Topaz
The Rippingtons · 1999
48 min · 10 tracks · jazz
A vibrant blend of smooth jazz melodies interwoven with rich instrumental textures that evoke sun-soaked landscapes.
Top tracks — play these first
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Taos — Opening with an inviting guitar riff, this track encapsulates the essence of the album's landscape-inspired themes and showcases the band's signature style.
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Summer Lovers — This track stands out for its romantic melodies and intricate harmonies, reflecting the emotional depth found throughout the album.
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Spirits in the Canyon — With its dynamic tempo shifts and captivating instrumentation, this piece illustrates the band's ability to create vivid musical storytelling.
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Led Here by an Eagle — The fusion of rhythmic complexity and melodic beauty makes this track a highlight, representing the album's exploration of nature and spirituality.
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Topaz: Gem of the Setting Sun — As the title track, it synthesizes various elements from the album into a cohesive piece that reflects both artistry and thematic consistency.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases polished arrangements and cohesive themes but lacks standout compositions that elevate it further.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of layered guitar and keyboard melodies that create a lush, textured sound throughout.
- Several tracks incorporate extended instrumental solos, allowing for improvisation while maintaining thematic cohesion across the album.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- 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
- sun-soaked afternoon relaxation
- melodic improvisation for focus
- gentle explorations of serene vistas
- smooth transitions between tracks
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy excitement
- prefer straightforward song structures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1999, Topaz marked The Rippingtons' tenth studio album, positioning them firmly in the smooth jazz genre. At this point in their career, the band had already established a reputation for their polished sound and intricate arrangements, following their breakthrough album, Moonlighting, which had solidified their commercial success.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Spyro Gyra· Chick Corea Elektric Band· Dave Koz
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Taos 5:53
- 2 Summer Lovers 4:41
- 3 Spirits in the Canyon 5:01
- 4 Under a Spanish Moon 4:17
- 5 Temple of the Sun 4:45
- 6 Stories of the Painted Desert 4:42
- 7 Snakedance 4:21
- 8 Led Here by an Eagle 5:20
- 9 Topaz: Gem of the Setting Sun 4:57
- 10 Rain 4:58
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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