Album Review: This Is Smooth Jazz 4 – A Chill Ride Through 2002 Vibes
If you're a fan of smooth jazz that feels like a warm hug on a cool evening, This Is Smooth Jazz 4 by Various is worth your time. Released in 2002 under Instinct Records, this album is exactly what it says on the tin—a collection of mellow tunes perfect for unwinding after a long day or setting the mood for something chill. And hey, it’s not trying to reinvent the wheel, but sometimes you don’t need reinvention; you just need good vibes.
The tracklist has some real gems, but two tracks stood out to me in particular: “Sunshine” and “Freefall.” Let’s talk about “Sunshine” first. Man, this one hits different. It starts with this soft, almost whispery groove that sneaks up on you. The saxophone? Absolutely dreamy. You can tell whoever played it was feeling every note. I remember listening to this while driving home late one night, windows down, and thinking, "Yeah, life ain’t so bad right now." That’s the power of “Sunshine”—it’s simple yet unforgettable.
Then there’s “Freefall,” which takes things in a slightly edgier direction. There’s an energy here that builds slowly, pulling you in without even realizing it. The interplay between the keys and percussion gives it this hypnotic feel, like you’re floating but still grounded at the same time. Honestly, it made me want to grab a drink (maybe something fruity) and just sit outside staring at the stars. Or maybe dance awkwardly in my living room. Either way, it stuck with me.
Other tracks like “Hi Dahlin (Hi Darling)” and “Perfect Way” keep the vibe alive, though they didn’t leave as big of an impression as those two standouts. Still, props to the artists for keeping the flow consistent throughout the album. No major skips here!
What I love most about This Is Smooth Jazz 4 is how unpretentious it feels. It doesn’t try too hard to be anything other than smooth, easy-listening jazz. Sure, it might not change your life, but it’ll definitely make your Tuesday evening a little less blah. Sometimes, that’s all you need.
Random thought to end on: Listening to this album kinda makes me wish I had a vintage record player and a cozy cabin somewhere. Like, could you imagine playing “Sunshine” while sipping coffee by a fireplace? Perfection. But alas, here I am typing this review from my tiny apartment. Oh well, dreams are free, right?
So yeah, if you’re into smooth jazz that delivers exactly what it promises, give this one a spin. It’s low-key awesome.
