The New Standard cover

Released 30 years ago

The New Standard

Herbie Hancock · 1996

77 min · 11 tracks · classical · funk · jazz fusion

A seamless blend of jazz and pop sensibilities, featuring lush arrangements and introspective melodies.

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 want

  • 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
Career context
By 1996, Herbie Hancock was a seasoned innovator in jazz, releasing 'The New Standard' as his first album of the 1990s. This record followed his Grammy-winning collaboration with Wayne Shorter on '1+1' in 1997, marking a return to more melodic compositions while also embracing contemporary influences.
Stylistic neighbors
Chick Corea· Weather Report· Miles Davis
If this clicks, go next to
Gershwin's World — Continues the blend of jazz with rich arrangements and explores more classic themes.
Sounds like this from elsewhere
Largo by Brad Mehldau — Merges jazz with pop and electronic elements, creating rich, introspective soundscapes.
Black Radio by Robert Glasper — Blends jazz with R&B and hip-hop, maintaining a focus on melody and emotional depth in a modern context.

Tracklist

New here? Start with "New York Minute".

  • 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

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata