The Rippingtons Albums Ranked //top\\ 〈LEGIT — 2026〉

The debut that started it all. It is widely considered by publications like Jazziz to be one of the most influential contemporary jazz albums ever made. Fresh, imaginative, and timeless. 1. Live in L.A. (1992)

While there is no single official ranking, a consensus from fan communities on and critical reviews on Rate Your Music

The sophomore album that proved Moonlighting wasn’t a fluke. Darker and more fusion-oriented, with David Benoit on keys. “Journey’s End” and the title track have a cinematic scope. Slightly less accessible than Tourist , but deeper and more rewarding. the rippingtons albums ranked

This album is frequently cited as a quintessential "no-skip" record and a favorite for providing a complete end-to-end listening experience. It solidified the band’s "tropical jazz" signature sound and is one of their most successful GRP-era releases. "Tourist in Paradise," "Aruba!," "Earthbound." 3. Curves Ahead (1991)

A slight uptick. "Body Art" has a nasty synth bass line that actually threatens to groove. Russ Freeman finally sounds like he’s having fun again, employing some effects pedals he forgot he owned. Still, the ballad "Sometimes" is pure snoozeville. It’s a bridge album between their lost decade and a minor resurgence. The debut that started it all

: Features great guitar work by Russ Freeman but lacks the memorable hooks of earlier records.

Wait—is this a re-recording? No. This is a studio album of new material celebrating two decades. However, the band made the baffling decision to re-record snippets of their old hits as interludes. The new songs, like "Route 66" and "After the Rain," are competent but derivative. It feels like a victory lap where the runner tripped at the finish line. Darker and more fusion-oriented, with David Benoit on keys

Released during a transitional period for the genre, Let It Ripp suffers from a few production choices that haven't aged gracefully. The electronic elements feel slightly dated compared to the organic fusion of their earlier work. However, the title track remains a fun, high-energy live staple that saves the record from being forgettable.

Featuring the iconic smiling jazz cat on the cover, this record is a masterclass in production. Enthusiasts on Facebook communities still study this album for its complex layering. 2. Moonlighting (1986)

These records represent the band at their commercial and creative peaks, defining the sound of contemporary jazz radio in the '80s and '90s.