Head Hunters

ja przepraszam bardzo, ale spodziewalam sie normalnego albumu a nie melodyjek. jeśli chciałabym posłuchać samej melodii bez tekstu, posluchalabym muzyki klasycznej. jestem zawiedziona

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

Funky, jazzy, milestone

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

I initially thought this could work its way into my regular rotation for work music, but the second half of the record gets pretty hectic. I got something out of this album but I don't see myself listening to again anytime soon.

Heard Chameleon many times but did not know the name of the song until now. A very classy and inspirational jazz masterpiece that is quite clean.

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

This sh** slaps. Fantastic album. Easy 9,2/10

Interesante

Not bad, not my favorite 3*

Lowk didn’t listen

The only Herbie Hancock I have previously heard was a single of his that was out in the late 70s. So I was expecting a vocal rather than a jazz funk instrumental album. What do I know!? A reasonable listen nonetheless. But a bit samey. 2½

Classic funk album that is an essential to any music lover and open to new styles. Staple in jazz too. Lastly, prime example of instrumental non-lyrical music.

Not for me.

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.

First of my journey. It sets a high middle, I think. Made a chip dip with sour cream and mayo and Boursin and green onions and French onion soup mix. It’s Boxing Day 2025. The dip is for my mom’s house.

1001 Albums Generator 187 (12/19/2025) Now we're talking. After his long stint with Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock was (like many of Davis' other collaborators at this time) interested in furthering the sound of jazz fusion. Herbie's specialty was the funk side of fusion, creating songs that are really as much funk songs as they are jazz songs. Although Head Hunters was Hancock's 5th solo fusion album, it was the first to really break him into the mainstream and is widely considered his best. I think Head Hunters consists of 3 of the best fusion songs ever and then one that's just okay. Chameleon is the most famous song written for the album originally and has become a jazz standard at this point. That bassline is so iconic, and I really love this song, but I do find this to be the one song where some of the soloing gets a bit too noodle-y for my taste. Watermelon Man is an older song Hancock had written and then repurposed into the sound of this album, and it is my favorite song here. I love the beer bottle blowing that opens and closes the song and then the jam that comprises most of the runtime is just wonderful. This A side is just about as funky as music has ever gotten. Now, Sly is also pretty good and quite underrated, but I do find it to be slightly more forgettable than the previous 2. By the time we get to the closer, Vein Melter, it feels almost as though the band has deflated slightly and the album unfortunately goes out on a bit of a whimper, compared with the heights that it reaches in its first half. Still a great piece of jazz fusion, but not quite perfect. 4.5/5, rounded down to a 4. Favs: Chameleon Watermelon Man Sly Least Fav: Vein Melter

Solid album. Super avante garde tracks here, jazz classic. Lots of parts ended up as samples for hiphop classics as well.

Banger on banger on banger

I love jazz but I hate I hate fusion. It's a genre that is completely lost of me. That said, there's fusion and then there's Herbie Hancock. I haven't heard many (any?) Herbie records I don't like, but Headhunters is truly magical. Musical virtuosity that never sounds pretentious or overly complicated. Chameleon gets the attention but every track is essential. All of the stars. 10/5

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

Not exactly sure how to rate instrumentals as albums compared to others with actual lyrics but it sounded great of course.

Head Hunters is funky jazz distilled to its essence. Groove-forward, fearless, and endlessly replayable, it takes serious musicianship and hides it inside rhythms that feel effortless and alive. Nothing here sounds academic or stiff. The band locks in, the synths squelch and shimmer, and the whole record moves with a confidence that never asks for permission. Some people get hung up on the non-traditional sounds, but that’s exactly where the charm lives. The electronics aren’t gimmicks; they’re integral to the feel of the album. Instead of pulling you out, they pull you deeper into the pocket. This is fusion that doesn’t dilute jazz so much as reframe it around rhythm, texture, and physical momentum. Most telling of all, this is a record I actually live with. It’s one I spin on vinyl regularly, not out of obligation or reverence, but because it always works. Different moods, different days, same result. An easy five stars. Timeless, deeply groovy, and still setting the bar for what funky jazz can be.

It’s jazzy, it’s funky, it has four brilliantly composed toe-tapping masterpieces. I love it.

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

Not my kinda music

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

Im not really a fan of this one. No singing.

I like the Abstract Jazz but it's not really my thing

I can see why people would like it, just not for me

A little avant-garde leaning for my taste at time but overall enjoyed.

Sound like the soundtrack to something fun.

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

Pretty good. Nice horns.

funky and fun!

Not my usual listen but it was interesting!

Why is every track over 5 minutes the fuck

Good background music! I would have a hard time sitting down to actively listen to this album but it was nice in the background.

A classic. Incredible bass. Two modern jazz standards.

The long songs just kind of turned into background noise. Just didn't keep me engaged on it. 2/5

jazzy long songs funkalicious

Clearly very impressive. Very impressive. Not for me though, good luck lad 2/5

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

Funk and jazz. Pretty good.

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

This is just my opinion, but this album did not do it for me. There's this part in Chameleon that sounds like weird pac-man sound effects that aren't played in the same key or time signature of the rest of the song. Sly started off strong, but when the electronic saxophone came in, it all just started to fall apart. Vein Melter, in my opinion, is the only redeemable song on this album.

COCK

Was okay I guess

My first HH album. I’m blown away. I’m jazzed to explore more of his catalog.

Most of this score is earned by the intro to Watermelon Man, it's just delightful. This is a fun listen, it makes your toes tap and your head nod. It is in danger of going too freestyle jazzy, but manages to mostly stay just the right side of that.

Best Track - "Chameleon"

It was nice though a bit too improvised for me. More of a jam between friends than something that was thought out. Recommended nonetheless.

No. 41 Herbie can cook. But after awhile, like everything instrumental, it just becomes background.

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.

Good jazz but nothing that really blew me away

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

not my style

When this album was released in 1973 and was listened to it just blew my mind with the absolute funkiness and wild sounds that were so out of this world. It definitely took the reigns from Miles Davis who innovated a new style of "funky" fusion jazz; and flew to a new planet with the force of a powerful rocket. Listen and be blown away.

Finger licking Jazz. Very good for a house party hang out with the gang

Kinda just background music, not bad but really non standoutish to me. Dont get me wrong its objectivly good music and im not mad to have listened to it. But this album has more than any so far encouraged me to do something else while listening to it. I even listened to watermelon man while not noticing. Its not bad but even while writing the review it didnt stick and i forgot 2 out of the 4 songs and watermelon man that i relistened to and remember is also by far the shortest. Definatly it for quite some people and i understand why but not for me.

Yes. I do like jazz.

A musical journey that bounces around with this indescribable energy that is infectious. Songs without lyrics that you will still sing along to somehow. I've had the great honour of seeing Herbie live earlier this year. He is getting old and you can see that, but you won't hear it. He plays with the same youthful energy you hear on this 1973 recording. Everyone in his band was perfectly in tune with each other and together they made a wonderful tapestry of sound which was the best live music experience I have ever had. One of my favourite albums, so it will not be surprising that I give it a 10/10.

You see, this is why I started this project, to find these amazing gems of albums that I hadn't had the time to really check out. Herbie hitting us with some amazing tunes which, despite being from the 70s, still feel innovative and new. Groovy, funky, beautifully chill. Just experimental enough to make you want to listen to more, not so much that it loses you on a casual listen.

😃

8.9/10

Some brilliant funky jazz, a lovely surprise. 'Rock it' is the extent of my Herbie Hancock knowledge. Glad I can now say I've listened to this through. Quite the genius.

Took a couple of listens but once the rhythms sink in it’s a winner. Best track is Chameleon

Jazz piano, a bit of funk. Okay.

what a way to end a run of 3s

I’m not really into jazz, and thought I was going to check out of this one pretty quickly, but I like it a good deal. The record opens with sounds that I kind of rolled my eyes at, but as it built, it all kind of works. I'm not sure I need so much of it spread across 4 tracks; letting some of the music breathe with some natural space in between movements might be helpful...with the counterpoint being "why break up a continuous flow of music?" I guess that's kind of a judgment call. But then again, there is not a whole lot of variation across the 4 songs either. Maybe I’m lucky to get the breaks that are there… Anyway, I like this record, even if it does start to feel like a bit of a "jam band" experience and doesn’t switch up nearly enough. 3.5/5

Svängom!

One of the 10 albums you should hear before you die. THE jazz-funk masterpiece that all others must bow down to. Phenomenal.

This album was the perfect reminder of why I hate listening to jazz.

Fun jazzy vibes Enjoyed most of it Nice background music

A wallpaper of funky jazz sounds with keys at the fore. Inventive but a bit dull.

