The New Emancipation
Soweto Kinch · 2010
74 min · 13 tracks · jazz
A dynamic fusion of jazz, hip-hop, and spoken word that explores themes of identity and socio-political struggle.
Top tracks — play these first
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A People With No Past — This track intricately weaves together historical references with modern struggles, serving as a poignant commentary on identity and heritage.
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Love of Money — With its infectious groove and sharp lyrics, this track critiques materialism while highlighting Kinch’s ability to blend social commentary with engaging melodies.
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Axis of Evil — This song features a compelling narrative structure that captures the listener's attention while addressing geopolitical issues through a personal lens.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's fusion of genres and narrative structure creates a compelling listening experience.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate spoken word segments that intersperse with instrumental passages, creating a narrative flow throughout the record.
- The first half of the album maintains a consistent tempo, while the second half introduces more varied rhythms and dynamics, culminating in a reflective closing track.
- 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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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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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Trying to Be a Star
The bridge shifts to a reflective tone where the narrator questions their pursuit of fame amidst societal pressures.
This moment reveals a deeper introspection that contrasts with the earlier bravado, reflecting the tension between aspiration and authenticity.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 An Ancient Worksong 1:44
- 2 Trying to Be a Star 4:28
- 3 A People With No Past 6:45
- 4 Paris Heights 7:58
- 5 Suspended Adolescence 7:37
- 6 Help 7:13
- 7 Love of Money 4:32
- 8 Trade 8:19
- 9 Axis of Evil 3:42
- 10 On the Treadmill 4:53
- 11 Escape 2:35
- 12 Never Ending 10:29
- 13 Raise Your Spirit 4:30
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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