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Star Ratings

Please follow this rating system when applying stars to your reviews. The publisher retains the right to adjust inflated ratings.

The absolute best of the best. A masterpiece. Perfect execution (production, compositions, artistic vision) and near-infinite replay value. This album will easily appear on many year-end / top ten lists.

Note: 5 star album reviews must exceed 500 words or the rating will be lowered to 4 stars.

A superior outing and among the year's finest releases, but a few compositions short of being considered a timeless masterpiece.

Note: 4.5 star album reviews must exceed 500 words or the rating will be lowered to 4 stars.

Excellent. Superb compositions, high replay value, engaging performances, and an album that stands out among similar undertakings (genre, musicianship, compositional savvy).

Note: 4 star album reviews must exceed 350 words or the rating will be lowered to 3.5 stars.

Very Good. Several highlights, better than average compositions, no filler material, and a few compositions short of being excellent.

Good. Has replay value. Good performances, several memorable compositions, solid production.

Adequate. Flawed, but there are inspiring moments interspersed throughout the production.

Fair. A few good tracks, but predominately weak compositions and/or uninspiring performances. No replay value.

Substandard / poor. Probably should not have been released (e.g. bootleg quality sound, weak compositions and/or performances).

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More On Star Ratings

Dear Album Review Team,

I wanted to address a growing concern regarding our rating system, particularly the frequent use of 4-star reviews. While many albums are deserving of high praise, it's important that we maintain fairness and clarity in our reviews, both for the sake of our readers and the artists we cover.

Granting 4-star ratings to albums that fall short of truly exceptional standards can mislead our audience and undermine the integrity of our review system. A 4-star rating should signify a release that is not only well-executed but stands out as something special—whether through innovation, emotional depth, or technical mastery. When this standard isn’t met, awarding a high rating becomes more of a "gift" to the artist than an honest critique, and we risk diluting the value of the rating itself.

What to Keep in Mind

4 Stars Should Be Earned, Not Given

A 4-star album should feel like a standout achievement. It's essential that we reserve this rating for projects that elevate the genre or show a significant level of creative or technical brilliance. Handing out high ratings too freely reduces their impact and creates a lack of distinction between truly great works and those that are merely competent.

Readers Rely on Us for Objectivity

Our audience trusts that we are providing them with insightful and accurate critiques. If an album receives a 4- star rating, they expect it to deliver something remarkable. We owe it to our readers to maintain a consistent, discerning standard across all reviews. A 4-star rating should guide them toward albums that genuinely enrich their listening experience.

Balanced Feedback Helps Artists Grow

Overrating albums can also send the wrong message to artists. Honest feedback—both positive and constructive —is critical for their development. Providing an undeserved high rating might give the impression that there’s no room for improvement, whereas a well-reasoned critique offers valuable insights for growth.

Key Points to Consider When Rating

2 – 2.5 Stars

These ratings should reflect albums that may be solid, but the album as a whole lacks cohesion or balance. Filler songs, uninspired performances, or weak production may overshadow moments of brilliance. The album may seem underdeveloped, with ideas that aren’t fully fleshed out or a sense that it was rushed. The album might rely too heavily on genre clichés or overdone formulas, with little creativity or personality.

3 – 3.5 Stars

These ratings should reflect albums that are solid, enjoyable, but not groundbreaking. These projects may demonstrate good musicianship or technical skills but lack the spark that makes them stand out. Use these ratings to highlight both strengths and areas where the artist might evolve. *3.5 stars translate to 'very good.

4.0 – Reserved for Exceptional

A 4-star rating should be reserved for albums that bring something extra—whether through bold artistic decisions, innovative composition, or standout performances. It should reflect a project that listeners will return to for its quality and uniqueness, not just because it was competently done.

Don’t Shy Away from Constructive Criticism

It’s okay to point out flaws or weaknesses in an album. In fact, it’s our job to do so. Critique helps elevate the discussion around the music and gives both the artist and the audience a more nuanced understanding of the work.

By keeping these distinctions in mind, we can ensure that our reviews are both fair and meaningful. It’s not about being overly critical or harsh—it’s about being honest. This approach will help preserve the integrity of the 4-star rating and reinforce All About Jazz as a trusted source for discerning insightful reviews.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me.

—Glenn Astarita, Senior Contributor and Editor