What makes Up Here by Soulive notable?

Up Here showcases Soulive's distinctive sound and has received positive critical reception for its innovative blend of genres. The album helped solidify Soulive's reputation within the modern jazz scene, influencing subsequent artists and contributing to the resurgence of instrumental funk. Released in 2009, Up Here is Soulive's sixth studio album, following their 2007 release, No Place Like Soul. At this point in their career, the band had established themselves as a prominent act within the jazz-funk genre, known for their energetic live performances and collaborations with various artists.

Up Here works well if you're into joyful groove-filled explorations, inviting spontaneous dance moments and soulful improvisation with friends.

How many songs are on Up Here?

Up Here has 15 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

Up Here

Soulive · 2009

40 min · 15 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of jazz-funk grooves and soulful improvisation that invites listeners to experience the joy of musical exploration.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Up Right — The opening track sets the tone with its infectious rhythm and lively horn arrangements, encapsulating the album's overall energy.
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The Swamp — This track features intricate guitar work and a deep groove that highlights the band's tight interplay and improvisational prowess.
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Tonight — With its soulful melodies and engaging rhythm, this track stands out as a showcase of the band's ability to blend funk with emotive expression.
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For Granted — This song incorporates rich harmonies and a memorable hook, demonstrating Soulive's knack for melody while maintaining their jazzy foundation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

Soulive's 'Up Here' blends jazz-funk grooves with soulful improvisation, showcasing their distinctive sound.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features upbeat tracks that maintain a consistent groove, while the second half introduces slower tempos and more introspective improvisation.
Each track showcases extended instrumental solos, allowing for significant exploration of themes and motifs.

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: 6/10

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

joyful groove-filled explorations
inviting spontaneous dance moments
soulful improvisation with friends
short bursts of vibrant energy

Maybe skip if you

need for structured songwriting
prefer slower-paced listening

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2009, Up Here is Soulive's sixth studio album, following their 2007 release, No Place Like Soul. At this point in their career, the band had established themselves as a prominent act within the jazz-funk genre, known for their energetic live performances and collaborations with various artists.
Stylistic neighbors: The New Mastersounds· Snarky Puppy· Medeski Martin & Wood