What makes Turn It Out by Soulive notable?

Turn It Out received critical acclaim for its energetic performances and intricate compositions, contributing to Soulive's growing influence within the jam band and jazz fusion movements. The album's live tracks showcase the band's improvisational skills, which helped them gain a dedicated fanbase and perform at major festivals like Bonnaroo. Released in 2002, Turn It Out marked Soulive's third studio album, following their acclaimed debut, Get Down! (1999). At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their reputation as a leading force in the contemporary jazz scene, blending live instrumentation with a dynamic approach to funk and soul.

Who is Turn It Out for?

Turn It Out works well if you're into infectious grooves for dancing, extended jams for deep listening and live energy from performances.

How many songs are on Turn It Out?

Turn It Out has 11 tracks, running approximately 77 minutes.

Turn It Out

Soulive · 2002

77 min · 11 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of jazz, funk, and soul that grooves with infectious energy and improvisational flair.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Jesus Children (live) — This track exemplifies Soulive's ability to reinterpret classic songs with their own vibrant style, combining tight rhythms with expansive improvisation.
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Uncle Junior (live) — A standout live performance that captures the essence of Soulive's energetic stage presence, showcasing their chemistry and skillful musicianship.
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Turn It Out — The title track encapsulates the album's lively spirit, featuring catchy melodies and a funky groove that invites listeners to dance along.

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 blends energetic improvisation with solid compositions, though its cohesion is affected by the mix of live and studio tracks.

What we noticed

Several tracks, such as 'Uncle Junior' and 'Jesus Children', include dynamic shifts in tempo and intensity, enhancing the energy.
The compositions often feature intricate interplays between guitar, organ, and drums, creating a layered sound that evolves throughout each track.

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

infectious grooves for dancing
extended jams for deep listening
live energy from performances
playful improvisation and spontaneity

Maybe skip if you

prefer concise, structured tracks
dislike lengthy jam sessions

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2002, Turn It Out marked Soulive's third studio album, following their acclaimed debut, Get Down! (1999). At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their reputation as a leading force in the contemporary jazz scene, blending live instrumentation with a dynamic approach to funk and soul.
Stylistic neighbors: The New Mastersounds· Snarky Puppy· Medeski Martin & Wood