American musician Stephen Lee Bruner, better known by the moniker Thundercat, released his fourth studio album “It Is What It Is” on April 3 to praise from critics and audiences alike.
The album is supported by five singles: “King of the Hill,” “Black Qualls,” “Dragonball Durag,” “Fair Chance” and “Innerstellar Love.”
Many of the other tracks on this record clock in at under two minutes, bringing the 15-song track list to a full 39 minutes of jazz, soul and humorous moments.
There are a number of featured artists on the album, including Louis Cole, rappers Childish Gambino and Ty Dolla Sign, and comedian Zack Fox. The title track also features a vocal sample from the late hip-hop artist Mac Miller, who the record is dedicated to. (Miller’s album “Circles” was the first review that I ever wrote for the Guardian, so it’s nice to come full circle during my last spring semester music review.)
Overall, “It Is What It Is” is an intriguing dreamscape of a project. Though it features uneven production and a few undercooked tracks, the humor and instrumentals help the record keep its rhythm for its full duration without losing a beat.
Highlights
1. “Dragonball Durag”
A humorous ode to Thundercat’s favorite form of headwear, Thundercat sings about pursuing women while showing off his jewelry and wearing a “Dragonball Z”-themed durag. It’s a beautiful moment of hilarity on the album.
2. “Black Qualls”
Featuring Steve Arrington, Childish Gambino and Steve Lacy, the song also features a gorgeous bassline as each new guest takes the stage for a cohesive and soulful listening experience.
3. “I Love Louis Cole”
Louis Cole himself is featured on this tune, a fast-paced and spacey joyride that brings the synthesizers and strings to the forefront to create something truly entertaining.
4. “It Is What It Is”
This track is a really interesting choice to close the album, helping to carry the “it is what it is” lyrical motif found in the two previous songs. The ambient wind persists throughout the entire length of the track as Thundercat’s vocals weave around a soothing guitar and drum instrumental. By far, this is my favorite song on the album.
Background
Thundercat started playing bass at a young age, scoring a minor hit as a member of the boy band No Curfew. He joined the crossover thrash band Suicidal Tendencies in 2002 with his brother, drummer Ronald Bruner Jr.
After signing with independent record label Brainfeeder in 2008, Thundercat released his debut solo album “The Golden Age of Apocalypse” in 2011. It was followed up by “Apocalypse” in 2013 and a third record, “Drunk,” in 2017.
He is also a popular session musician, contributing bass guitar instrumentals, vocals and production to albums from Erykah Badu, Kendrick Lamar, Mac Miller and Brainfeeder founder Flying Lotus. Thundercat’s work on Lamar’s song “These Walls” earned the artists a Grammy Award for Best Rap/Song Performance in 2016.
I personally feel like this album is easy to listen to and get lost in. One moment, you hear the introduction track, which is titled “Lost In Space/Great Scott/22-26,” and the next, you’re vibing to groovy basslines and pleasing vocals.
Though there are a few bumps in the road, “It Is What It Is” is a lovely trip from start to finish with plenty of charm and character contained within its walls.
