Early Riser
by Taylor McFerrin
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. The 405
    Jun 5, 2014
    90
    It's an album that you need to experience for yourself, to have it ease into your world and make a home, to feel its freedom, to visit and revisit again and again.
  2. The Line of Best Fit
    Jun 5, 2014
    85
    The album was not created lightly, and by no means deserves to be skimmed, but there’s a diversity and thirst within this album that stands to keep Early Riser remembered for some time, and will no doubt lead McFerrin to achieve the same.
  3. Mojo
    Jul 2, 2014
    80
    Early Riser is a special album that pulls you deep into its alternative universe. [Aug 2014, p.92]
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  5. AllMusic
    Jun 5, 2014
    80
    While Early Riser was pieced and patched together, it flows as a gleaming focused set that combines left-field electronics, alternative R&B, and futuristic jazz.
  6. Exclaim
    Jun 5, 2014
    80
    It's possible to detect elements of jazz, '70s soul, hip-hop and electronica in McFerrin's heliocentric mix, but through his intentional blurring of the boundaries, he underlines his mastery of and ultimate disregard for genre categories.
  7. PopMatters
    Aug 8, 2014
    70
    With McFerrin and this latest crop of open, creative minds exploring the hallowed halls of jazz, there seems to be hope the form can and will continue to exist and evolve with society, remaining a relevant and integral art form on the musical and cultural landscape.
  8. Resident Advisor
    Jun 16, 2014
    70
    Early Riser recalls '70s LPs by the likes of Herbie Hancock--with whom McFerrin Sr. collaborated--and actually evokes the process of remembering, insomuch as it's full of teasing hints and hazy feelings that ebb and flow throughout.
  9. Pitchfork
    Jun 5, 2014
    68
    This is an album built for slow weekend mornings spent in bed with a loved one more than brisk, early-morning runs.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. cybersoupkitche
    Aug 7, 2014
    7
    Taylor McFerrin has pressure on him already because of his prolific father's career. First of all, I definitely commend his endeavor intoTaylor McFerrin has pressure on him already because of his prolific father's career. First of all, I definitely commend his endeavor into music without trying to mimic a shadow of Bobby McFerrin.

    This album involves good neo-soul and modern R&B production. It's a well written and recorded piece. Some of the featured artists on it are also very hot in neo-soul (I'm talking about you Hiatus Kaiyote). My only problem is that some of the songs are a tad monotonous near the middle of the album.

    The songs 'The Antidote' and 'Invisible/Visible' were my personal favorites.

    For a first album, this is a great start to Taylor McFerrin's career.    … Full Review »
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