Underground
Courtney Pine · 1997
66 min · 12 tracks · jazz
A vibrant fusion of jazz and reggae rhythms, layered with intricate melodies and socially conscious themes.
Top tracks — play these first
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Modern Day Jazz — This track stands out for its contemporary take on jazz, merging traditional elements with modern production techniques that reflect Pine's innovative style.
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Tryin' Times — With poignant lyrics addressing social issues, this track exemplifies Pine's ability to infuse jazz with messages of resilience and hope.
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Children of the Sun — The rhythmic complexity and uplifting melody make this track a standout representation of the album's thematic focus on unity and cultural pride.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album blends jazz and reggae with intricate melodies, though its pacing and structure vary throughout.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a brief spoken intro before transitioning into a vibrant track that combines jazz instrumentation with reggae rhythms.
- The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, creating a reflective atmosphere that contrasts with the more upbeat earlier pieces.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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
- wave-like pacing with resolution
- introspective melodies for reflection
- socially conscious themes explored
- dynamic journey through emotions
- vibrant rhythms for late nights
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer short standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'Underground' was released in 1997, Courtney Pine was already an established figure in the British jazz scene, known for his innovative approach blending genres. This album followed his previous critically acclaimed work, 'Warrior Charge,' marking a continued exploration of identity and cultural themes through music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Shabaka Hutchings· Kamasi Washington· Robert Glasper
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Intro - Inhale 1:10
- 2 Modern Day Jazz 6:58
- 3 Tryin' Times 6:15
- 4 Oneness of Mind 5:55
- 5 Invisible (Higher Vibe) 5:37
- 6 The Book Of ... (The Dead) 9:50
- 7 Children of the Sun 5:55
- 8 The In-sense Song 4:53
- 9 Silver Surfer 7:50
- 10 Underground 6:57
- 11 Outro - Xhale 0:56
- 12 Save the Children 3:45
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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