A Wonderful World cover

A Wonderful World

Tony Bennett · 2002

43 min · 12 tracks · jazz

A lush blend of jazz standards and heartfelt vocals that evokes nostalgia and warmth in every note.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Exactly Like You Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    La Vie en rose — This track beautifully captures the essence of romantic longing with its lush instrumentation and Bennett's tender phrasing, making it a standout moment on the album.
  • →
    What a Wonderful World — Bennett’s interpretation brings a fresh perspective to this classic, infusing it with warmth and hope that resonates deeply with listeners.
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    Dream a Little Dream of Me — The nostalgic arrangement combined with Bennett's emotive delivery transforms this standard into a poignant reflection on love and dreams.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong vocal performances and lush arrangements, making it a solid entry in Bennett's catalog.

What we noticed

  • Each track is arranged with lush instrumentation, often including strings and soft brass, which enhances the nostalgic feel of the standards.
  • The tempo varies across tracks, with several songs maintaining a slow to mid-tempo pace that allows for expressive vocal delivery.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

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

  • steady pacing for relaxed moments
  • heartfelt warmth for cozy nights
  • timeless standards for nostalgic vibes
  • melodic journey with emotional depth

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced energy
  • seek experimental soundscapes

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Showcases Bennett's enduring appeal and vocal strength in later career.
Themes
nostalgic romance· heartfelt collaborations
Career context
Released in 2002, A Wonderful World marked a significant collaboration between Tony Bennett and k.d. lang, showcasing the legendary crooner's enduring appeal. This album came during a period of resurgence for Bennett, following his Grammy-winning success in the 1990s, solidifying his status as a timeless artist capable of crossing generational divides.
Stylistic neighbors
Frank Sinatra· Nat King Cole· Ella Fitzgerald

Tracklist

  • 1 Exactly Like You Start here 3:17
  • 2 La Vie en rose 3:23
  • 3 I’m Confessin’ (That I Love You) 4:46
  • 4 You Can Depend on Me 3:00
  • 5 What a Wonderful World 3:23
  • 6 That’s My Home 3:05
  • 7 A Kiss to Build a Dream On 3:25
  • 8 I Wonder 3:49
  • 9 Dream a Little Dream of Me 3:52
  • 10 You Can’t Lose a Broken Heart 3:14
  • 11 That Lucky Old Sun (Just Rolls Around Heaven All Day) 4:36
  • 12 If We Never Meet Again 3:52

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata