What makes A Kiss to Build a Dream On by Jessica Molaskey notable?

This album features a compelling blend of traditional jazz standards that contributed to the resurgence of interest in classic American songbook material during the late 2000s. It received positive reviews from critics, particularly for its arrangements and Molaskey's emotive performances, further establishing her as a prominent figure in contemporary jazz. Released in 2008, A Kiss to Build a Dream On is Jessica Molaskey's third studio album, following her critically acclaimed record, Pentimento. At this juncture, she was solidifying her reputation as a skilled interpreter of classic jazz and Broadway songs, showcasing her vocal versatility and emotional depth.

How many songs are on A Kiss to Build a Dream On?

A Kiss to Build a Dream On has 15 tracks, running approximately 61 minutes.

A Kiss to Build a Dream On

Jessica Molaskey · 2008

61 min · 15 tracks · jazz

A warm collection of jazz standards filled with rich vocals and intimate storytelling that invites listeners into a nostalgic dreamscape.

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Top tracks — play these first

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A Kiss to Bulid a Dream On — The title track beautifully encapsulates the album's theme of longing and aspiration, with Molaskey's tender delivery elevating the emotional weight of the lyrics.
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Everybody Loves Louis — This track pays homage to Louis Armstrong with an upbeat arrangement that highlights Molaskey's playful vocal style while celebrating jazz history.
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You're Nobody Til Somebody Loves You — A heartfelt rendition that showcases Molaskey's ability to convey vulnerability and warmth, making it a standout moment on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong vocal performances and cohesive arrangements, but its impact remains within the jazz genre.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of lush, orchestral arrangements that complement Molaskey's vocal delivery throughout.
Each track transitions smoothly into the next, maintaining a relaxed tempo and mood that invites repeated listening.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Happy Habit 3:46
2 You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby / Baby Face 4:20
3 Hello Sunshine Hello 3:28
4 A Kiss to Bulid a Dream On 4:11
5 Everybody Loves Louis 3:17
6 Tea for Two 4:09
7 Take Me to You 3:41
8 Breezin' Along With the Breeze 4:12
9 Isn't He Something 3:47
10 Hiding in Plain Sight 3:46
11 I'm Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover 3:07
12 You're Nobody Til Somebody Loves You 5:51
13 Ain't Misbehavin' 5:53
14 Bye Bye Blues 4:49
15 Heart's Desire 2:48

What to play next

Go back to

Sitting in Limbo

2007

Full Jessica Molaskey discography Artists like Jessica Molaskey

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata