Head Hunters

Great grooves, a bit long at times.

Four songs and the first is already on my playlist. Looking forward to this. This was a trip! Enjoyed the first half a bit more. But this was great. Must be incredible on psychedelics. 4/5

4/5 - Would give 3.5 if I could. All of it was really solid but I'm not a fan of the intro/outro of Watermelon Man (possibly a hot take)

Lively and funky jazz that demands you give it the attention it deserves.

Best Jazz/funk fusion on the list imo. Herbie pours his heart and soul in every creation

Lo escuché muchas veces.

The groove is unreal! 8/10

Funky as hell, with a good bit of jazz mixed in. This combo can occasionally become annoying.

This is a completely new album to me. I had no clue what to expect. It's easy to jam along to and is groovy, uplifting, and a good background track. I could definitely see myself studying to this. The sound of Head Hunters makes me realize how unserious and easygoing life can be. An easygoing track. Could def see myself getting high to this as well lol.

All of these were absolute bangers. Very groovy, very upbeat, reminded me of the movie Soul/Whiplash. While it is not something that I would seek out to put on, I would not be in a rush to turn it off either.

Fantastic Jazz-Funk album, possibly the most famous of the subgenre. Initially I didn't think much of it, but then it hit me and it hit me hard. Kudos do Hancock to constantly reinvent himself and try new sounds. Starting out as a Thelonous Monk-type Hard Bop pianist, then adopting this style of Funk in the 70's, later turning to Electro in the 80's and Breakbeat in the 90's. A Swiss-Army Knive of Jazz! Key tracks: Chameleon Watermelon Man

Wow, was not expecting to enjoy an instrumental jazz album this much. The 4 songs are different but cohesive and the flutes/pipes in Watermelon Man are great.

Eclectic, very groovy. Experimental and completely catchy!!! My two faves watermelon man and chameleon.

Is it funky jazz or jazzy funk? I'll go with the former, as the genius of Herbie Hancock makes jazz approachable for me. First introduced to Hancock in the 80s with "Rockit," I'm learning that throughout his amazing and still ongoing career, he's proven equally adept at blending multiple genres and making music for the masses.

hit

This was fantastic

Dobar i veoma zanimljiv za striktno instrumentalni album, sviđa mi se vajb i atmosfera i sve.

Maybe I do not fear all jazz because that was delightful

i fuck with this

It's actually amazing to me that in 1973, Hancock was already putting out his twelfth studio album. He's such a genius and amazing composer and musician. While this is definitely one of those albums that you would tend to play as background music rather than sit and listen to, it's still a truly great album. This is album where Hancock started adding more funk to his music than jazz. When you listen closely, it's amazing all the different sounds he incorporates into the songs. Another one definitely worthy of the list!

9/10 - yes give me more jazz please

Gear: Focalman Cleardara Artwork: 🛢️🎹🪘 Production: 🎧😘🤌 Music: 🎷📚🕺 Rating: 🍉🍉🍉🍉(🍉)/5

Primera vez que lo escucho. Está música tiene un ritmo que te lleva por distintos estados.

Really good album, alternative sounds but super interesting.

4 - great album

Many innovative sounds and quite suprisingly a very easy listen.

22/03/2026 1. chameleon - ooo loving the start! drums are niiice! sax is great!! looove the bassline almost eight mins in <3 horns and synth are great! lovely :) *2. watermelon man - bass and drums are great!! very jazzy... love the sax! 3. sly - ooo the start is great! very smooth. two minutes in wow!! loving it! *4. vein melter - slower start.. really love the strings? synths? great anyways!! really love the ending! have vaguely heard of herbie hancock before but knew literally nothing about him, so was tentatively excited for this album! the cover is also reallly nice as well.

I dug alot of this, but not as much as Coltrain, Davis, Gordon, Bird...

This album really, truly surprised me. A 4-track album with tracks reaching upwards of 15 minutes, yet not a dull moment, never a point of thinking 'how long is left?'. This is a mix of jazz and funk, done in a way that keeps you intrigued. This was the first ever Jazz record to go platinum, and you can see why. The impact this album had was huge, influencing both pop and hip-hop later on. Before listening to this record, I didn't think it would be something that I would want to come back to again, but I have even added 1 or 2 of the tracks onto my own playlist. And Chameleon... what an opening track. It really sets the mood of the genre right from the start. Favourite Track: Chameleon (I wish I could pick multiple, but with it being a 4-track record, I am going to only choose the one).

Incredible.

8/10 – Very Good

This took a few listens to get through- wildly interesting

This was fun as hell! 4/5

Great rhythm and bounce, for me it's a good background album to put maybe on blast maybe on a lower volume even, listen to its energy and flow with it around what I have to do. at the same time it could also be a good one to listen on the beach (but only with certain people haha)

Hancock and his band of hotshot players weave some startling melody lines over complex grooves on this jazz fusion record from 1973. Production is clear as a bell, also. Special kudos go to drummer Harvey Mason whose dynamic and intricate playing provides the essential pulse driving these tracks.

