What makes Thunder by SMV notable?

Thunder received critical acclaim for its bold experimentation within the jazz genre, showcasing the interplay between the three bassists. The album peaked at number one on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Albums chart, reinforcing the trio's influence in contemporary jazz music and inspiring a new generation of musicians. Released in 2008, Thunder marked the third collaboration between legendary bassists Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller, and Victor Wooten. At this point, each artist had already established a significant solo career but sought to explore collective creativity, building on the success of their previous album, SMV.

How many songs are on Thunder?

Thunder has 13 tracks, running approximately 62 minutes.

Thunder

SMV · 2008

62 min · 13 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of jazz virtuosity, blending intricate basslines with dynamic grooves and playful improvisation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Thunder — The title track features an explosive blend of rhythmic complexity and melodic exploration, encapsulating the album's energetic spirit. Its engaging arrangement highlights the unique strengths of each bassist while maintaining a cohesive sound.
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Classical Thump (jam) — This track exemplifies virtuosic bass playing through a seamless jam that showcases technical prowess and improvisational skill. It serves as a tribute to Clarke’s earlier work while inviting fresh interpretations from all three artists.
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Lopsy Lu – Silly Putty (medley) — Offering a playful and eclectic mix of styles, this medley highlights each bassist's distinct sound and flair for creativity. The shifting rhythms and tones make it a standout moment that embodies the collaborative essence of Thunder.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

73 /100

Alpine

Higher than 96% of albums we've rated

The album excels in composition and craft, highlighting the unique interplay of three virtuoso bassists.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate playful improvisation, with spontaneous solos that shift the focus between the three musicians.
The running time includes multiple medleys and jams, allowing for extended exploration of themes rather than strict adherence to song structures.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 9/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
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.

Tracklist

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

1 Maestros de las Frecuencias Bajas 2:52
2 Thunder 6:37
3 Hillbillies on a Quiet Afternoon 6:13
4 Mongoose Walk 5:59
5 Los tres hermanos 5:25
6 Lopsy Lu – Silly Putty (medley) 6:14
7 Milano 4:22
8 Classical Thump (jam) 4:50
9 Tutu 5:05
10 Lil’ Victa 4:13
11 Pendulum 4:18
12 “Lemme Try Your Bass” 0:59
13 Grits 5:26

What to play next

Full SMV discography Artists like SMV

jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata