Yesterday you said tomorrow
Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah · 2010
68 min · 10 tracks · jazz
A bold fusion of jazz, spoken word, and social commentary, blending intricate rhythms with thought-provoking narratives.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Angola, LA & the 13th Amendment — This track intricately weaves historical context with personal narrative, exploring systemic racism and its ramifications on American society. Its complex arrangement complements the weighty themes addressed.
-
→
American't — With its sharp critique of American identity, this track employs a mix of spoken word and instrumentation that challenges listeners to confront uncomfortable truths about society and self-perception.
-
→
The Roe Effect (Refrain in F# Minor) — This poignant piece tackles reproductive rights with an emotional depth that resonates through its lyrical content and melodic structure. The musical choices underscore the urgency of the message.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album blends intricate rhythms with spoken word, creating a distinctive sound that engages with social themes.
What we noticed
- Each track incorporates spoken word elements that interweave with instrumental sections, enhancing the thematic depth of the music.
- The last three tracks progressively slow down in tempo, allowing for a reflective conclusion to the album's narrative.
- 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
-
8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
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
- thought-provoking narratives throughout journey
- gradual build to emotional climax
- immersive storytelling with rhythmic complexity
- reflective listening for deep thoughts
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification tracks
- prefer straightforward structures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Yesterday You Said Tomorrow is Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah's debut album, marking his entry into the contemporary jazz scene. Released in 2010, it set the stage for his future explorations of cultural and political themes within his music, establishing him as a distinctive voice in modern jazz.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Kamasi Washington· Esperanza Spalding· Robert Glasper
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 K.K.P.D. 7:08
- 2 The Eraser 5:30
- 3 After All 7:55
- 4 Isadora 6:16
- 5 Angola, LA & the 13th Amendment 8:40
- 6 The Last Broken Heart (Prop 8) 5:49
- 7 Jenacide (The Inevitable Rise and Fall of the Bloodless Revolution) 6:51
- 8 American't 7:09
- 9 An Unending Repentance 9:42
- 10 The Roe Effect (Refrain in F# Minor) 3:25
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.