Album Review: It Is What It Is | Thundercat
- lifeisbella
- Jun 14, 2020
- 3 min read
This is Album #32/20 that I listened to for my 2020 challenge. I listened to this album 8 times for my review.
Here are some quick stats about It Is What It Is by Thundercat:
I really liked this album! I found this album because I was searching for some new jazz releases to listen to. I found this one, thought I recognized the artist name and was interested in listening to something that is semi-popular/mainstream that somehow is listed as a jazz album.
I thought it was SOOO interesting to see how jazz and funk was fused with a more modern sound. I think it's a completely innovative project. As someone who was looking for a jazz album, I was looking out for those jazz elements and definitely found them, but I think they were also pretty subtle that people with more modern R&B or Hip-Hop tastes might not pick up on them that much and still be able to enjoy the album. I think this album blends many different genres so well. I also think that the album has a really good variety of songs with all the different styles, tempos, and vibes that are showcased. There are some songs that are more R&B, some more jazz, some funk, and some that are slow, some that are very upbeat and fast-paced. This album offers so many different kinds of songs, but it it also doesn't feel random. These songs feel completely cohesive. The bass is definitely a stand out and one of my favorite things about the album. The bass progressions are so intricate and complex, but it works so well. I think the vocals can get a little repetitive. Thundercat's vocal range is definitely limited with the continuous use of falsetto, but what he sings he sings well enough, and the album has so much more to offer that this wasn't really an issue for me.
I did have my favorite songs while listening to the album, but there haven't been many that have stuck in my memory since listening. This may be one of those albums that works better when listening to in in full, rather than plucking out a few songs here and there. I think this has to be one of the best albums that I've listened to this year in terms of ingenuity, creativity and talent, I just don't personally connect to it as mach as I have some other albums in terms of catchy, ear-wormy tunes. But don't get me wrong, I still really liked the album! My favorite tracks were "Innerstellar Love," "I Love Louis Cole," "Black Qualls," "How I Feel," and "It Is What It Is," and I didn't dislike any of the songs.
Recommendations:
Listen of don't listen? Listen. I think this is a very interesting album that offers something for everyone. I think this is a really important piece of work because of how innovative and original it is.
Buy or don't buy? Buy. Thundercat definitely had a very influential and integral role in creating this album. He is listed as a writer on all of the songs (along with 1-2 other writers usually). He's also listed as a producer on each of the songs, and also plays bass. This album is so interesting, and it's not the product of some big label writers room. Thundercat plays a huge role in all of this, so I really encourage people to support this artist by buying this great album. I think its important to incentivize this creativity, and I want to hear what else Thundercat has to offer in the future
I really liked this album. It think it's undeniably creative and original. I'll definitely be looking out for Thundercat's future music. I'll also be listening back to his previous works when I get the chance. I'd give this album a 8/10. Have you listened to this album? Please let me know your thoughts down below.
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