Distinctive, instrumental, and swinging (and a well-known name besides)

(83/100)

Low-key a vibe. GREAT to study with

estupendo para tener de fondo mientras trabajas, me parece súper adelantado a su generación!!

A great vibey album to set a mood.

The mixing is absolutely perfect even in its original version and the keyboard synths sound incredible throughout the record. It manages to showcase many different styles of the same genre in just forty minutes and while it did not fully reach that top-tier spark it remains an outstanding technical achievement.

Un álbum genial y con buena onda para crear el ambiente perfecto.

Funky Mr Hancock, funky as hell

jazzy funk or funky jazz?

Deux classique qu'il fait du bien de ré entendre

Fun. Unfortunately I listened to it on a train ride, otherwise I would have been boogying around the kitchen.

Já tinha ouvido

3.5 Starts An album that moves back and forth between two themes - what seems to be akin to a cocaine frenzy and a cool, laid-back funk. I prefer the funk but the frenetic portions are intriguing. Favorite track: Watermelon Man

2026.03.06-07

was viibing with this one all the way through

I wonder what head hunters even are. I don’t find the point in listing why this album is one of the best representations of funk music, but I will try my best anyways (since that’s kind of the point of music reviews). There are several occasions on this album where the splendor and creativity of the music forced me to pause and think about it for a long while, which is impressive since I’ll literally kill anyone who pauses my music midway through. I’m guessing that a common criticism of this album would be that it’s too simple, but I would argue that it’s because literally everything on here is completely intentional; every decision deserves itself, which is why it may sound bare. This project truly is the perfect mix of some classic jazz-funk and a bit of musical wittiness (and maybe insanity). Genuinely, how can you get bored of this? I know this review reads like a nothing burger, but I really don’t have anything that interesting to say about this album; it’s simply fantastic. Anyways, great album, would recommend.

Funky jazz fusion from the early 70s, it's accessible even for those who don't like jazz that much.

Mi è piaciuto nonostante sia più fan di un jazz tradizionale e meno sperimentale

Super funky, very groovy, would listen again.

Jazzfunkkia, tosi smoothia, maukasta, ja coolia. Siistii. Fuusiojazzin kaaoksessa on jotain mistä tykkään. Parhaat: Chameleon, Spy

Really solid stuff, but Vein Melter was way too repetitive for me to close out the album

Chameleon has lived in my head long before I listened to it because of band camp, and it's also because of band that I just can't say no to jam tracks. Favourite track: Chameleon

Loved it, great and jazzy

4/5

Immaculate funk

pretty interesting funky jazzy album, i enjoyed quite a bit of this one. it’s refreshing to get some jazz you can really groove to.

Chameleon

This album is so good. I’ve listened to it at least 4 times. It wasn’t my first listen, but damn Herbie Hancock got that shit on. Only 4 tracks, but each of them takes you on a little journey. I love what he does, he does it wonderfully. Solid 8.5 for me

Nice jazz

Interesante

Listened to 1 song only, sounded promising

Look. It's super good, and I love it, but it's just not quite there for me. Funk without being funky. Jazz without being jazzy. Idk. I want more fun and fresh and dancy. Oooorrrr more jazz and technical and complex. It's just....not quite there for me and I can't explain why. Maybe I just think Herbie is better than this.

4 because Chameleon is fantastic

Very quirky. A little bit chaotic and then a little bit chill. Jazz yet electronic vibes and funk elements. Crazy that this was made over 50 years ago. It sounds like someone would make something like this now. Only four tracks, instrumental - must have been very interesting at the time. Still is very interesting.

I like the music and the feel of the album. Not something I would revisit all the time, but an enjoyable listen.

MUCH better than I was expecting. Only ever heard his 80s weak soul electronica but this is like Eumir Deodato. Some of it is quite bearable.

8/10

3/5

Very good, end part of track 1 and middle of track 2 would fit perfectly in a coffee shop or a chill soundtrack

Good Porn Groove

I'd never listened to the whole album, quite enjoyed it. Watermelon Man was great, I've enjoyed that one for years. Overall very good, the third song felt a little frantic, would have made Brenda unbearably nervous. Songs like these are great to lose your virginity to because you can really settle in and take your time. The Ramones or the Dead Kennedys are the worst, it is just rushed and over before you know it.

Great album, very enjoyable.

Now there’s an album cover! This is fun and interesting jazz, pretty easy listening. I like it!

Really nice jazz funk, playful and a little bit weird, and what an absolutely amazing album cover! This is really enjoyable and uplifting, really fun to just get lost in while I get on with my day, to add a bit of a funky sheen to it all. Very nice well done Herbie!

A trip, flirts with noodles, always pulls you back, you never quite know where it’s headed. I would always listen to it … but I’m not sure I would necessarily reach for it on the shelf. It’s a 4.5 rounded down.

Já tinha ouvido várias vezes antes. Gosto muito da estética do álbum

Very funky, very fresh, very fun

Chameleon and Watermelon Man are practically flawless. Sly is an underrated banger. Vein Melter is just fine; it's not on the same level as the other songs. I love Herbie and I agree this might objectively be a perfect jazz album, but to me nearly quarter of the album is just fine.

