Released 30 years ago
The New Standard
Herbie Hancock · 1996
77 min · 11 tracks · classical music
A reflective journey through jazz-infused covers, blending emotive melodies with Hancock's signature keyboard artistry.
Top tracks — play these first
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New York Minute Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown) — Hancock's interpretation transforms the Beatles' classic into a mellow jazz piece that highlights his harmonic creativity and improvisational skills.
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Mercy Street — This cover of Peter Gabriel's song showcases Hancock's ability to blend pop sensibilities with sophisticated jazz arrangements, creating a haunting atmosphere.
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Scarborough Fair — A lush rendition of the traditional English ballad, Hancock's version elegantly intertwines rich piano lines with ethereal textures, demonstrating his nuanced musicality.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalHancock's reinterpretations blend jazz and classical elements, showcasing his artistry while maintaining a cohesive sound.
What we noticed
- Each track features a prominent piano melody, often accompanied by subtle string arrangements that enhance the emotive quality.
- The album maintains a consistent tempo throughout, with most tracks hovering around a relaxed mid-tempo feel.
- Several pieces incorporate improvisational sections, allowing Hancock's keyboard work to explore variations on the main 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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady pacing for reflective moments
- introspective melodies for quiet evenings
- seamless flow throughout the album
- gradual emotional build across tracks
Maybe skip if you
- seeking fast-paced energy
- prefer standalone hit singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — It reinterprets pop songs through jazz, differing from Hancock's earlier works.
- Themes
- New York introspection· jazz reinterpretation· melodic innovation
- Moods
- Introspective· Chill
- Career context
- By 1996, Herbie Hancock was an established figure in the jazz world, having achieved significant acclaim since his debut in the 1960s. 'The New Standard' marked a return to more traditional jazz roots following his explorations of electronic sounds and pop music in the previous decade, showcasing his versatility as both a musician and an arranger.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Chick Corea· Weather Report· Miles Davis
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Mercy Street
The shift from contemplative verses to a soaring chorus captures a sense of yearning and emotional depth.
This dynamic contrast emphasizes the emotional weight of the lyrics, enhancing the listener’s connection to the song's themes of longing and hope.
Tracklist
- 1 New York Minute Start here 8:35
- 2 Mercy Street 8:37
- 3 Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown) 8:07
- 4 When Can I See You 6:17
- 5 You’ve Got It Bad Girl 7:15
- 6 Love Is Stronger Than Pride 8:00
- 7 Scarborough Fair 8:24
- 8 Thieves in the Temple 7:33
- 9 All Apologies 5:08
- 10 Manhattan (Island of Lights and Love) 4:06
- 11 Your Gold Teeth II 5:14
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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