Thundercat - It Is What It Is
description Thundercat - It Is What It Is Overview
Thundercat's 'It Is What It Is' is a deeply personal and musically adventurous album that blends funk, jazz, and soul with experimental electronic elements. His signature virtuosic bass playing is central to the album's sound, alongside complex arrangements and introspective lyrics. Featuring appearances from artists like Steve Lacy and Steve Arrington, the album explores themes of loss, acceptance, and the search for meaning. It's a sophisticated and rewarding listen for fans of challenging and innovative funk.
info Thundercat - It Is What It Is Specifications
| Genre | Funk, Jazz, Soul, Alternative |
| Label | Brainfeeder Records |
| Artist | Thundercat |
| Formats | Digital, CD, Vinyl, Streaming |
| Producer | Thundercat |
| Album Title | It Is What It Is |
| Release Date | April 3, 2020 |
| Total Tracks | 13 |
| Total Duration | 42 minutes |
| Featured Artists | Childish Gambino, Flying Lotus (selected tracks) |
balance Thundercat - It Is What It Is Pros & Cons
- Virtuosic bass playing that showcases Thundercat's technical mastery and distinctive style
- Seamless genre fusion blending funk, jazz, soul, and experimental electronic elements
- Deeply introspective and emotionally resonant lyrics dealing with themes of grief and personal growth
- Complex, layered arrangements that reward repeated listening and reveal new details
- High production quality with polished mixing and mastering throughout
- Strong guest collaborations that enhance the album's diversity and texture
- Some experimental passages may alienate listeners expecting more accessible pop structures
- The album's introspective, often subdued tone may not suit those seeking upbeat or energetic music
- At 42 minutes, some tracks feel meandering and could benefit from tighter editing
- The abstract nature of certain songs makes them less suitable for casual listening or background music
- Not a strong entry point for newcomers unfamiliar with Thundercat's previous work
help Thundercat - It Is What It Is FAQ
What genre is Thundercat's 'It Is What It Is' album?
It Is What It Is blends multiple genres including funk, jazz, soul, and experimental electronic music. The album is often categorized as alternative funk or progressive soul, featuring Thundercat's signature slap bass alongside atmospheric synthesizer textures and jazz-influenced arrangements.
Is 'It Is What It Is' connected to Thundercat's personal life?
Yes, the album is deeply personal and was influenced by the death of Thundercat's close friend and collaborator, who passed away in 2019. Several tracks explore themes of grief, loss, and processing mortality, giving the album an emotionally raw and introspective quality.
What artists appear as guests on the album?
The album features several notable collaborations including Childish Gambino, who appears on the track 'Them Changes,' as well as other musicians from the Brainfeeder collective. The featured artists contribute to the album's collaborative and genre-spanning sound.
When was Thundercat's 'It Is What It Is' released?
It Is What It Is was released on April 3, 2020, through Brainfeeder Records and was produced by Thundercat himself. It serves as the follow-up to his 2017 breakthrough album Drunk and represents a more mature and emotionally complex artistic statement.
What instruments does Thundercat play on this album?
Thundercat handles multiple roles on the album as vocalist, bassist, and producer. His virtuosic bass playing remains the focal point throughout, but he also contributes keyboards, synthesizers, and programming, while collaborating with drummers, guitarists, and other session musicians.
What is Thundercat - It Is What It Is?
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What is Thundercat - It Is What It Is best for?
Fans of Thundercat's previous work, jazz-funk enthusiasts, and listeners who appreciate emotionally complex, musician-driven albums that reward careful, focused listening.
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What are the key specifications of Thundercat - It Is What It Is?
- Genre: Funk, Jazz, Soul, Alternative
- Label: Brainfeeder Records
- Artist: Thundercat
- Formats: Digital, CD, Vinyl, Streaming
- Producer: Thundercat
- Album Title: It Is What It Is
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