Things Have Got to Change cover

Things Have Got to Change

Archie Shepp · 1971

36 min · 6 tracks · post-bop

A reflective blend of free jazz and soulful melodies, weaving political themes through intricate improvisation.

Why this album works

This album is notable for its bold engagement with social issues, particularly the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. The track 'Dr. King, the Peaceful Warrior' pays direct homage to King's ideals, while the album itself reflects the civil rights movement's influence on music during the early 1970s.
Career context
Released in 1971, 'Things Have Got to Change' is Archie Shepp's third studio album, following his significant work on 'Attica Blues'. At this point, Shepp was solidifying his reputation as a leading voice in avant-garde jazz, merging social consciousness with musical exploration.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Money Blues (Part One) Standout 5:51
  • 2 Money Blues (Part Two) 5:45
  • 3 Money Blues (Part Three) 6:37
  • 4 Dr. King, the Peaceful Warrior Standout 2:29
  • 5 Things Have Got to Change (Part One) Standout 8:15
  • 6 Things Have Got to Change (Part Two) 7:57

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata