What does Them Changes sound like?

A vibrant blend of jazz, funk, and pop that pulses with soulful energy and rich improvisation. Rooted in jazz fusion and jazz-funk. Start with "Them Changes".

Is Them Changes a good place to start with Ramsey Lewis?

Yes, Them Changes is recommended as a starting point for new Ramsey Lewis listeners. A vibrant blend of jazz, funk, and pop that pulses with soulful energy and rich improvisation. Released in 1970, Them Changes was Ramsey Lewis's follow-up to his commercially successful album, The In Crowd. By this time, Lewis had established himself as a prominent figure in jazz and was expanding into more fusion styles, blending genres and appealing to a broader audience. This album showcases his artistic evolution during a period of increasing experimentation in the music scene.

Who is Them Changes for?

Them Changes works well if you're into steady groove for relaxed moments, uplifting vibes for joyful gatherings and gradual build towards reflective closure.

How many songs are on Them Changes?

Them Changes has 7 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

Them Changes

Ramsey Lewis · 1970

44 min · 7 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of jazz, funk, and pop that pulses with soulful energy and rich improvisation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Them Changes Start here — The title track encapsulates the album's essence with its infectious groove and engaging piano work, highlighting Lewis's ability to merge jazz sophistication with popular appeal.
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Drown in My Own Tears — This rendition transforms Ray Charles’s classic into a powerful jazz interpretation, featuring emotive piano passages that showcase Lewis's expressive playing style.
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Oh Happy Day — Lewis reimagines this gospel standard through a jazz lens, combining uplifting melodies with intricate rhythms that exemplify his innovative approach to familiar material.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album blends jazz with funk and pop, showcasing strong improvisation while maintaining a cohesive sound.

What we noticed

The title track features a prominent piano riff that is layered with rhythmic percussion, creating a danceable groove.
Each track incorporates extended improvisation sections, allowing the musicians to explore themes and motifs in real-time.
The album opens with an upbeat tempo and gradually introduces slower, more reflective pieces by the end.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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 groove for relaxed moments
uplifting vibes for joyful gatherings
gradual build towards reflective closure
soulful melodies for emotional resonance

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced listening experiences
seek immediate catchy singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album followed a successful release, expanding Lewis's recognition in jazz and pop.
Themes: soulful improvisation· gospel jazz fusion· urban nightlife energy
Career context: Released in 1970, Them Changes was Ramsey Lewis's follow-up to his commercially successful album, The In Crowd. By this time, Lewis had established himself as a prominent figure in jazz and was expanding into more fusion styles, blending genres and appealing to a broader audience. This album showcases his artistic evolution during a period of increasing experimentation in the music scene.
Stylistic neighbors: Herbie Hancock· Chick Corea· George Benson