Uneasy
Vijay Iyer · 2021
71 min · 10 tracks · jazz
A complex interplay of intricate rhythms and haunting melodies that challenges the boundaries of contemporary jazz.
Top tracks — play these first
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Children of Flint — This track opens the album with a powerful statement on resilience, using dissonant harmonies and rhythmic complexity to evoke the struggles faced by the community in Flint, Michigan.
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Combat Breathing — The piece merges intricate polyrhythms with a sense of urgency, reflecting on themes of survival and vulnerability, making it a standout representation of the album's emotional depth.
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Uneasy — As the title track, it encapsulates the album's central themes through a haunting melody layered with tension, illustrating Iyer's ability to blend personal narrative with broader societal issues.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases intricate rhythms and melodies, with strong craftsmanship and cohesive flow.
What we noticed
- Each piece often transitions seamlessly into the next, maintaining a fluidity that enhances thematic continuity.
- Several tracks incorporate extended techniques and unconventional harmonies, pushing the boundaries of traditional jazz.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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9/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- 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
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
- steady pacing for deep focus
- evocative melodies for reflection
- intricate rhythms invite exploration
- consistent development throughout listening
- thought-provoking themes for engagement
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek standalone singles experience
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By 2021, Vijay Iyer had firmly established himself as a leading figure in progressive jazz, with 'Uneasy' being his first release after winning the MacArthur Fellowship in 2013. At this point in his career, he sought to explore themes of social justice and personal identity through innovative compositions.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Jason Moran· Tigran Hamasyan· Kneebody
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Combat Breathing
The composition shifts from chaotic bursts of sound to moments of silence that create a striking contrast.
This dynamic interplay emphasizes the fragility of life amidst strife, mirroring the urgent need for reflection amid turmoil.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Children of Flint 6:26
- 2 Combat Breathing 7:50
- 3 Night and Day 9:33
- 4 Touba 7:17
- 5 Drummer’s Song 6:47
- 6 Augury 3:29
- 7 Configurations 9:27
- 8 Uneasy 9:11
- 9 Retrofit 6:40
- 10 Entrustment 5:06
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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