This album has the definitive versions of both chameleon and watermelon Man. In my opinion. The album's so effortlessly blends the electronic synth and the real jazz instruments, a large feat for the time that this album released. Extremely unique, intriguing and funky. I hadn't heard the last two songs on the album, but they both lived up to the hype in their own ways.

meh

497/1001 🌕🌕🌗🌑🌑

Funky AF. Love it.

An experience not to be missed.

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.

Pas du tout mon genre de jazz

Zu jazzig

Really funky seems genre bending?

Heard about him before. Eh, it was funky and had the potential to be interesting but something just didn't click for me 2/5

Nah. I’m good.

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 what I normally listen to but really good jazz

Nice chill funk-jazz album! Herbie Hancock is a maestro 3.5

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

Der dritte Track „Sly“ gefällt mir besonders gut. Der Rest ist Ok.

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

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

Lot of fun

It's pretty cool, but it gets old after a while.

Surprisingly approachable for such an iconic jazz album. The song length would take getting used to, but they were easy to listen to. Favorite track was watermelon man

Not for me. More of a background track than a lp

A classic

Gimme that

Ooooooooooooooooo

I found this boring.

I do like some jazz albums but not this one. Sounds very 80’s.

So much excellence in so few tracks

Sarcastic elbows gave me an offsite unofficial backup copy of this many years ago. I loved it but thought I’d lost some of the tracks. Nope. There’s are two long tracks and two short ones. And they’re fucking great. One of my favourite fusion albums. Half a million stars.

First track was meh but the rest is gold. It transported me somehow into the opening titles of White Lotus... (5 mins into Watermelon man, that is. You can t miss the pan flutes funking around and monkey yelps)... It kind of pre-empted to me how Gibbon calls can become music and hence real cool jungle trance - before bass and click tracks. Oh to hear this remixed. Yeah bay I thought of it first.

Meh. Vein Melter is the closest non song I've heard since John Cage's 4:33, what is that? Chameleon sounds like the incidental music from Kojak. Ditto Sly. And re doing Watermelon Man? I've come across the record before as one of those must listens, and a deadbeat listen has only confirmed my original thinking. These guys can play, granted, but what's the point?

Headhunters, hell yeah! One of my measures of whether an album is a classic for me is "could I listen to it every day?" Yes. Yes, I could listen to this every day. My friend Kate introduced me to this album when we were in high school, and it has been a favourite ever since. I have limited love for most jazz fusion, but this I love. It's funky as hell and a lot of fun; it lives in the damn pocket and the band is playing the hell out of everything. Favourite moment; about 7 minutes into 'Chameleon', the lead synthesizer oscillator goes wildly out of tune, and Herbie wrangles it back into key, landing the plane with both engines on fire. Herbie Hancock has done many great things over his career, and one of greatest achievements (in my opinion) is to make music that is accessible without dumbing down. This is likeable and catchy without being stupid or pandering. And you can dance to it! Five stars, no notes.

decent

Nothing beats watermelon man.

Very cool. Funk-heavy. Excellent grooves. A touch of psychedelia, a dash of Sci-Fi vibes. Drumming on "Sly" is absolutely going off! 4 proper-sized servings of imaginative, genre-expanding jazz. I get why this album is legendary.

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.

Funky and very jazzy. Did not mind it, but didn’t love it. I really prefer to listen to music with lyrics. If that makes me uncultured, so be it.

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

Muuuyyy bueno!!!

Herbie Hancock should be as familiar to people as The Beatles, Rolling Stones, and Elvis (and sadly, he isn't). He is not just talented, he is possessed by genius in his craft and a restless spirit. Hancock was part of Miles Davis' Second Quintet, and not co-incidentally, he formed this space-jazz combo after leaving Miles' band. You can call this fusion, but it's not just some academic exercise--don't forget (you can't forget) the stone groove this band lays down. Hancock is never one to rest on his laurels; he is always reaching for the next thing. Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.

Unexpected gem for me

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.

4.5 - Great

fuuuunky

Great instrumental album, great jazz-funk vibes, awesome music to just relax, and work

2.5 Stars, fine background music

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

Pretty coooollll. 3.5/5

Very enjoyable.

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.

Ok, it took me a few days to get through it. 'Chameleon' and 'Watermelon Man' were both v groovy, liked them. I could hear the inspiration of 'Sly' but it was pretty noisy (but trying to put Jimmy to sleep at the same time wasn't smart on my part). Overall, doubt I'll revisit, but glad I can check it off my list.

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.

mrh

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.

Classic, dare I say groundbreaking jazz...?

