True Stories cover

Released 10 years ago

True Stories

The Rippingtons · 2016

41 min · 10 tracks · jazz

A vibrant tapestry of smooth jazz melodies interwoven with tropical rhythms and lush instrumental textures.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Wild Tales — Opening with an infectious groove, this track captures the essence of the album’s adventurous spirit while highlighting superb musicianship.
  • →
    Sundance — This piece showcases intricate arrangements and vibrant solos that exemplify the band’s ability to fuse technical skill with melodic accessibility.
  • →
    Dreamcatcher — With its contemplative mood and rich harmonic textures, this track stands out as a reflective centerpiece that invites deeper listening.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
61 /100
Treeline
Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album showcases engaging compositions and smooth production but remains within familiar genre boundaries.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of layered guitar melodies over rhythmic percussion, creating a rich texture throughout.
  • Several tracks incorporate elements of world music, such as Latin rhythms and instrumentation, enhancing the tropical feel.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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

  • vibrant soundscapes for relaxation
  • for sunny afternoons
  • inviting melodies for social gatherings
  • short tracks for quick enjoyment

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking intense emotional depth
  • prefer raw and edgy sounds

Where this album fits

Career context
When 'True Stories' was released in 2016, The Rippingtons were already well-established within the smooth jazz genre, known for their sophisticated sound. This album marked a continuation of their evolution, following their previous release 'Mosaic' in 2014, showcasing a refined blend of contemporary jazz styles while maintaining their signature flair.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Wild Tales 4:30
  • 2 Sundance 4:18
  • 3 Flamenco Beach 4:19
  • 4 My Promise to You 4:06
  • 5 Reach Higher 4:20
  • 6 Dreamcatcher 3:32
  • 7 Wonderland 4:34
  • 8 Kings Road 4:02
  • 9 Golden Child 3:48
  • 10 True Stories 4:30

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata