A Wonderful World cover

Released 10 years ago

A Wonderful World

Susan Boyle · 2016

37 min · 10 tracks · pop music

A warm collection of classic ballads infused with heartfelt vocals and lush orchestral arrangements.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    What a Wonderful World Start here — This iconic song serves as the album's title track and encapsulates Boyle's ability to convey optimism and beauty through her powerful voice.
  • →
    I Have a Dream — Boyle's rendition of this classic showcases her emotional depth and ability to inspire hope, making it a standout moment on the album.
  • →
    Like a Prayer — Her interpretation of this Madonna classic reveals Boyle's versatility and adds a spiritual dimension to the album, transforming its thematic resonance.

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 showcases strong vocal performances over familiar ballads but lacks distinctiveness and depth for repeated listens.

What we noticed

  • The album features orchestral arrangements that dominate the instrumentation, with strings and brass supporting Boyle's vocal performances throughout.
  • Each track is a cover of a well-known ballad, maintaining a consistent theme of nostalgia and emotional resonance.
  • The tempo remains largely slow to mid-tempo across all tracks, creating a reflective mood without significant variation in pace.
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 3/10

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

  • heartfelt emotional connections
  • reflective peaceful moments
  • soothing background ambiance
  • nostalgic and comforting vibes
  • gentle melodic storytelling

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Continues her legacy with classic ballads, showcasing sustained popularity.
Themes
optimistic nostalgia· spiritual reinvention
Career context
By the time 'A Wonderful World' was released in November 2016, Susan Boyle had established herself as a household name following her breakout performance on 'Britain's Got Talent' in 2009. This album marked her sixth studio release, continuing her journey of reinterpreting beloved songs while showcasing her distinct vocal style.
Stylistic neighbors
Andrea Bocelli· Il Divo· Josh Groban

Tracklist

  • 1 What a Wonderful World Start here 3:40
  • 2 When I Fall in Love 3:07
  • 3 Angels 3:57
  • 4 Somewhere Out There 3:34
  • 5 I Have a Dream 4:09
  • 6 Always on My Mind 4:06
  • 7 May You Never Be Alone 3:51
  • 8 Mull of Kintyre 3:38
  • 9 Like a Prayer 3:22
  • 10 When You Wish Upon a Star 3:35

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata