The Cynic
Zoe Rahman · 2001
35 min · 7 tracks · jazz
A vibrant blend of intricate jazz harmonies and emotive piano melodies that challenge conventional boundaries.
Top tracks — play these first
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October — This opening track features a captivating interplay between the piano and bass, setting the tone for the album's intricate musical conversations.
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The Cynic — The title track stands out for its complex structure and emotional depth, revealing Rahman's prowess as both a composer and performer.
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Never Enough — This piece showcases Rahman's lyrical piano style, blending rich melodies with subtle rhythmic shifts that create an engaging listening experience.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album balances intricate compositions with skilled improvisation, making it a notable entry in contemporary jazz.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of complex chord progressions that shift unexpectedly, creating a sense of tension and release.
- Each track showcases extended improvisation sections where the piano interacts dynamically with the rhythm section, often leading to surprising melodic developments.
- The first three tracks are relatively short, averaging around four minutes, while the last four tracks extend beyond five minutes, allowing for deeper exploration of themes.
- 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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6/10
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.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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The Lady Lies
A turning point where the narrative shifts from introspection to a direct confrontation with deception.
This structural shift emphasizes the emotional stakes of the song, drawing listeners into a more urgent and personal realm.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 October 6:25
- 2 Apple Pie 5:46
- 3 Monica 5:13
- 4 The Cynic 5:00
- 5 Zen 0:56
- 6 The Lady Lies 6:33
- 7 Never Enough 6:05
What to play next
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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