4 minutes in and I had a headache

I might have some album fatigue (after 100 albums)… Except the beginning of Watermelon Man I found it boring. Still a nice listen but boring.

This was an interesting album kind of all over the place but it was still pretty good, I wouldn't call it like jazz but kind of lol

Herbie Hancock's combo of funk and jazz is breezy, slinky, at times dreamy, and always fun.

Funky and fun, but a few tracks I had to skip so that knocks it down a few stars.

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....

this is experimental LMAO

would rate this 3.5/5 if i could, the tracks are so funky and fun but i wish there was more than 4 of them

I don't like it, but I don't hate it either. Very repetitive.

Not a huge fan of music without lyrics but this was nice and groovy to listen to while I worked

Great vibes

Awesome vibes. Great recorded sound. Drummer is otherworldly

Pleasant sound.

Funky musak. Sounds like elevator music at a jazz club.

Love this, own it on CD, and pretty much an automatic 5 stars. (though it sort of slowed down towards the end but the first 1/2 is definitely on fire)

Herbie Hancock sets out to start a funk band and created the Head Hunters. He failed in the sense that jazz kept creeping into their music, ultimately leading him to embrace the jazz-funk fusion moniker--with some jazz-rock vibes. This is not to say that this record was a failure. After its release, Head Hunters was the best-selling jazz albums of all time. Hancock has stated that he embarked on this project because her wanted to make an album that was fun, and oh boy is this album a riot! If this album does not make you smile, you might want to consider getting a Prozac prescription. I guess it is also possible that you just don’t like jazz, but come on. Head Hunters is seminal record from one of the most important jazz musicians of all time. At the time it was released it had appeal that extended beyond jazz enthusiasts, leading to its future influence in a wide range of genres. Among jazz enthusiasts today, many still consider Head Hunters to be among the best jazz records of all time.

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.

listening when: in the morning on the way to pilates thoughts: all instrumentals. i thought this would be an easy listen because it’s only 4 songs but they’re all 15 min long of basically just “jams.” rating: 1/10

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.

It’s a vibe. Another album I have not heard before.

2,2/5

Glorious. The perfect combination of greasy funky grooves, virtuoso playing, and just the right level of skronky weirdness. The bassline in Chameleon, the weird flute ones in Watermelon Man, the languid slump of Vein Melter - so many ideas in four relatively short tracks. I'll be coming back to this again and again. Instant 5.

2/5. Overall pretty chilled but each track does get boring after a few minutes. Some interesting snippets of music within some of the songs. Not my usual genre of music but not the worst thing I've heard!

weird ahh noise

Meh

ew jazz no, u won't fool me with this nice album cover.

Incredible, only the most cultured can enjoy it, incredibly incredible if you have good taste 5 stars

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.

i dont have many opinions on jazz because it all kind if sounds the same to me (oof) but this is very funky and groovy and i enjoyed it

It's fine if you love fast feverish jazz.

Funky synth jazz from the 70's ftw

WATERMELON MAN!

Tja. Ikke helt for meg.

Super funky

Insane. 5 stars.

My introduction to Herbie was his next album, Thrust, my favorite jazz-fusion album, it changed the direction of my listening life. Along with Headhunters they might as well be a double-album set, it shares so many sounds that are carved into my brain - Herbie's Fender Rhodes piano, his synth sounds I've never heard anywhere else, Bernie Maupin's sax, the simple but startling drums. Mmmmm good.

This album is one of my all-time favourites. Chameleon and Watermelon Man alone are standalone stars but Sly and Vein Melter really got more of my appreciation this time around. The drumming on Sly is just nuts — Harvey Mason really drives the feel of the track and keeps everything mocing forward. Bennie Maupin playing bass clarinet on Vein Melter really makes it stand out to me, although it is less engaging than the other tracks on this album. Can't review this without mentioning Bill Summers playing the beer bottle in pygmy flute style on Watermelon Man.

This is so funky! Opening track Chameleon is sampled or in a set list I frequent with The Funk Hunters and Chali 2na rapping over the track. I kept waiting for it to build into the song I know but can’t find it atm (suggesting a dj set instead of a recorded song). I wonder if the album title Hear Hunters has some inspiration for The Funk Hunters moniker as well. Regardless I love that this album essentially is the mainstream origins of jazz-funk fusion. Super fun vibe and sound.

