What makes Tourist in Paradise by The Rippingtons notable?

Tourist in Paradise reached significant commercial success, peaking at number 2 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Albums chart. The album helped define the smooth jazz genre in the late '80s while earning critical acclaim for its polished production and catchy hooks. Released in 1989, Tourist in Paradise marked The Rippingtons' third studio album, solidifying their place in the contemporary jazz scene following their successful sophomore effort, Moonlighting. At this point, the band had begun to establish a signature sound characterized by melodic guitar lines and lush arrangements, appealing to both jazz aficionados and mainstream audiences.

Who is Tourist in Paradise for?

Tourist in Paradise works well if you're into tropical rhythms for relaxation, sunny afternoon escape vibes and smooth melodies for easy listening.

How many songs are on Tourist in Paradise?

Tourist in Paradise has 9 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

Tourist in Paradise

The Rippingtons · 1989

44 min · 9 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of smooth jazz and tropical influences that transports listeners to sun-soaked destinations.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Tourist in Paradise — The title track encapsulates the album's essence with its infectious melody and dynamic instrumentation, setting the stage for an auditory escape.
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Aruba! — This track exemplifies the tropical vibes of the album, featuring engaging rhythms and an uplifting spirit that captures an island getaway feel.
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Let’s Stay Together — A cover with a jazzy twist, this rendition showcases the band's ability to blend classic soul with smooth jazz sensibilities, highlighting their versatility.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid craftsmanship with engaging melodies but lacks significant depth for repeated listens.

What we noticed

The opening track features a prominent saxophone melody layered over a steady, syncopated rhythm, establishing the tropical vibe immediately.
Several tracks incorporate smooth guitar solos that weave in and out of the melodic lines, creating a conversational feel between instruments.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

tropical rhythms for relaxation
sunny afternoon escape vibes
smooth melodies for easy listening
calm background for social gatherings

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy intensity
prefer complex lyrical narratives

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1989, Tourist in Paradise marked The Rippingtons' third studio album, solidifying their place in the contemporary jazz scene following their successful sophomore effort, Moonlighting. At this point, the band had begun to establish a signature sound characterized by melodic guitar lines and lush arrangements, appealing to both jazz aficionados and mainstream audiences.
Stylistic neighbors: Spyro Gyra· Chick Corea Elektric Band· Dave Koz

Tracklist

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

1 Tourist in Paradise 5:41
2 Jupiter’s Child 5:20
3 Aruba! 4:15
4 One Summer Night in Brazil 6:32
5 Earthbound 4:40
6 Let’s Stay Together 4:47
7 One Ocean Way 4:22
8 Destiny 5:38
9 The Princess 3:13

What to play next

Listen next

Tourist in Paradise

1989

Go back to

Kilimanjaro

1988

Full The Rippingtons discography Artists like The Rippingtons

jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata