What does 30 by Ella sound like?

A lush tapestry of jazz standards delivered with Ella's crystalline vocals and heartfelt emotion, capturing a timeless elegance. Rooted in jazz and soul. Start with "My Mother’s Eyes / Try a Little Tenderness / I Got It Bad (and That Ain’t Good) / Everything I Have Is Yours / I Never Knew (I Could Love Anybody Like I’m Loving You) / Goodnight, My Love".

Is 30 by Ella a good place to start with Ella Fitzgerald?

Yes, 30 by Ella is recommended as a starting point for new Ella Fitzgerald listeners. A lush tapestry of jazz standards delivered with Ella's crystalline vocals and heartfelt emotion, capturing a timeless elegance. By 1968, Ella Fitzgerald had already established herself as one of the leading jazz vocalists, known for her impeccable phrasing and scat singing. '30 by Ella' was released during a prolific period in her career, following a series of successful albums that showcased her versatility and enduring appeal. This album continues her legacy, presenting her interpretations of classic love songs.

Who is 30 by Ella for?

30 by Ella works well if you're into steady pacing for relaxed evenings, heartfelt interpretations of romance and velvety vocals for intimacy.

How many songs are on 30 by Ella?

30 by Ella has 6 tracks, running approximately 53 minutes.

30 by Ella

Ella Fitzgerald · 1968

53 min · 6 tracks · jazz

A lush tapestry of jazz standards delivered with Ella's crystalline vocals and heartfelt emotion, capturing a timeless elegance.

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Top tracks — play these first

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My Mother’s Eyes / Try a Little Tenderness / I Got It Bad (and That Ain’t Good) / Everything I Have Is Yours / I Never Knew (I Could Love Anybody Like I’m Loving You) / Goodnight, My Love Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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I Got It Bad (and That Ain’t Good) — This track highlights Ella's emotional range and ability to convey deep longing through nuanced vocal delivery, showcasing her signature style.
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Taking a Chance on Love — With its upbeat tempo and playful lyrics, this song captures Fitzgerald's charm and showcases her ability to infuse joy into classic standards.
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It’s a Wonderful World — Ella's rendition brings warmth and optimism to this beloved classic, reflecting her mastery of blending lyrical sentiment with melodic grace.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

74 /100

Alpine

Higher than 98% of albums we've rated

Ella Fitzgerald's '30 by Ella' showcases sophisticated arrangements and heartfelt vocals, solidifying her status in jazz.

What we noticed

The album features six tracks, each comprising a medley of jazz standards that flow seamlessly into one another.
Ella's vocal delivery is characterized by her precise phrasing and emotional interpretation, often using subtle variations in dynamics.
Each track typically includes lush orchestral arrangements that complement her voice, enhancing the overall mood without overshadowing it.
The final track concludes with a gentle fade-out, creating a sense of closure and reflection.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 9/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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 relaxed evenings
heartfelt interpretations of romance
velvety vocals for intimacy
gradual emotional build throughout
ideal for reflective moments

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy tracks
prefer short, standalone songs

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Released in a prolific period, it showcases Ella's continued artistic vitality.
Themes: romantic ballads· post-war optimism· jazz standards revival
Career context: By 1968, Ella Fitzgerald had already established herself as one of the leading jazz vocalists, known for her impeccable phrasing and scat singing. '30 by Ella' was released during a prolific period in her career, following a series of successful albums that showcased her versatility and enduring appeal. This album continues her legacy, presenting her interpretations of classic love songs.
Stylistic neighbors: Billie Holiday· Sarah Vaughan· Louis Armstrong

New to Ella Fitzgerald? Find your way in →

Tracklist

1 My Mother’s Eyes / Try a Little Tenderness / I Got It Bad (and That Ain’t Good) / Everything I Have Is Yours / I Never Knew (I Could Love Anybody Like I’m Loving You) / Goodnight, My Love Start here 12:22
2 Four or Five Times / Maybe / Taking a Chance on Love / Elmer’s Tune / At Sundown / It’s a Wonderful World 6:30
3 On Green Dolphin Street / How Am I to Know / Just Friends / I Cried for You / Seems Like Old Times / You Stepped Out of a Dream 7:07
4 If I Gave My Heart to You / Once in a While / Ebb Tide / The Lamp Is Low / Where Are You / Thinking of You 11:06
5 Candy / All I Do Is Dream of You / Spring Is Here / 720 in the Books / It Happened in Monterey / What Can I Say After I Say I’m Sorry 6:40
6 No Regrets / I’ve Got a Feeling You’re Fooling / Don’t Blame Me / Deep Purple / Rain / You’re a Sweetheart 9:44