I really like this album, it is a fun version of a Jazz album 4/5

The first track is probably my most favourite of all jazz tracks. Watermelon man is pretty good too. Enough for 4 stars!

Jazz meets disco? Iconic

One of the best jazz albums ever, amazing instrumentation and very funky. Watermelon Man and Chameleon are all-timers.

Really funky, heard TTC in this

Herbie Hancock is the name of someone who should play blues but he sure can play jazz.

A really smooth listen that demonstrates a different take on jazz. It’s funky, it’s bold, and it holds up until the very end. The whole record sounds timeless, and the lack of guitar is an interesting creative choice.

0 lüürikat, aga see muusika ikka kuidagi suudab rääkida mu hingega. Herbie Hancock mulle väga istub, see plaat ka. Lood pole just kuidagi ühendatud ja raske on leida neile mingit ühist alust, aga tervikuna on teda ikka hea kuulata. 3.9/5

Weird but kinda jazzy and souly

Great jazz-funk record that I will definitely return too. The mix of synthetic and classic instrumentals is amazing to listen to to this day. Only reason that it's not a 5 is that I'm not the biggest fan of the last track, which I don't thi know builds on the sound Hancock creates throughout the rest of the album. But still, an amazing record.

Really enjoyed this one. Interesting to see how influenced subsequent music.

Funky grooves that melt into the next movement - what more could you ask for?!

La última canción mehhhhh, había partes que sonaba muy padre pero otras que no tanto. Me gustó la combinación del jazz con lo eléctrico.

I thought the last album I had was short. This is 4 songs! 4 funky songs, that kicks off in a real nice groove. Totally something I could put on in the background while I work. Or drive around to. Real cool sound I have to say. Reminds me of things I used to listen to in my friend’s car way back when. This is the reason I do this, I never would have listened to this album otherwise. This is one I’ll come back to when I’m in the right mood.

Classic jazz album

SUCH A VIBE Watermelon Man is giving tropical jungle energy Edit Mar 27 2026: 5 --> 4. I haven't played this album *as* much. Maybe if I play it more in the future I will bump it up more

So funky I like it.

don’t love jazz but this was great

at first I found it a bit weird. then it gets enjoyable. not a big jazz fan so I cannot fully appreciate it.

ALBUM #1 🎉 01/02/26 i definitely rock with the songs, theyre my vibe but a bit too long for me to be able to actually play on a walk to school funky in a good way, Vein Melter takes numero uno for best song on the album imo

This kind of album is the template for pretty much all of the Jazz fusion that came afterwards. The music that Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, Donald Byrd, and other such musicians at the time were making still has relevancy and still sounds exciting over fifty years later. There are only four songs here, but each one has its own unique flavor and style. I never get tired of listening to this one.

Funky jazz

First time I heard this. Quite good.

Funky

Never considered Jazz as a music genre before listening to this album today. Smooth, crisp and enjoyable.

Very smooth and exciting, great album of fusion, and make justice to the name, as it mix different sounds with such harmony and groove.

Exceptional

Гарний альбом, якось вдалося зловити такий вайб поїздки в метро. Єдине мені не дуже сподобалася остання композиція, на мій смак якось занадто нецікаво, особливо після попередніх.

I really enjoyed the first half of this, to the point where I was asking myself if I was going to give five stars to an album I'd never heard before. I mean that's the dream right, that's why I'm here. But unfortunately the second half was nowhere near as good. I'm not even sure if the first half was on relisten. Who knows, but it did make me feel something and for that I am thankful.

Favorite Track: Watermelon Man

The tracks on this album are sprawling and funky. Probably the best instrumental album I've come across on this list so far. 3.75/5.

incredible funky jazz almost rock instrumental album

Herbie is The Man on the Keyboard!!!

Funky

When Jazz ruled the world what an era for music herbie Hancock at his finest on this Chameleon is a classic , straight away your into that stank groove on the keys and from then on your transported into some serious groove sections , thought this was Mike Clark on drums turns out it’s Harvey mason , providing some serious funky displaced feels on this locking in with the bass player Love how it doesn’t fall off in terms of musical interest like some jazz does , always admired herbies ability to come up with great chapters in a song which keeps the listener engaged through a 15 minute epic like this Watermelon man reminds me of a classic meters track pure funk loved it Sly really pricked my ears up straight off the bat a great accented motif that displaces occasionally love the Jam in the middle Harvey giving it the old buddy rich fast ride peppering the song along nicely and then back to the original motif at the end a really well structured tune probably my fave of the album Vein melter great track felt like it needed sly to be the finisher though thoroughly enjoyed this one

Fun but not my vibe

One more song would have made it 5

This had some great funky bits, fairly experimental in a lot of places with sound choice which made it part interesting and part silly. But I didn't mind that. The tracks were all pretty long and sadly they were long because most of them contained some big nonsense improvements bit that I didn't really care for and drifted off during until the great riffs came back in. Maybe on more listens when I am able to concentrate better on the self indulgent parts it would make more sense. It was pretty fun though. Maybe 4 is generous but I'm feeling generous.

