What makes Abbey Lincoln's Affair... A Story of a Girl in Love by Abbey Lincoln notable?

The album is significant for its sophisticated interpretation of standards that helped define the jazz vocal tradition. It received critical acclaim, showcasing Lincoln’s artistic maturity, and has influenced countless artists within the jazz genre and beyond, particularly emphasizing the importance of narrative in song. Released in 1957, 'Abbey Lincoln's Affair... A Story of a Girl in Love' marked Abbey Lincoln's transition from a promising jazz vocalist to a prominent figure in the genre. This album followed her earlier work, establishing her unique blend of jazz and profound lyricism, setting the stage for her influential role in the civil rights movement through music.