The World Is Getting Smaller cover

The World Is Getting Smaller

Snarky Puppy · 2007

59 min · 8 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of jazz, funk, and world music influences creates an intricate tapestry of sound that invites listeners to explore.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Native Sons — This track features intricate arrangements and dynamic interplay between the musicians, exemplifying the group's signature blend of improvisation and composition.
  • →
    Intelligent Design — With its rhythmic complexity and engaging melodies, this piece showcases the band's technical prowess while maintaining a strong sense of groove.
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    The World Is Getting Smaller — The title track highlights thematic depth and intricate harmonies, reflecting the album's exploration of global interconnectedness through a jazz lens.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
67 /100
Alpine
Higher than 91% of albums we've rated

The album's intricate compositions and diverse influences create a compelling listening experience.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks incorporate extended improvisational sections, allowing musicians to explore themes in real-time rather than adhering strictly to written parts.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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 exploration of intricate rhythms
  • soulful melodies for reflective moments
  • immersive journey through improvisation
  • for focused listening sessions

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant gratification
  • prefer short standalone tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2007, The World Is Getting Smaller marked Snarky Puppy's third studio album, building on their growing reputation in the jazz fusion scene. Following their previous albums, the band solidified their unique sound and collaborative approach, showcasing a blend of diverse musical backgrounds among its members.
Stylistic neighbors
GoGo Penguin· Hiatus Kaiyote· The Bad Plus

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Native Sons 8:54
  • 2 Intelligent Design 8:26
  • 3 Alma 8:15
  • 4 Thorn 5:34
  • 5 The World Is Getting Smaller 5:55
  • 6 Briar 8:20
  • 7 Phoebus 6:47
  • 8 Fair Play 7:15

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata