A Touch of Today cover

Released 60 years ago

A Touch of Today

Nancy Wilson · 1966

26 min · 12 tracks · jazz

An elegant blend of jazz and pop, featuring smooth vocals that effortlessly navigate both classic standards and contemporary hits.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    And I Love Him — This rendition transforms the Beatles classic into a soulful ballad, allowing Wilson's emotive voice to shine through with warmth and sincerity.
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    The Shadow of Your Smile (Love Theme From "The Sandpiper") — Wilson's interpretation captures the romantic essence of the song, blending lush instrumentation with her dynamic vocal delivery, making it a standout moment on the album.
  • →
    Uptight (Everything's Alright) — In this lively cover, Wilson infuses her jazz roots into a Motown hit, showcasing her versatility while delivering an upbeat and engaging performance.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album blends jazz and pop effectively but lacks standout compositions that elevate it beyond its era.

What we noticed

  • Tracks like 'Uptight (Everything's Alright)' incorporate rhythmic elements typical of 1960s pop, while others maintain a smooth jazz feel.
  • Several tracks feature lush orchestral arrangements that complement Wilson's voice, creating a rich sonic texture.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • smooth melodies for easy listening
  • short tracks for quick enjoyment
  • emotive vocals with orchestral backing
  • for afternoon relaxation

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer longer, immersive albums
  • seek high-energy dance tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
By 1966, Nancy Wilson was already an established artist, having released several successful albums. 'A Touch of Today' marked her continued evolution in the music scene, showcasing her ability to adapt pop and jazz influences into a cohesive sound.
Stylistic neighbors
Ella Fitzgerald· Sarah Vaughan· Billie Holiday

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Yesterday

    The poignant shift from past happiness to present sorrow encapsulates the theme of loss, emphasizing longing without directly naming it.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 You've Got Your Troubles 2:26
  • 2 And I Love Him 2:20
  • 3 Uptight (Everything's Alright) 1:57
  • 4 Have a Heart 2:27
  • 5 Before the Rain 2:12
  • 6 The Shadow of Your Smile (Love Theme From "The Sandpiper") 2:00
  • 7 Call Me 2:15
  • 8 Yesterday 2:05
  • 9 Wasn't It Wonderful 1:58
  • 10 You're Gonna Hear From Me 2:44
  • 11 No One Else but You 2:10
  • 12 Goin' Out of My Head 2:05

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata