip You in Love 3:26
  • 9 Atlanta 4:06

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata