Things Ain't What They Used to Be
66 min · 13 tracks · jazz
A rich tapestry of harmonically adventurous melodies interwoven with Tyner's signature percussive piano style and a vibrant ensemble.
Top tracks — play these first
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Naima — This interpretation highlights Tyner's profound ability to infuse emotional depth into melodic lines, transforming Coltrane’s classic into a fresh exploration of harmony and rhythm.
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Things Ain't What They Used to Be — The title track encapsulates the album’s theme of change through a complex interplay of rhythms and harmonies, showcasing Tyner’s innovative arrangements.
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Lush Life — In this rendition, Tyner's intricate piano lines bring new life to Billy Strayhorn's standard, revealing layers of melancholy and sophistication that resonate throughout the performance.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases Tyner's advanced compositional style and strong ensemble work, making it a notable entry in his discography.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of complex harmonies, with Tyner's piano often leading the melodic lines while the ensemble provides rich textures.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
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
- wave-like pacing with peaks
- rich emotional improvisation moments
- for reflective afternoons
- dynamic exploration of melodies
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- preferring upbeat dance tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1975, Things Ain't What They Used to Be marked McCoy Tyner's return to the recording scene after a brief hiatus following his departure from the classic John Coltrane quartet. This album showcases his evolution as a composer and bandleader, featuring a mix of original compositions and jazz standards that reflect his deepening exploration of diverse musical influences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Chick Corea· Herbie Hancock· Keith Jarrett
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Greeting 2:27
- 2 Naima 3:44
- 3 I Mean You 4:58
- 4 Here's That Rainy Day 6:03
- 5 Things Ain't What They Used to Be 3:53
- 6 Joy Spring 4:22
- 7 Lush Life 5:36
- 8 Sweet and Lovely 3:57
- 9 Song for My Lady 6:30
- 10 What's New 3:55
- 11 Search for Peace 6:10
- 12 Blues on the Corner 6:27
- 13 My One and Only Love 8:00
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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