The Legend of Mike Smith
Soweto Kinch · 2013
145 min · 41 tracks · jazz
A vibrant tapestry of jazz, hip-hop, and spoken word that navigates the complexities of modern life and identity.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Dream — This track stands out for its intricate layering of sound and thought-provoking lyrics, encapsulating the existential struggles faced in modern life. The seven-minute journey blends various genres while exploring themes of aspiration and disillusionment.
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Pressure — In this track, Kinch delves into the pressures of contemporary existence, using dynamic instrumentation to mirror the intensity of his message. The interplay between rhythm and narrative creates a compelling atmosphere that captures listeners’ attention.
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Acedia — This track's exploration of apathy is marked by a haunting melody and introspective lyrics, making it a poignant reflection on mental fatigue in an overstimulated world. Its unique structure invites listeners to engage deeply with its thematic content.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's ambitious blend of genres and themes showcases strong writing and execution but lacks some cohesion due to its extensive tracklist.
What we noticed
- The album features a continuous flow of tracks that blend jazz instrumentation with hip-hop rhythms and spoken word elements.
- Several tracks incorporate abrupt transitions, moving from one musical theme to another without traditional verse-chorus structures.
- Many tracks are interspersed with brief spoken word segments that provide commentary on societal issues, enhancing the thematic depth.
- 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
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 Dream
The shift from hopeful aspirations to stark reality unfolds within the verses as Kinch juxtaposes uplifting melodies with somber reflections.
This contrast not only showcases Kinch's lyrical dexterity but also emphasizes the duality of dreams versus reality, inviting listeners to confront their own expectations.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 The Phone Call 2:22
- 2 A Restless Mind 3:32
- 3 The Great Commission 0:16
- 4 The Dream 7:11
- 5 Proactive Training 1:52
- 6 Acedia 6:48
- 7 Buzzy's Coattails 2:03
- 8 Invidia 4:40
- 9 Pick Up the Phone 0:37
- 10 Road Block 6:45
- 11 Tube Delays 0:16
- 12 Traffic Lights 4:27
- 13 Pressure 6:06
- 14 Serpent's Tail 0:47
- 15 Ira 5:03
- 16 Concierge 1:16
- 17 Vacuum 8:33
- 18 Shopping Spree 0:30
- 19 Sweeping Change 7:52
- 20 Lord of the Flies 0:37
- 21 Gula 6:34
Disc 2
- 1 Escape the Vomitorium 1:23
- 2 Luxuria 6:04
- 3 Not Smooth Sir 0:39
- 4 The Board Game 4:52
- 5 Play Again 0:39
- 6 Avaritia 6:41
- 7 Roma 0:46
- 8 Slam 2:15
- 9 Shut Out The Voices 0:55
- 10 Better Off Alone 5:37
- 11 Razor Calls 1:15
- 12 Superbia 6:49
- 13 The Dark Warrior Lord 1:30
- 14 D'Urge 5:48
- 15 Man's Darkest Hour 0:53
- 16 Epiphany 7:09
- 17 I'm Going Anyway 1:43
- 18 The Healing 5:13
- 19 The Golden Mic 1:10
- 20 The Bounce 5:38
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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