Is A Single Woman a good place to start with Nina Simone?

Yes, A Single Woman is recommended as a starting point for new Nina Simone listeners. A rich tapestry of jazz and blues, woven together with Simone's soulful, emotive vocals that convey deep longing and introspection. Released in 1993, A Single Woman marked Nina Simone's first studio album after a long hiatus, following her 1985 album Fodder on My Wings. During this period, she had largely stepped back from the music industry, which added a layer of poignancy to her return. The album reflects both her personal experiences and the broader social changes occurring in America.

Who is A Single Woman for?

A Single Woman works well if you're into steady melodic exploration of love, heartfelt vocals for deep connection and evocative themes of longing.

How many songs are on A Single Woman?

A Single Woman has 10 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

A Single Woman

Nina Simone · 1993

39 min · 10 tracks · blues

A rich tapestry of jazz and blues, woven together with Simone's soulful, emotive vocals that convey deep longing and introspection.

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Top tracks — play these first

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A Single Woman Start here — The title track serves as a powerful declaration of independence and vulnerability, encapsulating the emotional core of the album.
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Il n’y a pas d’amour heureux — This haunting rendition highlights Simone’s mastery of conveying sorrow through its poignant lyrics and melancholic melody, showcasing her artistic depth.
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Love’s Been Good to Me — In this track, Simone reflects on the complexities of love with a mix of gratitude and melancholy, illustrating her nuanced perspective on relationships.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Simone's emotive vocals and rich arrangements create a distinctive blend of jazz and blues.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that features a slow tempo and builds in emotional intensity, setting a reflective tone.
Several tracks include orchestral arrangements that complement Simone's vocal delivery, enhancing the overall mood.
The final track, 'Marry Me', contrasts with earlier songs by incorporating a more hopeful and uplifting melody.

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: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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

steady melodic exploration of love
heartfelt vocals for deep connection
evocative themes of longing
for reflective evenings

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced, upbeat tracks
want standalone singles experience

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Re-establishes Simone's presence after a long hiatus, showcasing her enduring artistry.
Themes: personal independence· post-1980s disillusionment
Moods: Romantic· Nostalgic
Career context: Released in 1993, A Single Woman marked Nina Simone's first studio album after a long hiatus, following her 1985 album Fodder on My Wings. During this period, she had largely stepped back from the music industry, which added a layer of poignancy to her return. The album reflects both her personal experiences and the broader social changes occurring in America.
Stylistic neighbors: Billie Holiday· Ella Fitzgerald· Aretha Franklin