Albums to watch

IV

BadBadNotGood

IV

Fourth album from the Toronto hip hop / jazz experimental quartet featuring collaborations with Sam Herring, Colin Stetson, Kaytranada

ADM rating[?]

7.5

Label
Innovative Leisure
UK Release date
08/07/2016
US Release date
08/07/2016
  1. 10.0 |   Slant Magazine

    Every single instrument used is listed with pride on the record's cover, and the four of them stand chests bare, towels around waists, bro-ing out. BBNG are showing off – but they've more than earned the right
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  2. 9.0 |   The Music

    Quite a few babies will probably be conceived to Mick Jenkins' verse on Hyssop Of Love, if not this entire record. IV is a positive direction for BADBADNOTGOOD
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  3. 9.0 |   Exclaim

    So while IV is extraordinary for delivering fresh music that elaborates on their past work, it feels particularly exceptional because of its forward momentum
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  4. 9.0 |   Gig Soup

    An essential record for seekers of an audible experience that gets better every time
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  5. 8.5 |   The Line Of Best Fit

    There’s a richness to IV which was not present on their last record, and it revolutionises their appeal
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  6. 8.0 |   Beardfood

    As free-form as any of Miles Davis’ experimental works, but wondrous sounds aren’t bound by niches of old
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  7. 8.0 |   The Irish Times

    Their sticky, intricate, meticulous and shapely blend of jazz, hip-hop and electronica seems more finely tuned than before
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  8. 8.0 |   FasterLouder

    We hear the band continuously implementing new layers and solos which will keep you on your toes
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  9. 8.0 |   All Music

    They blend numerous influences and don't conform to any traditions. More than anything, their music is exuberant and immensely enjoyable
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  10. 8.0 |   The Observer

    Innovative and imaginative, IV overflows with ideas throughout
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  11. 8.0 |   Q

    This is a set which pushes boundaries with a gripping sense of adventure. Print edition only

  12. 8.0 |   Loud And Quiet

    Stylish, sensitive and expressive throughout
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  13. 7.5 |   Consequence Of Sound

    These are songs full of poise, jukebox jams cut by dapper musicians in an analogue studio mixed with contemporary jazz
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  14. 7.5 |   Spectrum Culture

    It’s a testament to the unique talent of BADBADNOTGOOD that its sound is not duplicated more
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  15. 7.5 |   Earbuddy

    At its worst, IV is simply a handful of songs in need of a good vocal melodies. But at its best, the band is as smart as any contemporary jazz group and as bragadocious as any contemporary rapper
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  16. 7.1 |   Pitchfork

    A velvet-crushed portrait of an effervescent lounge act in the 21st century
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  17. 7.0 |   Spin

    Modestly lending their mastery of these styles to the artists they love — even when they take top billing
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  18. 7.0 |   Clash

    Marks a refinement of the BADBADNOTGOOD sound and as ever is filled to the brim with gorgeous melodies and impressive digressions
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  19. 7.0 |   Uncut

    "Time Moves Slow" is gorgeous Muscle Shoals soul with a killer turn from Future Islands' Samuel T Herring, while "In Your Eyes" with Charlotte Day Wilson is lush orch jazz with shades of David Axelrod. Print edition only

  20. 6.5 |   The 405

    One of the most pleasing releases of the summer, especially for those looking to kick back on a porch swing and fall asleep with some sunglasses on
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  21. 6.0 |   Drowned In Sound

    It’s the title track, naturally, that gives the game away – it’s a straight-up jazz fusion sprawl, the sort that a jazz band with so many virtuosos has to do eventually
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  22. 6.0 |   NOW

    While IV shows a progression, it lacks the progressiveness that would keep BBNG in a league with their aforementioned jazz/hip-hop predecessors and peers. However admirably, it stays in its own lane
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  23. 6.0 |   DIY

    In a pursuit of the new, jazz-via-hip-hop group BADBADNOTGOOD sometimes struggle to piece together their grand-scoped adventures
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  24. 6.0 |   Crack

    While it’s refreshing to see jazz reworked in a contemporary context, it’s hard not to feel like BADBADNOTGOOD could stretch its boundaries much further than this
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  25. 5.8 |   Pretty Much Amazing

    Though they’re talented, as time creeps up on them, the pulse behind BadBadNotGood’s mission has begun to wear
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BadBadNotGood: IV

  • Download full album for just £7.49
  • 1. And That, Too. £0.79
  • 2. Speaking Gently £0.79
  • 3. Time Moves Slow £0.79
  • 4. Confessions Pt II £0.79
  • 5. Lavender £0.79
  • 6. Chompy's Paradise £0.79
  • 7. IV £0.79
  • 8. Hyssop of Love £0.79
  • 9. Structure No. 3 £0.79
  • 10. In Your Eyes £0.79
  • 11. Cashmere £0.79
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