What makes Abbey Sings Abbey by Abbey Lincoln notable?

This album is significant not only for its heartfelt renditions of jazz standards but also for its critical acclaim, receiving praise from publications like JazzTimes and All About Jazz. Its release contributed to renewed interest in Lincoln's work and solidified her legacy as a vital voice in jazz during the late stages of her career. Abbey Sings Abbey was released in 2007, marking Abbey Lincoln's return to the studio after nearly a decade since her last album. At this point in her career, Lincoln had established herself as a pivotal figure in jazz, known for her powerful storytelling and innovative interpretations. This album showcases her ability to reinterpret classic compositions with a unique perspective, emphasizing her growth as an artist throughout her long career.

How many songs are on Abbey Sings Abbey?

Abbey Sings Abbey has 12 tracks, running approximately 59 minutes.

Abbey Sings Abbey

Abbey Lincoln · 2007

59 min · 12 tracks · jazz

A soulful homage to jazz standards, blending rich vocals with intricate musical arrangements that evoke deep emotional resonance.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Throw It Away — This track features Lincoln's signature vocal style, blending a poignant message about letting go with an emotive delivery that highlights her interpretative skills.
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The World Is Falling Down — In this song, Lincoln combines a sense of urgency with profound lyrics, showcasing her ability to address societal issues through the lens of personal experience.
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Bird Alone — Lincoln’s interpretation of this piece brings out the vulnerability within the lyrics, revealing layers of emotion that resonate deeply with listeners.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album blends strong vocal performances with intricate arrangements, showcasing Lincoln's artistry in jazz standards.

What we noticed

Several tracks, such as 'Blue Monk' and 'Bird Alone', showcase improvisational solos that extend the song length beyond typical structures.

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: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Love Has Gone Away

The bridge shifts to a moment of introspection where the singer reflects on love's absence, creating a stark contrast with earlier verses.

This structural choice enhances the emotional weight of the song, allowing the listener to feel the depth of loss articulated through the change in tone.

Tracklist

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

1 Blue Monk 5:14
2 Throw It Away 5:19
3 And It’s Supposed to Be Love 4:47
4 Should’ve Been 5:28
5 The World Is Falling Down 3:41
6 Bird Alone 4:57
7 Down Here Below 6:33
8 The Music Is the Magic 3:54
9 Learning How to Listen 4:37
10 The Merry Dancer 6:30
11 Love Has Gone Away 4:41
12 Being Me 3:55

What to play next

Go back to

It's Me

2003

Full Abbey Lincoln discography Artists like Abbey Lincoln

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata