Is 30 a good place to start with Harry Connick Jr.?

Yes, 30 is recommended as a starting point for new Harry Connick Jr. listeners. A vibrant blend of classic jazz standards infused with the rich essence of New Orleans and playful arrangements. In 2001, Harry Connick Jr. was transitioning from his successful career as a pop-jazz artist to focusing more on traditional jazz forms. '30' marked his return to jazz standards after a series of commercially successful albums, showcasing his deep roots in New Orleans music amidst a growing maturity in his artistry.

30 works well if you're into playful rhythms for dancing, soulful moments of reflection and dynamic flow with emotional peaks.

How many songs are on 30?

30 has 14 tracks, running approximately 68 minutes.

Released 25 years ago this October

30

Harry Connick Jr. · 2001

68 min · 14 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of classic jazz standards infused with the rich essence of New Orleans and playful arrangements.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
I’m Walkin’ Start here — This lively track opens the album with a joyful energy, setting the tone for Connick’s playful approach to classic material. Its upbeat tempo and familiar melody highlight his ability to breathe new life into traditional songs.
→
Somewhere My Love — An elegant interpretation of the classic tune, this track showcases Connick's vocal range and emotional depth, delivering a poignant performance that resonates with listeners seeking nostalgia.
→
Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Old Oak Tree — Connick's rendition transforms this pop standard into a swinging jazz number, illustrating his skill in reimagining familiar tunes while maintaining their core sentimentality.
→
There Is Always One More Time — This track stands out for its reflective lyrics and smooth arrangement, encapsulating themes of love and longing that resonate deeply throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases Connick's return to jazz standards with engaging arrangements but lacks a cohesive narrative throughout.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate traditional New Orleans rhythms and instrumentation, enhancing the regional flavor of the music.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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

playful rhythms for dancing
soulful moments of reflection
dynamic flow with emotional peaks
for nostalgic gatherings

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced, energetic tracks
seek minimalist, straightforward sound

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Reaffirmed Connick's status in jazz, marking his transition back to traditional jazz forms.
Career context: In 2001, Harry Connick Jr. was transitioning from his successful career as a pop-jazz artist to focusing more on traditional jazz forms. '30' marked his return to jazz standards after a series of commercially successful albums, showcasing his deep roots in New Orleans music amidst a growing maturity in his artistry.
Stylistic neighbors: Jamie Cullum· Diana Krall· Norah Jones