The Crate
Herb Alpert
Beyond
Beyond is Herb Alpert’s 1980 instrumental pop/jazz album released on A&M (LP 3717). It follows Rise with a more synth-driven, contemporary edge and includes the bold finale The Factory, along with a cover of Earth, Wind & Fire’s That's the Way of the World. It features tracks such as Kamali and The Continental. ([allmusic.com](https://www.allmusic.com/album/release/beyond-mr0002809351?utm_source=openai))
Recording History
The date and place of recording center on A&M Recording Studios, Studio D in Hollywood, California. The sessions were produced by Herb Alpert and Randy Badazz, with Andy Armer listed as associate producer; engineers include Mark Smith (Canadian) and Mark Smith of Total Experience Studios, Hollywood. Some material ties to 1979–1980 sessions (Rise-related work, including Rise’s own recording date of 1979-03-06 cited in release material). ([musicbrainz.org](https://musicbrainz.org/release/761b4c4f-3576-47e1-8f79-c1c52153c5e1))
Chart Performance & Recognition
Beyond reached No. 28 on the Billboard 200, illustrating a moderate chart impact after Rise’s greater success. Rise previously peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard pop chart. Critical reception from AllMusic calls Beyond bold and notes its inventive, sequencer-driven moments such as the title track and the industrial-tinged finale The Factory. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herb_Alpert?utm_source=openai))
Cultural Impact & Legacy
Beyond is often viewed as a transitional album that embraced digital textures and funkier rhythms ahead of the 1980s crossover sound, with the track That’s the Way of the World serving as a notable cover. The album was reissued in 2015 as Beyond – Herb Alpert Presents, reflecting ongoing interest in Alpert’s late-70s/early-80s explorations. ([allmusic.com](https://www.allmusic.com/album/beyond-mw0000854674))
The Factory remains a striking closer, embodying the bold, studio-augmented direction that characterizes Beyond and the period as a whole. ([allmusic.com](https://www.allmusic.com/album/beyond-mw0000854674)).