Absolutely banger of an album. I love Herbie Hancock

Easy 5 This album is such a journey from front to back. So much musical talent and creative liberties within just 45 minutes, hard to put it into words. I first heard Chameleon and Watermelon man a couple of years ago after I was enticed by the super dope and memorable album art. Filled to the brim with funk, jazz, rock and crazy fuckin solos. 9.5/10

Enjoyed this in the beginning, but soon got repetitive. 15 mins is too long for a song Enjoyable on the whole even though it got chaotic in the middle. Nice background music 3 ⭐️

This is a classic, the peak of 70s jazz-funk fusion ! knew half of the songs already but 4 songs in an album is crazy, had no idea it was that short and concise. It is said that this was a commercial and artistic breakthrough for Hancock, one of the most accessible jazz albums of all time for audiences that more inclined towards rock and funk music. Overall whats not to love about 10 minute long jazzy instrumentals? Favourite songs are Watermelon man and Chameleon, but the whole album is top notch!

Soo groovy

Bon album de jazz

Très jazz a fip vibe par moment C’est quali mais C’est quand même long je trouve …

Décidément je suis sur une bonne lancée car c'est encore totalement ma came. Ambiance un peu jazzy, expérimentale, franchement excellent. J'ai adoré 5/5

I should be in the credits of this one because the leaves crunching under my feet did a lot to save this album from a worse ranking

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*

Incredible gateway jazz.

A jazz funk banger that the office will mostly hate.

Yeah!

This type of jazz is not to my personal taste but it is a pretty extraordinary album nonetheless.

This is a tough one to rate. It’s all instrumental, so I can’t think of a scenario where I’d really want to listen to it. But I also really enjoyed it.

Ibland är det glänsande bra. Fantastiska musiker. Men mestadels är det tråkigt. Jag antar att detta är en skiva som samlas mycket ... En trea

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

Liked it great vibe.

Funky keyboard

Really just ok, didn't really stick with me but I enjoyed listening to. 5/10

Slaps

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

Definitely Jazz. Herbie is a legend in his space for a reason. 40 minutes of feel good, funky as hell, jam sessions.

Quality background music with help from a year 8 music student using the sound effects on the keyboard.

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 album slapped herbie was way ahead of his time with this its like old school Edm almost, groovy baseline and lots of space filed with a bunch of interesting sounds

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

Rating: 3.4 I like to imagine an octopus was banging his tentacles around making these songs but no it was like 5 wacky dudes. Which is less cool but the album was still good.

sounds pretty cool for a 1973 recording. 4 tracks, some quite long but good background music.

7/1001 First listen. One play. I know Herbie Hancock from Rocket. That’s it. This is about as far from my tastes as you could probably get. The first thirty seconds were dope though. To my uncultured ears this sounded like old vhs porn music. My first one star review. Curiously, almost all the reviews I was shown were five stars in spite of the 3.56 rating.

A brilliant album. Perfection. Nothing more to say than that.

Didn’t listen all the songs, they were too long. But the first one is really nice.

Chameleon is great for sampling, but it was quite exhausting to listen to the whole thing. I really wasn't in the mood. I'd have to listen again without headphones or depression.

Unreal album and one of the best collaborations. I originally thought the Head Hunters was his band but didn't realize they had their own big career. The sounds made on this album were so unique and creative it's one of a kind. 4 songs 41 minutes is awesome. Can't remember 100% but think this might be 1 song per record side which is crazy. It doesn't have 10+ songs but didn't need it.

yeah its good

Not really my thing but a great album nonthenless

FUNKYYYYY! I love this. Watermelon Man starts really interesting! What instrument is this? "On the intro and outro of the tune, percussionist Bill Summers blows into beer bottles in an imitation of hindewhu, a style of singing/whistle-playing found in Pygmy music of Central Africa." NEAT!

Not for me

Some songs sounded like they were performed for an orchestra of flies

A little bit frenetic but maybe didn’t give it a proper shot! Not the worst jazzz..

yessss absolutely yesss, jazzy, entrancing.

funky fire. no notes. normally id complain about the length of the tracks but its justified in this case, no question.

Let’s get weird

It‘s a classic for a reason

Pretty good!

Not my cup of tea

Есть знакомые мотивы, но просто так это не слушают

Hancock rocks!

Jazz funk clasic

Synes da leverte

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

Dette er et legendarisk album av den legendariske musikeren Herbie Hancock, som blant annet har jobbet med Miles Davies tidligere. Jeg har hørt gjennom dette albumet mange ganger opp igjennom åra, men av en eller annen grunn så har aldri dette fenget meg helt. Jeg liker det bedre i dag enn jeg har gjort før, absolutt! Men syns fortsatt at albumet er litt overvurdert.

