Released 40 years ago
Upside Downside
Mike Stern · 1986
35 min · 6 tracks · jazz
A vibrant fusion of intricate guitar work and dynamic rhythms that embody the spirit of 80s jazz innovation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Upside Downside — The title track establishes the album's thematic heart, featuring complex melodic lines and a playful interplay between rhythm and harmony.
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Goodbye Again — This track showcases Stern's emotive playing style, combining lyrical solos with a tight ensemble performance that captures the essence of jazz fusion.
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Mood Swings — With its shifting dynamics and tempos, this piece demonstrates Stern's ability to blend technical prowess with expressive musicality, making it a standout on the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases strong guitar work and dynamic rhythms, establishing Stern's voice in jazz fusion.
What we noticed
- Each track varies in tempo and mood, with some pieces exhibiting a fast-paced energy while others adopt a more contemplative feel.
- 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
- dynamic rhythms that energize movement
- intricate guitar work to appreciate
- playful interactions between musicians
- pacing shifts keep attention engaged
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer straightforward song structures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1986, Upside Downside was Mike Stern's debut solo album after his time with the influential jazz fusion group Weather Report. This album marked a significant step in Stern's career as he began to establish his voice as a solo artist, showcasing his virtuosic guitar playing and compositional skills.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Pat Metheny· John Scofield· Bill Frisell
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Goodbye Again
The instrumental passages shift from soft introspection to exuberant climaxes, reflecting the emotional complexity of farewells.
This structuring creates an ebb and flow that mirrors the emotional weight of saying goodbye, enhancing the song's impact without words.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Upside Downside 5:42
- 2 Little Shoes 5:33
- 3 Goodbye Again 6:37
- 4 Mood Swings 6:05
- 5 After You 5:28
- 6 Scuffle 6:10
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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