8/10

Bangers. Like the album cover too. Some indigenous sounds and calls there too, makes it psychadelic

Really liked this one, great background music!

Undoubtedly solid album with some classics on it. Does get a little samey but I can’t fault it too much

songs were wayyy too long but i still found them enjoyable!

this was fun good work music and nice to learn about herbies influence!

Very chill.

Absolute funk jam band album. This one rocks and would sound amazing on stereo surround sound. Going to save this one for later and hopefully add to my Vinyl collection. 8/10

This album completely completely blew me away in the best possible ways. I knew Herbie Hancock before but I hadn't listed to an album fully. The fusion of funk and jazz spoke to me and the fact that the songs were all very long and instrumental made this even better! I felt like I flowed with the music in a way where it moved in the way I wanted and imagined it. Hankcock's passion felt tangible and raw. The whole experience felt intimate but equally explosive and I feel just completely energised. My only take back was there was aspects of 'Watermelon man' which felt Dr Octagonecologystesque - with the Mickey Mouse voice in 'Trip to the gynecologist' in particular. However I feel this wouldn't matter or occur to me if i hadn't heard that album first.

the tracks are so long but i think it adds to the instrumentalism. When that song says 'play that funky music white boy', this is what it means. 3.5 rounded to a 4

Its funny reading the other review first because the only part of this album i didnt like was Vein Melter which was the only of the 4 songs that did not make the highlight reel. (Vein Melter was probably also very good, but it didn't really get me)

I first listened to this album driving around the suburbs of Glendale, and I scarfed down an entire Sonic Double Smasher in the parking lot of a Fry's in the time it took me to listen to Watermelon Man. The second time, I was driving around at night. As is usually the experience with jazz, clicking with the music is all about falling into the right groove with it. That second listen is where it really started to fall into place for me. I had an incredible amount of respect for the composition right off the bat, but I grew to connect with the individual songs over time (except Sly, that one immediately hooked me). The strange production on Watermelon Man in particular is a standout, and while I'm not always in the mood for it, nothing hits quite like it when I am. Just some truly incredible and funky jazz here, and a strong showcase for a genre which I am still relatively unfamiliar with. Highlights: Chameleon, Watermelon Man, Sly

erg groovy en chill als achtergrond muziek

Great fusion album. Great vibes, but can feel a bit too much and nauseous here and there (high paced 3min sax solos)

Great Album, was purely instrumental and surprised me. Gives me buddy cop movie OST vibes. All of the songs hit that vibe, except "Vein Melter" but it's still a good song on its own.

This was fun to listen to!! A little relentless, but I enjoyed it!

jazzy, funky, liked the flute 4

Loved it! Haven't felt that instantly-hooked feeling for music in a long time. Easily 4/5

I’ve listened to more Jazz albums than any one man should ever listen to since I started this long journey, now approaching an entire year on the site. I have heard many different types and sub genres of Jazz during this time. There have been some types of Jazz that I outright despise, some that were just ok, but most of them have rarely been worth listening to again after the day ends. This, and I don’t know why, is for sure one of the best ones that I have heard so far. I don’t know what causes me to like some Jazz and hate others, but now I want to do a deep dive into all the different forms. This album is giving me a deep appreciation for the craft that I otherwise didn’t have yet. It’s an album I’m thankful the site has given me. This barely registers as Jazz, it feels like Funky Electronica with a smooth Jazzy finish hidden underneath. I don’t know exactly what you would call this, but I’d call it pretty damn good. Favorite song on the album is the opener, “Chameleon”. It’s the fastest song on the album and some of the rapid tone changes towards the middle of the song are just incredibly ear wormy. Song lives up to its name, it’s constantly changing, but not in the way other free form Jazz albums have that have previously not done much for me. Again, I don’t really know what it is about this one specifically, but I’m not complaining. As far as Jazz goes, this was outstanding. I would gladly listen to more of this. Plus, I have no idea what’s going on with the album art, but I dig it. It’s pretty cool. Funky.

Shit definitely got funky. Do like the long form jazz and something nice to turn on in the background. Not something i’m bumping in the car. Very musically advanced and would listen to again. 7/10

Tommy!

Yazz

have not heard before 4 songs but 41 minutes? damn a good time! would never had heard this without this site. really enjoyed

I have no business being a human being coexisting with other human beings who have done this kind of thing in life

Man, the bass line in chameleon immediately drew me in. What a vibe. The long form instrumental nature of this and the absolute mojo across these songs brought a smile to my face and makes me yearn for more. Sounds way more modern than it actually is, further listens are warranted.

bau noo noo nute nute nute bau noo noo nute nute nute

Fuck the purists. This is a good album. Its got jazz, its got electronica, what more do you need?

For a song called vein melter it was really boring lmao I dont listen to fusion or jazz that much but it was a nice listen

Nice jazz. Short album. Long tracks.

Watermelon Man and Vein Melter fucks!

