Herbie Hancock
Headhunters

THE REVIEW

Funk.

One word would suffice to define this album, but that would make the review sparse and less intriguing. Well, let's begin; the first track we encounter is “Chameleon,” a pure funk built on a driving bass, a nervous drum, a soft guitar, almost whispered, a rhythmic keyboard with wah, and finally the horns drawing an engaging theme.

Next, we find “Watermelon Man” with a more relaxed atmosphere and a delicate taste, less lively than the previous one, but it still maintains a well-defined rhythm. The third composition is “Sly,” divided into four sections: in the first, Hancock takes us on a journey to a fantastic, harmonious place, only to awaken us abruptly with the second section animated by a wild sax and a jazz/tribal rhythm. The third picks up the style of the second and makes way for an elegant keyboard solo that closes with the song's initial theme, leaving us with a sweet taste. The fourth and final track, “Vein Melter,” opens with a rarefied melody that slowly intensifies, taking our minds to an imaginary environment where the instruments make you dream.

Outstanding.