What makes The Epic by Kamasi Washington notable?

The Epic received widespread critical acclaim, landing on numerous year-end lists and being hailed as one of the best albums of 2015 by publications such as Pitchfork and The Guardian. Its success helped revitalize interest in jazz music, influencing a new generation of artists and reaching the Billboard charts, which is notable for an instrumental jazz record. Released in 2015, The Epic marked Kamasi Washington's debut studio album following his work as a sideman on Kendrick Lamar's groundbreaking album To Pimp a Butterfly. This project positioned Washington at the forefront of a jazz renaissance in contemporary music and showcased his unique approach to composition and improvisation, building on his earlier EPs and collaborations.

The Epic works well if you're into long, immersive listening sessions, dynamic emotional journeys and gradual builds and payoffs.

How many songs are on The Epic?

The Epic has 17 tracks, running approximately 173 minutes.

The Epic

Kamasi Washington · 2015

173 min · 17 tracks · jazz

A sprawling, ambitious blend of jazz, spiritual themes, and orchestral arrangements that pushes genre boundaries with fervent intensity.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Change of the Guard — Opening with rich harmonies and intricate arrangements, this track sets the tone for the album's thematic exploration of transition and resilience.
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Leroy and Lanisha — This piece beautifully weaves together narrative storytelling through its melodies, capturing emotional depth while showcasing Washington's dynamic saxophone skills.
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Malcolm's Theme — Paying tribute to Malcolm X, this track merges powerful improvisation with a deep sense of historical significance, creating an evocative soundscape.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

81 /100

Summit

Higher than 100% of albums we've rated

The Epic showcases ambitious compositions and a unique sound that revitalizes jazz while maintaining strong cohesion.

What we noticed

The album features extended compositions, with several tracks exceeding ten minutes, allowing for intricate improvisation and thematic development.
Each piece often transitions seamlessly into the next, creating a continuous flow that enhances the overall narrative of the album.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 9/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 9/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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

long, immersive listening sessions
dynamic emotional journeys
gradual builds and payoffs
wave-like pacing experiences

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2015, The Epic marked Kamasi Washington's debut studio album following his work as a sideman on Kendrick Lamar's groundbreaking album To Pimp a Butterfly. This project positioned Washington at the forefront of a jazz renaissance in contemporary music and showcased his unique approach to composition and improvisation, building on his earlier EPs and collaborations.
Stylistic neighbors: Thundercat· Robert Glasper· Esperanza Spalding