Really like this slow funk/jazz mix. Very ambient music, you can complete a task while listening to this or have a good conversation. Personally for me the instruments in the second song sound likes remind children so I’m not a fan but the rest is great.

Listens: 3 Standout Tracks: All of them (there's only 4 tracks)! Good jazz-funk-rock is good. Seriously though: Great grooves and a sweet album cover. What else is there to ask for?

Good

Used to play chameleon in marching band lol

When to listen: Intense jazz experience

Jazz funky, made me look up jazz standards, notable that his most famous album is his 12th, following 3 very experimental albums and a desire to return to earth with something lighter Will replay

The album is a total vibe, however I’m only one song in and it feels like it’s dragging. The second song feels so refreshing after listening to the first song, most likely the best song out of the four. The album is interesting for the time, but not really interesting in today’s standards. The third song is also really good, but it also has the problem of being 10 minutes long. The fourth and last song has a few interesting moments, but is overall boring.

das war ein Meilenstein, auch wenn er mir aus heutiger Sicht recht öde vorkommt - 4 Sterne

fire

quite interesting nice beats most songs didn't even really feel all that long since 3/4 were 10-15 mins ling

this album reminded me of the seen in ratatouille where remy try’s the grapes and cheese together and there was different colors and different shapes representing the taste of both the grapes and cheese. i really enjoyed the album and will probably listen to it again.

Creativity will arise while listening to this album.

Honestly pretty good -- a few of the freeform parts were a bit annoying to my senses, but I feel like there could be value in that if I experience it in the right context.

GREAT album, there’s a few i could stand to go without, obv watermelon man is a banger. Shoutout Mid 90s. Great cover art, fun instrumentals. Good for traveling in a market in a former country, fishing in the summer, acid trip hike with homies, and splatter painting.

Love this one watermelon man always iconic. I kinda just dislike hella long songs if they don’t keep me super interested throughout and sometimes I found myself distracted tbh. 4 songs for 41 min is wild but it’s iconic and I love the jazzyness

instant vibe

Fun jazz!

Funky

So funkay! Puerno soundtrack

Mesmerising, funky, obviously influential, sounded familiar yet strange

Idk this is definitely not usually what I would listen to, but with my very lacking musical knowledge I personally think it is incredibly good musically. Like to me it's not the most engaging like I would dance like a maniac to it ( my sign of good music personally) but it is very enjoyable to listen to especially while doing my evil epq. Like the techniques seem like so fancy and like technical it seems just so well written. I can't give it a 5 cos idk I would go back and listen on repeat like some of my favourite albums but it's definitely one of the better albums I have been recommended and I really enjoyed it

Excellent but the first two tracks suffer from being over played throughout my life

THE perfect idle soundtrack Best = Chameleon/Vein melter Skip = Watermelon man

electronic and jazz are so different but hancock works that they can work really well together. big fan

Interesante

This was pretty outstanding. Jazz, funk, beats and tracks that would be the foundation of rap. All done in 1973? Just amazing. 4 for sure.

I’ve been trying to get into jazz a bit. And this is one of the albums I saw that was recommended and I really really like it. I’m far for an expert on jazz, but this one has a lot of soul to it.

My daughter said the first song sounded like a chameleon because chameleon can change their colors and sneak around and it was good sneaking around music. I feel like the rest of the album was similarly aptly named.

Iconic and very enjoyable

good, funky, jazzy. lots of instruments and such a diversity of sound

Sly canción top. Grandes adiciones del sintetizador en disco de jazz.

It was interesting. Not something I would reach for on my own. Nice experience.

4, quite synth heavy

Dearest Bartholomew B. Benson, It is with great pleasure that I can confirm that I do indeed like jazz. Sincerest regards,

Great vibes

A great jazz album from the legendary Herbie Hancock. Would definitely look for this album again were I to be searching for this kind of music

jazzy long songs funkalicious

Hancock tossing you into the deep end with one of the swankiest basslines known to man. I don't care at all that Chameleon is almost 16 minutes long and that the bassline doesn't change by a single note for the first 7 minutes. It's incredibly infectious. My jazz band played this piece to death back in the day, so the fact that I still enjoy it after losing sleep over written solos and high trumpet notes speaks volumes. I've never heard this jazz-lounge style, with a greater emphasis on the rhyth section than any brass instruments. I like it. Very loop-inspired, and considering the year of release, this is something pretty impressive. Loop-based, synth-based songs wouldn't become really mainstream until the 80s. (Oh yeah, and section 2 of this song is absolutely legendary. Peep that basswork.) But then it gets weird. And not necessarily in a good way. Watermelon Man, historically a household title, is turned on its head with the extremely strange flute lines that take up several minutes of runtime before we hit anything remotely recognisable. And the head tune is... experimental? I feel that this is a bit of an indulgent reimagination of the 1962 original, which is (in my opinion) far superior. Sly is fine, but is maybe a little too experimentally soundscapey for its own good. Also, it takes on a progressive persona, undergoing various complete changes in atmosphere across its 10-minute duration. It also really lacks the hooks that define the other three tracks. It's played tremendously well, but it's the sort of jazz my brain tunes out against my will for just not being catchy enough. The song's a tough nut to crack, is what I'm saying. Maybe a few more listens will do it. Vein Melter, the final track, is a mild return to form. The swelly keyboards are always a win – they make any track sound like a futuristic airport lounge – and the drumming is also very restrained, almost hesitant, in a tasteful manner. Love the bassline here too. 4/5 Key tracks: Chameleon

4/5 funky jazz beat, easy to enjoy, stands out a little more in comparison to other jazz-esque albums

Really good, wasn’t expecting an instrumental but overall a very lowkey vibe

12/12/2025. FUNKY! If I was lost in the sauce yesterday, I'm out at sea today. 7/10

COCK

Was okay I guess

Piano-jazz from chill to frenetic. Has its moments for the right time and place but couldn’t do it every day.

creative jazz funk with electronic elements. very cool. a must have in any jazz playlist.

Funky, jazzy and exciting.

Herbie Hancock operates on a different level than the vast majority of us. This wasn’t an album I’d ever listened to before but it turns out I’d heard countless snippets of the songs over the years as hip hop has been heavily sampling them since it’s early days.

nice album, sometimes a bit repetative, but not too much. does not feel like this album is from 1973. 4

😃

Fun jazzy vibes Enjoyed most of it Nice background music

Groovy man fuck yeah play with my cock, Mr Han. Go on and hunt that head Mr watermelon man

Took multiple listens, but warmed up to the funky beats. Shoutout White Lotus with Watermelon Man.

Not my favourite style of jazz... Too funky for my taste. But still very fun and engaging and playing is really good

Great sound, background music. Easy listening.

Some nice Jazz-funk. Although nothing too amazing.

Not first listen; 3.5; While I've listened to some of this album before, I never listened to the whole thing closely. I found it very fun, interesting, and accessable. The different effects and instruments kept my attention, and there's plenty of catchy hooks throughout. This is something I would come back to listen to. Favorite song: Chameleon

Da mag ich andere von ihm lieber - hat dennoch Eindruck hinterlassen

Für mich ein "Gateway"-Album in den Jazz. Super!

Lot of fun

A classic

Jazz meets funk on this layered 1973 classic by revered American jazz pianist/keyboardist Herbie Hancock, and the results present a sound oozing with cool. While Hancock's talent on the keys are the star of the show here, ranging from relaxed piano lines to more urgent keyboard rhythms, there's plenty of other standout musical passages on this album, namely the tribalistic flutes of 'Watermelon Man', the frantic sax solos on both 'Chameleon' and 'Sly' and the eclectic use of drums and percussion throughout the entire record, ensuring 'Head Hunters' never fails to lose its groove. It's often a criticism of the jazz genre that songs can come across as too long, unstructured or aimless, but 'Head Hunters' is such a tightly constructed record rooling by at blistering speed that you're truly surprised when 40 minutes have rolled by and the album's over. There's no denying Herbie's ability to hold your attention, that's for sure. The blend of jazz and funk works really well here, and there's plenty to love for fans of both genres. Best songs: Best enjoyed as a complete piece, but if there's one standout, it's Sly.

That was a great album from someone who I know but wouldn’t have normally listened to.

I was already familiar with this album. It is some great jazz fusion/funk. Chameleon is an absolute jam, lasting over 15 minutes, with some great bass, horns, and keyboard work. Watermelon Man is another standout, but the entire album is strong. I would listen to this again for sure.

fuuuunky

Not my preferred style of jazz, but undeniably an iconic piece of jazz fusion

This is one of my favorite Herbie Hancock albums, I actually own a copy. It's kind of whimsical in some parts but a nice jam that flows from song to some touching on various themes. The music builds up into something amazing in my opinion pretty brilliant stuff. I have heard it many times but still enjoy it and I was really excited to see it was the album of the day. I'll probably listen to it a couple more times just because it's perfect for listen to while I'm at work.

Crazy album. I want to give it a 5, but some parts honestly overwhelmed my brain. There's a lot of technical talent in this album, no doubt.

This is #day464 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and… yeah, aside from some experimental/free forms of jazz, this list may well be an indicator that I don't mind some jazz fusion/funk once in a while. Never heard either of the artist or this particular record before. Glad I have now. This is a strong 4 out of 5. Looking forward to #day465.

I immediately heard the influence of Sly & the Family Stone’s “There’s a Riot Goin’ On.” Then the third track was titled “Sly” so… maybe check out “There’s a Riot” (a 5 star, ground breaking album). This is an enjoyable, groovy album too.

There is something joyful inside when you can listen to music that you don't know or understand, there are no lyrics, the songs are long, and you just keep listening. I do not understand Jazz, but it is really impossible to feel the joy and craftwork going on in this album. It is simply groovy

This is an album with two great songs, one good one, and one that turns into a bit of a snoozer. Unfortunately, Vein Melter closes the album off on a down note for me, losing the melodic quality that made the rest of the album so fun. But the bottle sound on Watermelon Man is inventive and man the bass line on Chameleon slaps. Bonus points for the album cover.

