Herb Alpert - Rise (1979)
The song was co-written with Andy Armer and Randy "Badazz" Alpert (Herb's nephew).
Released in 1979, "Rise" marked a stunning reinvention for Herb Alpert. The song was a surprise smash hit and topped the Billboard Hot 100 in October 1979.
Previously known for his upbeat brass-driven songs with the Tijuana Brass, Alpert modified his sound by leaning into a sleek, hypnotic jazz-funk groove that perfectly matched the late-'70s mood. Built on a slow-burn rhythm, warm bassline, and restrained trumpet lines, the song felt cool, confident, and cinematic-less about showing off and more about atmosphere.
At a time when disco, funk, and jazz were blending across dance floors and radio, "Rise" stood out by doing less and meaning more. It became Alpert's first and only No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, proving his ability to evolve with the times without chasing trends. Decades later, the track remains a favorite for DJs, crate diggers, and producers who recognize it as a timeless bridge between jazz sophistication and street-level groove. The song has been widely sampled for its smooth, laid-back feel and inventive drum breaks in many other hip-hop and R&B songs including Biggie Smalls and Nas.
