What makes This Is This! by Weather Report notable?

The album is noteworthy for its commercial success, reaching No. 28 on the Billboard 200 chart, showcasing Weather Report's ability to attract a broader audience. Additionally, it features the band's signature blend of genres and improvisation, influencing future jazz fusion artists. Critics praised the album for its bold arrangements and innovative sound, solidifying Weather Report's legacy within the genre. By the time 'This Is This!' was released in 1986, Weather Report had already established themselves as pioneers in jazz fusion, following their seminal albums like 'Heavy Weather.' This album marked a transition for the band, incorporating a more mainstream sound while still pushing the boundaries of their genre. It was a period of experimentation as they adapted to changing musical landscapes and audience expectations.

Who is This Is This! for?

This Is This! works well if you're into long, immersive listening sessions, dynamic emotional journeys and layered, dense sonic textures.

How many songs are on This Is This!?

This Is This! has 8 tracks, running approximately 45 minutes.

Released 40 years ago

This Is This!

Weather Report · 1986

45 min · 8 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of jazz fusion and rock, characterized by intricate rhythms and exploratory improvisation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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This Is This — The title track encapsulates the album's essence with its energetic rhythms and complex arrangements, showcasing the band's signature improvisational style.
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Face the Fire — This track contrasts sharp melodic lines with driving percussion, reflecting the band’s exploration of contemporary themes while maintaining their jazz roots.
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Jungle Stuff, Part 1 — With its dynamic interplay between instruments, this piece highlights Weather Report's commitment to spontaneous creativity and rhythmic exploration.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate rhythms and improvisation, balancing energetic and reflective moments.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that features a complex interplay of instruments, establishing a vibrant and energetic tone.
Several tracks incorporate extended improvisational sections, allowing musicians to explore themes rather than adhering strictly to written melodies.
The final track, 'China Blues,' introduces a slower tempo and a more reflective mood, contrasting with the preceding high-energy pieces.

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: 5/10

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

long, immersive listening sessions
dynamic emotional journeys
layered, dense sonic textures
gradual builds and payoffs

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Achieved commercial success, expanding the band's audience beyond jazz enthusiasts.
Career context: By the time 'This Is This!' was released in 1986, Weather Report had already established themselves as pioneers in jazz fusion, following their seminal albums like 'Heavy Weather.' This album marked a transition for the band, incorporating a more mainstream sound while still pushing the boundaries of their genre. It was a period of experimentation as they adapted to changing musical landscapes and audience expectations.
Stylistic neighbors: Miles Davis· Herbie Hancock· Chick Corea