We Are
Jon Batiste · 2021
38 min · 13 tracks · jazz
A vibrant fusion of jazz, R&B, and soul that uplifts with its celebratory spirit and rich instrumentation.
Top tracks — play these first
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We Are — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of community and togetherness, blending anthemic lyrics with a jazzy arrangement that invites listeners to reflect on their shared humanity.
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Freedom — This track stands out for its infectious energy and powerful call for liberation, combining jazz improvisation with funk elements in a way that urges listeners to celebrate life's freedoms.
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Tell the Truth — With its soulful delivery and poignant lyrics, this song addresses the importance of honesty and authenticity, serving as both a personal declaration and a universal truth.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends genres effectively while maintaining a cohesive flow, showcasing Batiste's distinct style.
What we noticed
- Several tracks feature layered instrumentation, blending jazz with R&B and soul elements, creating a rich soundscape.
- The last three tracks gradually shift to a more introspective mood, with 'Until' closing the album on a contemplative note.
- 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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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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
- communal spirit and connection
- vibrant emotional highs and lows
- dynamic flow with varied pacing
- short tracks for quick bursts
Maybe skip if you
- seeking long, immersive pieces
- prefer straightforward single tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- When 'We Are' was released on March 19, 2021, Jon Batiste was already established as a prominent musician, known for his role as bandleader on 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert'. This album marked his first major label release after years of crafting his sound through independent projects and collaborations, showcasing a blend of personal narrative and cultural commentary.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Robert Glasper· Kamasi Washington· Esperanza Spalding
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Tell the Truth
The singer directly confronts societal issues within the verses while weaving in personal reflections.
This interplay between personal narrative and broader social commentary creates a sense of urgency that elevates the song's emotional impact.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 We Are 4:24
- 2 Tell the Truth 3:21
- 3 Cry 3:57
- 4 I Need You 2:37
- 5 Whatchutalkinbout 2:21
- 6 Boy Hood 4:26
- 7 Movement 11’ 2:01
- 8 Adulthood 3:41
- 9 Mavis 0:20
- 10 Freedom 2:58
- 11 Show Me the Way 3:40
- 12 Sing 3:07
- 13 Until 1:03
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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