What makes Wiring by Vijay Iyer notable?

Wiring received widespread acclaim, earning a spot on numerous year-end lists and being nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Improvised Jazz Solo. The album's poignant exploration of social themes, particularly highlighted in the Suite for Trayvon, positioned Iyer as not only a musician but also a commentator on pressing societal issues. Released in 2014, Wiring marks Vijay Iyer's third album under the ECM label, following his critically acclaimed album, Accelerando. At this point, Iyer had established himself as a leading figure in progressive jazz, known for his unique blend of traditional forms with contemporary influences.

Wiring works well if you're into wave-like pacing with resolution, dynamic interplay of rhythms and emotive melodies that challenge.

How many songs are on Wiring?

Wiring has 11 tracks, running approximately 69 minutes.

Wiring

Vijay Iyer · 2014

69 min · 11 tracks · jazz

Intricate melodies intertwine with rhythmic complexity, creating an immersive soundscape that challenges and delights the listener.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Suite for Trayvon (And Thousands More) I. Slimm — This track opens the suite with a hauntingly beautiful melody that sets the tone for its exploration of loss and memory. Its emotional depth is underscored by intricate improvisation that invites listeners to reflect on its themes.
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Suite for Trayvon (And Thousands More) II. Fallacies — The second movement shifts into a more frenetic tempo, mirroring the chaos surrounding societal violence while maintaining an engaging dialogue between instruments. This contrast emphasizes the urgency of its message.
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Wiring — The title track encapsulates the album's essence, merging complex structures with lyrical lines that echo throughout. It serves as a culmination of the album’s exploratory journey into personal and collective narratives.

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

Wiring showcases intricate compositions and masterful execution, making it a standout in contemporary jazz.

What we noticed

Each track varies significantly in length, with the Suite for Trayvon spanning over 15 minutes and divided into three distinct movements.

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

wave-like pacing with resolution
dynamic interplay of rhythms
emotive melodies that challenge
reflective listening in two halves
immersive exploration of themes

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward song structures
seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2014, Wiring marks Vijay Iyer's third album under the ECM label, following his critically acclaimed album, Accelerando. At this point, Iyer had established himself as a leading figure in progressive jazz, known for his unique blend of traditional forms with contemporary influences.
Stylistic neighbors: Jason Moran· Tigran Hamasyan· Kneebody