Album Info
| Artist: | Thundercat |
| Album: | It Is What It Is |
| Released: | Europe, 03 Apr 2020 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | Lost In Space / Great Scott / 22-26 | |
| A2 | Innerstellar Love | |
| A3 | I Love Louis Cole | |
| Featuring - Louis Cole | ||
| A4 | Black Qualls | |
| Featuring - Childish Gambino, Steve Arrington, Steve Lacy | ||
| A5 | Miguel's Happy Dance | |
| A6 | How Sway | |
| A7 | Funny Thing | |
| B1 | Overseas | |
| Featuring - Zack Fox | ||
| B2 | Dragonball Durag | |
| B3 | How I Feel | |
| B4 | King Of The Hill | |
| B5 | Unrequited Love | |
| B6 | Fair Chance | |
| Featuring - Lil B, Ty Dolla $ign | ||
| B7 | Existential Dread | |
| B8 | It Is What It Is | |
| Featuring - Pedro Martins |
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Description
"It Is What It Is" is the fourth studio album by bassist and singer-songwriter Thundercat (Stephen Bruner). Released in 2020, the album is a cosmic journey through Thundercat's idiosyncratic world, where his unique fusion of funk, soul, jazz, and electronic music intermingles with an array of life experiences, humorous anecdotes, and poignant reflections.
The album opens with "Lost in Space / Great Scott / 22-26", an ethereal, spacey track that serves as a gateway into Thundercat's universe. His virtuosic bass playing — a constant across the entire album — is immediately on display, setting the tone for what's to come.
"Interstellar Love" and "I Love Louis Cole" embody Thundercat's knack for merging sophisticated musicianship with infectious grooves. The former, an ode to love transcending space and time, is steeped in lush, jazz-infused harmonies and celestial synth lines. The latter, a frenetic, electronic-tinged track featuring musician Louis Cole, bursts with frenzied energy and intricate, rapid-fire bass lines.
"Dragonball Durag" is a standout track, a tongue-in-cheek love song centered around Thundercat's affection for his anime-themed head accessory. It's a showcase of his ability to inject humor into his songwriting, delivering catchy, funk-drenched melodies alongside amusing lyrics.
The album takes a sobering turn with "Fair Chance", a tribute to Thundercat's friend and collaborator Mac Miller, who passed away in 2018. The track is a tender, heartfelt reflection on loss and the struggle to move forward, underscored by melancholic chords and a somber bassline.
Throughout the album, Thundercat's virtuosity is on full display, not only as a bassist but also as a singer and a songwriter. His falsetto croons weave through the complex musical tapestry he creates, exploring themes of love, existential dread, loneliness, and humor with equal adeptness.
Overall, "It Is What It Is" is a kaleidoscope of Thundercat's eclectic influences and musical prowess, a testament to his boundless creativity. The album offers an insight into the mind of an artist unafraid to push boundaries and break conventions, and in doing so, it creates an immersive, otherworldly sonic experience that is uniquely Thundercat's.
Who is Thundercat?
Thundercat, whose real name is Stephen Bruner, is an American musician, record producer, singer, and songwriter. Known for his virtuosic bass playing, he blends elements of funk, soul, R&B, jazz, and electronic music in his work.
What's the significance of the album title "It Is What It Is"?
The title reflects a philosophy of accepting life as it comes, even in its most difficult moments. Thundercat has stated it was influenced by the loss of his friend Mac Miller.
Who are some notable collaborators on the album?
"It Is What It Is" features appearances by artists like Louis Cole, Ty Dolla $ign, Childish Gambino (Donald Glover), Lil B, Kamasi Washington, and Steve Lacy.
How was "It Is What It Is" received?
The album received widespread critical acclaim for its unique fusion of musical styles, intricate compositions, and Thundercat's virtuosic bass playing. It also won the Grammy for Best Progressive R&B Album in 2021.
What are the standout tracks on the album?
"Dragonball Durag", "Interstellar Love", and "Fair Chance" are often highlighted as standout tracks due to their musicality, lyrical content, and emotional depth.
