12 (American Song Book) cover

12 (American Song Book)

Mina · 2012

49 min · 12 tracks · jazz

A lush, emotive collection of standards that weave jazz elegance with pop sensibility, showcasing Mina's distinctive vocal prowess.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Over the Rainbow — Mina's rendition transforms this beloved classic into an emotional journey, showcasing her ability to convey deep longing through nuanced phrasing.
  • →
    I’ve Got You Under My Skin — Her interpretation breathes new life into this standard with a blend of sophistication and vulnerability that perfectly aligns with the song's themes of love and obsession.
  • →
    September Song Start here — This track encapsulates the album's reflective mood, with Mina's mature voice adding layers of poignancy to its meditation on aging and nostalgia.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

Mina's interpretations blend jazz and pop sensibilities, showcasing her vocal prowess while honoring classic standards.

What we noticed

  • The album features lush orchestral arrangements that complement Mina's vocal delivery, creating a rich sonic texture.
  • Each track is a reinterpretation of a classic standard, with varying tempos and emotional tones that highlight different aspects of the songs.
  • Mina's vocal phrasing often plays against the rhythm section, adding a layer of complexity to the interpretations.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady pacing for reflective moments
  • emotive interpretations of classics
  • for cozy evenings
  • inviting warmth for gatherings

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer high-energy listening
  • seek experimental soundscapes

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Revitalizes interest in classic standards, showcasing continued artistic vitality.
Themes
nostalgic reflections· jazz-infused standards· holiday warmth
Moods
Chill· Nostalgic
Career context
By the time '12 (American Song Book)' was released in December 2012, Mina had already established herself as a leading figure in Italian pop music since the 1960s. This album marked her return to classic American standards after several successful decades in various genres, reflecting her versatility and enduring appeal. It came after her previous album, 'Selfie', which furthered her exploration of contemporary sounds.
Stylistic neighbors
Franco Battiato· Patty Pravo· Lucio Battisti

Tracklist

  • 1 September Song Start here 2:48
  • 2 Banana Split for My Baby 3:17
  • 3 Everything Happens to Me 3:14
  • 4 Fire and Rain 4:44
  • 5 Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas 4:00
  • 6 I’ll Be Seeing You 5:48
  • 7 I’m Glad There Is You 4:24
  • 8 I’ve Got You Under My Skin 2:48
  • 9 Just a Gigolò 3:28
  • 10 Love Me Tender 4:36
  • 11 Over the Rainbow 6:03
  • 12 Anytime Anywhere 3:57

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata