The Imagine Project

Released in 2010, The Imagine Project represents the culmination of Herbie Hancock's late-career role as a cultural ambassador. Moving away from the electronic experimentation of his early years or the strict post-bop of his youth, this album is a 'world-fusion' project in the truest sense. Recorded in locations including Paris, Mumbai, London, and Rio de Janeiro, the album features a staggering array of guests such as Jeff Beck, Seal, P!nk, Dave Matthews, and Anoushka Shankar. The project was conceived as a plea for global peace and was accompanied by a documentary detailing the complex logistical feat of its creation. Sonically, it is notable for its 'Konono N°1' inspired version of 'Imagine,' which won a Grammy for Best Pop Collaboration. Critics noted the album's shift toward a more accessible, pop-leaning sound, though they praised Hancock's ability to maintain harmonic sophistication amidst the star-studded guest list. It stands as a companion piece to his earlier 'Possibilities' but with a much sharper focus on cross-cultural instrumentation and social messaging.