What makes We Like It Here by Snarky Puppy notable?

We Like It Here received critical acclaim and won a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album in 2015, elevating Snarky Puppy's reputation within the jazz community. The album's innovative blend of genres also contributed to the band's influence on the modern jazz fusion movement, inspiring a new generation of musicians. Released in 2014, We Like It Here marked a significant moment for Snarky Puppy as they solidified their presence in the contemporary jazz scene, following their Grammy Award win for Best R&B Performance with 'Something' in 2014. This album showcases their growth as a collective, further developing their signature sound and collaborative spirit.

Who is We Like It Here for?

We Like It Here works well if you're into steady pacing for focused listening, vibrant improvisation for attentive ears and peaks of energy and calm.

How many songs are on We Like It Here?

We Like It Here has 16 tracks, running approximately 109 minutes.

We Like It Here

Snarky Puppy · 2014

109 min · 16 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of jazz improvisation and world music influences, weaving intricate melodies through rhythmic complexity.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Shofukan — This track opens the album with a dynamic interplay of horns and rhythm, setting the stage for the group's improvisational prowess and cultural influences.
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Lingus — Lingus features an extended solo section that highlights the virtuosity of the ensemble, showcasing their ability to fuse complex arrangements with spontaneous creativity.
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Tio Macaco — This piece combines catchy melodies with intricate grooves, exemplifying Snarky Puppy's seamless integration of various musical styles while maintaining accessibility.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

79 /100

Summit

Higher than 99% of albums we've rated

The album excels in intricate compositions and skilled performances, blending jazz with global influences.

What we noticed

Several tracks include extended improvisational sections where individual musicians take turns in the spotlight, creating a dynamic interplay.
The first half of the album maintains a high energy level, while the second half introduces more subdued and reflective pieces.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 9/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

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 focused listening
vibrant improvisation for attentive ears
peaks of energy and calm
for long drives
great for late-night sessions

Maybe skip if you

prefer short, standalone tracks
seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2014, We Like It Here marked a significant moment for Snarky Puppy as they solidified their presence in the contemporary jazz scene, following their Grammy Award win for Best R&B Performance with 'Something' in 2014. This album showcases their growth as a collective, further developing their signature sound and collaborative spirit.
Stylistic neighbors: GoGo Penguin· Hiatus Kaiyote· The Bad Plus