What makes This Is for You, John by Benny Golson notable?

The album is notable for its rich orchestration and complex compositions that highlight Golson's skill as a composer and arranger. It has received acclaim from critics for its innovative approach to jazz, solidifying Golson's standing in the genre during the 1980s. When 'This Is for You, John' was released in 1984, Benny Golson was already an established figure in jazz, having gained prominence since the 1950s. This album marks a significant point in his career as it reflects his deepening artistry, following works like 'New York Scene' from 1963 and before his later efforts in the late 1980s that would further explore fusion elements.

Who is This Is for You, John for?

This Is for You, John works well if you're into intricate melodies for deep listening, reflective moments of nostalgia and for late-night introspection.

How many songs are on This Is for You, John?

This Is for You, John has 7 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

This Is for You, John

Benny Golson · 1984

42 min · 7 tracks · jazz

A vibrant tapestry of intricate melodies and sophisticated rhythms that showcase Golson's mastery in jazz composition.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Jam the Avenue — This track opens the album with energetic improvisation and showcases Golson's ability to blend traditional jazz elements with modern influences.
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Times Past (This Is for You, John) — Serving as a heartfelt tribute, this track features lush harmonies and poignant solos that reflect on personal memories, embodying the album's emotional core.
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A Change of Heart — This composition highlights Golson’s lyrical playing style, delivering a narrative through melody that resonates with the listener while demonstrating his compositional depth.

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

Golson's compositions are intricate and varied, supported by strong orchestration, making this a notable jazz album.

What we noticed

Each track varies in tempo and mood, with some pieces like 'Jam the Avenue' starting energetically while others like 'Times Past' offer a more reflective tone.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
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

intricate melodies for deep listening
reflective moments of nostalgia
for late-night introspection

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy tracks
prefer short, standalone songs

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Showcases Golson's mastery in jazz with innovative compositions and rich orchestration.
Career context: When 'This Is for You, John' was released in 1984, Benny Golson was already an established figure in jazz, having gained prominence since the 1950s. This album marks a significant point in his career as it reflects his deepening artistry, following works like 'New York Scene' from 1963 and before his later efforts in the late 1980s that would further explore fusion elements.
Stylistic neighbors: Wayne Shorter· Horace Silver· Joe Henderson