The Next Step
James Brown · 2002
38 min · 10 tracks · blues
A vibrant blend of funk and soul, driven by infectious grooves and Brown's trademark electrifying energy.
Top tracks — play these first
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Automatic (remix) Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Motivation — This track exemplifies Brown's motivational lyrics and infectious rhythm, making it a standout anthem for perseverance and resilience.
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Killing Is Out, School Is In — With its socially conscious message delivered through an upbeat tempo, this song captures Brown's continued commitment to addressing important issues even late in his career.
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Nothing but a Jam — This track showcases Brown's signature groove, blending tight brass arrangements with danceable rhythms that encapsulate the essence of funk.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends remixes and new material effectively, showcasing Brown's signature style while exploring new grooves.
What we noticed
- The album opens with two remixes that maintain a consistent mid-tempo groove, followed by original tracks that introduce varied tempos and styles.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies, with Brown's lead vocals often accompanied by call-and-response backing vocals.
- The last three tracks shift towards slower tempos, creating a reflective mood that contrasts with the earlier upbeat songs.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- 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 mid-tempo dance grooves
- smooth vocals for relaxed listening
- catchy hooks for sing-alongs
- uplifting vibes for social gatherings
- consistent flow from start to
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of high-energy chaos
- prefer standalone singles only
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Reflects Brown's adaptability and relevance in the early 2000s music landscape.
- Themes
- social consciousness· nostalgic innovation· funky resilience
- Career context
- By the time 'The Next Step' was released in 2002, James Brown was transitioning into a legacy phase of his career, following his previous album 'The Godfather of Soul' from 1999. This collection of remixes and new tracks showcased Brown's enduring influence on funk and R&B, appealing to both nostalgic fans and a new generation of listeners.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Prince· Sly and the Family Stone· Parliament-Funkadelic
Tracklist
- 1 Automatic (remix) Start here 3:50
- 2 Send Her Back to Me (remix) 3:21
- 3 Motivation 3:41
- 4 Sunshine 4:04
- 5 Nothing but a Jam 4:05
- 6 Baby (You’ve Got What It Takes) 3:22
- 7 It’s Time 4:21
- 8 Why Did This Happen to Me 5:06
- 9 Good and Natural 3:51
- 10 Killing Is Out, School Is In 2:47
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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