Pretty jazzy to listen to! Could feel the need to dance all throughout it.

Proper jazz with a good groove. Very little to complain or remark here. Songs are long but get riffed upon in such a competent way to keep it fresh. Sure it's kinda background music but it's really good background music.

Wonderful.

lush and chill at the same time, the kind of thing that makes me want to get a pair of bell bottoms immediately....

Great vibes

Pleasant sound.

Getting some fire stuff here. This record was very important to me growing up. It's very jazzy, precise and well crafted, but it has that playfulness in it that encounters you as a young adult. Chameleon is a classic track that I think described funk for many new listeners. Man, you can't argue with that synth bass. Than Watermelon Man, a rerecording of a Herbie classic. So much fun, and lightness. Love Herbie's electric piano on both tracks. And the relations between the synth and electric bass. It all concludes a super funky first side to the album. In my opinion, the real magic appears on the second half . Sly is a slick and velvety tune. Incredible playing from the band . Misty yet still funky as hell atmosphere. Just a magnificent combination. Vien Melter is the most free track on the record, which is a great decision. It features beautiful sax and great synth pads from Herbie. Electric piano incredible as always on this one. Maybe, because of it's uniqueness, my favorite track on the record. Overall, a magnificent listen. Still sounds modern after so many years, it explains why it work well on teens. It's not essential to me as it was in my youth, but still a quality album. Absolutely. 4.4.

My introduction to jazz and the first album on the list I really vibed with. Now one of my mainstays.

Not bad for an intro to Herbie. Jazzy, funky.

weird ahh noise

This used to be one of my fav jazz albums at one point and I still think it's brilliant. The first song starts off with this super deep and memorable groove, with a lot of instrumental progressions around it. Eventually it breaks down into this piano driven section which is very funky and dancable. Watermelon Man offers more cool rhythms and sweet guitar leads, while Sly has one of the coolest progressions I've heard in jazz, starts off with a pretty slow and chill melody and the way the way the playing intensifies is just so fascinating. The last song has some ambient textures applied to jazz, it sounds quite unique but isn't as memorable as the other 3. Still, I think this is the best Herbie Hancock record while also being his most accessible and just fun to play.

Funky synth jazz from the 70's ftw

WATERMELON MAN!

Soo groovy

4.1

I have known of Herbie Hancock for many years, but never really sat down and listened to his music. This album is brilliant.

I’ve heard for years how classic this album is but never listened to it. It’s very hard to rate an album like this after hearing it for only one day. The first two songs were a bit repetitive for me but the last song Vein Melter grabbed me with its gorgeous orchestration. I’ll need to hear this how I’m a few more times to really know how I feel about it.

Elegant, classy soul with just enough grime to bring out the funk. First time hearing it. Enjoyed it. Nice discovery.

Very chaotic at times but hard to doubt the musicianship on display here 4*

whoah what an album cover- WAIT 4 songs and its still 40+ minutes? oh these guys mustve been VIBING recording this one - this is exactly the vibe i was expecting and im not disappointed at all - funky weird beats oh yeah and just like that its over! i've been looking for jazzy instrumental playlists with this kinda vibe to listen to while i work, but with the rise of AI taking over those kinda of "vibe while you work" instrumental playlists i haven't looked for them in a while.... so dope that there's a whole album like this!! love it

Love me some Herbie Hancock. Chameleon is my favorite track here, but the whole album is fantastic. 4.4/5

Ayy, decent album, Herbie! I enjoyed this and listened through it twice. 3.5/5

Good and entertaining listen to the end, satisfying sound, did some occasional wacky stuff and even though I preferred the more normal parts I still appreciate the feeling of interest that wackiness provides

This shit ruled! How have I not listened to this?? Stone cold classic. Fucking "Chameleon" goddamn kills it!!!

yeah its good

yessss absolutely yesss, jazzy, entrancing.

It‘s a classic for a reason

Bedre enn jeg husket! Hadde lagret Sly i en liste etter første gang jeg hørte skiva, men Chamelon går også hardt. Watermelon Man inspirasjonen til White Lotus-låta?

Kult! Men føler første side av plata burde gått litt fortere? Sikkert helt rått live

So funky, gonna be groovin to this one for awhile

The long track length really allows the songs to take you on a journey. Lack of lyrics also lets the music stand on its own. Every musician here is a master of their instrument.

jazz funk greatness.

Long but fun Songs.

Very banging and funky. This is solid working music. The instrumentation didn't seem extremely adventurous, but it was well put together and enjoyable to the ear, and there's a good chance I'm just a jazz philistine who missed a bunch of genre-defining riffs.

It's Good, It's Funky!

The whole album is hot, but my fave is ... Watermelon Man, come on.

- 3.5/5

This is great! I was already a Watermelon Man fan, but the other three songs are just as good. Hancock refuses to let you get bored, it’s just one exciting idea after another and it all works together in a cohesive way somehow. Fantastic stuff!

Also great album Cover

Funky, lots of fun sounds

dang!! four songs, forty minutes, four stars. highlights - chameleon, watermelon man, vein melter

Oh, you don't like jazz? How about now? Yeah, thought so.