So funky, gonna be groovin to this one for awhile

Interesting.......

This is a strange one to review because my respect and appreciation for the musicianship and composition is almost as high as it could be. However, in terms of personal taste and what I relate to, it’s very far away. Instrumental funk is not something I’ve ever really listened to nor will if I’m completely honest. I’m sure fans of it would argue I’m missing out on a lot. 3stars could feel harsh as my appreciation for what it is, is extremely high. It could also seem too generous as my personal enjoyment and relationship to this style of music is low….I imagine seeing this performed live would be a different story.

First side is SUPER strong. Chameleon might be the jam to end all jams. Back half however meanders for me. Sly is unfocused until 6 mins in and Vein Melter the opposite

I like jazz fusion, but I’m just not a fan of long, meandering, repetitive solos. But I can’t deny that Herbie is a legend

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.

Standouts Chameleon

jazz funk greatness.

4 long songs. last track was boring first was great but in worn me down I hate Jazz really hate Jazz and this was slow moronic jazz

urgh awful, couldn't even listen to it. jazz again? but weird jazz, weirder than usual

Long but fun Songs.

This album is hauntingly beautiful, wonderful, so greatly done and with so much taste. It's great, and I can't say anything other than it, I've loved listening to it. It's great to discover albums like this one.

it was fine only because I was playing cards

When the generation of guys who brought Bop, Hard Bop, Cool Jazz, and Modal Jazz to and through their logical got tired of playing the same solos in the same spots over the same vamps - nothing new here, just iterations on the Same - they splintered into new directions: challenging deconstructive avant-jazz, new age spiritual jazz, afro-centric polyrhythmic jazz, jazz/rock fusion and dark gnarly funk. Herbie Hancock took the astral funk route, rocketing straight to space by leaning hard into synths and grooves to make some an all time great, super accessible, dance album that just will not quit.

- wow did not expect the songs to be that long - 4 songs first one was like 14 minutes Likes: - haven't heard much Jazz but this sounds pretty good Dislikes: - I just can't get into Jazz (so sorry)

Not for me, but I'm sure fine for what it is

I think this album should be on the top 50 albums list, maybe even higher. So good!

Watermelon man is one of my favorite songs of all time. Man they just don't make them like they used to, the long tracks really let you get into the groove and feel like you're at a jam session with the band. Love this album.

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.

typical long boy jazz songs. Some good stuff in there but not something I would listen to regularly

One of the greatest jazz fusion records ever cut. Alongside "Bitches Brew" and "Heavy Weather," it's easy to see why this stuff took off. Watermelon Man is ridiculous, and yet it grooves so damn hard. Phenomenal.

Fairly good background music.

My favorite Herbie Hancock album

It's Good, It's Funky!

Dreadful. Truly awful. Unlistenable Jazz. Goes on and on. Like a jazz quartet falling down a very steep spiral stair case. I don't think it's aimed at me.

The amount of funk going on here is wild. It's groovy as hell and Herbie Hancock 100% belongs on the list. This album brings it. Just hang out in it.

Composition is king. Influential. Great mixing and production value. Watermelon Man, is so damn good.

Great Songs: Good Songs: Chameleon, Watermelon Man, Sly Mid Songs: Vein Melter Bad Songs:

Yeah, that was coo.

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

- 3.5/5

I become ever more convinced that I dont like jazz fusion.

yay love this album

Ok

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!

This was interesting. I enjoyed "Vein Melter"

Also great album Cover

Funky, lots of fun sounds

Head Hunters is going in my Jazzy Dinner Party playlist. I found it really good to half-listen to.

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

There are 4 songs on this 41 minute album that is a blend of jazz/funk. Pitchfork: 10.0 Rolling Stone: Top 500 Albums #254 (2023) Best Songs (There are only 4) Watermelon Man

Funk so tight it struts in polyester. I roll my eyes and eat it up every time.

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

When this popped up I thought "not again". I've seen this album in so many different lists and tried to listen to it before but never passed from the second or third song. I finished the album but didn't listen to any song until its end.

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.

It was fine but I didn't love it

For the first 3 minutes I thought "this is cool" and then it continued without changing much. I got bored. Perhaps jazz is not for ADHD listeners!

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

I absolutely fucking hated this album. Its everything I hate about Jazz, crazy repetitive nonsense.