All the songs sounded familiar but I couldn't say where from (morning anomia). The breathy flute in Watermelon Man is how I would explain White Lotus without playing their theme song. Vein Melter is a great Spotify playlist name. A quick ask to the shaman (Google) revealed Herbie has the strongest brow x glasses combo.

I'm going to give it 4/5 but I can easily see how, after a few more listens, it could become a 5/5.

Went into this with no idea what to expect and I was pleasantly surprised! HH is funkier than I remember.

The only Herbie Hancock song I knew was Rockit. I always loved it because I was into early 80s rap and break dancing. I guess I avoided his music because I assumed it was mostly Jazz. This album is great - it’s really funky and smooth. Every song is great and loaded with hooks. I would definitely buy a physical copy and listen to it somewhat regularly.

Cool and funky. Does get a little elevator music-y for my taste, but it’s generally good.

great. Nice and funky

An interesting instrumental jazz album with some rock and funk influences. The instrument playing is great, which helps a lot when the album is 4 instrumental compositions stretched out over an LP length. I enjoyed listening to the track "Sly" in particular.

4.5

Chameleon // Watermelon Man // 4.5/5

Very nice

That was some groovin' and a movin'

Great album! Love it!

love!

Makes for some pretty good background music. It's weird, groovy, eclectic, and for the most part very enjoyable. I was already well acquainted with Watermelon Man so when I dove into this I was pretty excited. This album did not disappoint, having listened to this a few times I never found myself bored (ok maybe a teeny bit with the last track but it was still pretty good and the ambiance was nice). I won't lie and say I was blown away with the masterful production but this is just one of those albums that so well-rounded there's really nothing to dislike. Top 2: Chameleon and Watermelon Man 4.00-4.50/5

Un ritme funki molt interessant.

Funky as heck

Adrian: Bester song: Watermelon Man insgesamt gutes Album bisschen freaky aber nice Länge der Songs fällt nicht auf gut als background für chillen 3,6/5 Fynn: Bester Song: habe nicht auf die Titel geachtet Album lief im Hintergrund, war aber ein krasser Funk banger müsste für eine akkuratere Bewertung nochmal genau hören 4,1/5

Funky

I mean, the first half couldn't be any better. The second half is good to great

Right off the top, I got excited because I remember playing Chameleon in high school pep band, so that was a fun little throwback. As a flautist, the rest of the album was a fun experience. Jazz still isn't really my vibe, but I loved this.

First two tracks are stone cold classics and I'm not even a big jazz guy

Ultra funky jazz fusion album. Each track feels like a complete exploration of all the ideas presented on it with the exception of "Watermelon Man", which wasn't made for this album. "Chameleon" is the standout for me here, that bassline is addicting and persists throughout all 15 minutes of the track.

Funky and fun to listen to.

Fun

The album is a pioneer of jazz fusion. It sounds much better than its followers with their catchy bass lines.

More Jazz, but this is Jazz with Funk and I quite like it. Love that underlying bass tone on chameleon...and then they synth kicks in OMG!. Would absolutely put this on and vibe to it. What an opening track. I 100% can see why this album is on the list. it just maintains the intensity through Watermelon Man and Sly. Sly is possibly the most Jazz song on the album. First 2 songs were definitely better than the last 2. Last 2 were more Jazzy and less funky, but I still enjoyed them. I might like to own this. 4 stars

Awesome album 4.4 stars

Damn good.

Phenomenal jazz fusion. Chameleon is such a staple and this is still the best version. Masterful improvisation from all members and the chemistry, especially in the rhythm section, is palpable.

Having been introduced to Chameleon in my days when I was in the Jazz Club, with the addictive bass-line being the perfect song to do improv sessions off of, I already had a solid idea as to what to expect for the rest of this album. What I wasn't expecting however, was there to only be 4 songs in total for the full record. This album is the definition of funk. It may be an overused word to describe these 4 songs but it's the embodiment of funk. The instrumentals are all incredible and it's all great vibes all around. While none of the songs necessarily overstay their welcome, none of them are also songs that I feel like I'd be listening to at any moment in a day. You need to be in the mood to love this album, and if you're not, the length of these songs can be a turn-off point for sure. Overall, I would have preferred maybe 2 more songs in exchange for slightly shorter songs, but this is still an incredibly fun album.

Short, jazzy, funky. Hell yeah.

Herbie fully loaded this album with electric jazz n funk. Listened while I cleaned the house & it was a pretty sweet soundtrack, would love to have on vinyl

Thought it was going to be a bit try-hard artsy but quite liked it. On my patented -100 to 100 rating scale - where 100 is god herself coming down and giving me the best sex ever, respecting me in the morning and doing the dishes on the way out is 90+ (because nothing get 100 in an imperfect world - i mean look at the sheets!) it gets 60

Actually really enjoyed the album. If I'm in a certain mood I'd fully enjoy the whole album I think, so gonna give it a 4, and might adjust it later.

Eclectic in tone, amazing musicianship, frenetic and joyful. Favourite track: Sly

Good jazz