Is Almost Piano a good place to start with Leon Russell?

Yes, Almost Piano is recommended as a starting point for new Leon Russell listeners. A soulful blend of blues and folk rock, showcasing Russell's signature piano-driven melodies and heartfelt songwriting. By the time 'Almost Piano' was released in 2003, Leon Russell was a seasoned artist with a career spanning over four decades. This album arrived after a period of relative quiet following his 1998 album 'Anytime', marking a return to the studio that emphasized his roots in piano-based music.

Who is Almost Piano for?

Almost Piano works well if you're into heartfelt piano-driven melodies, wave-like emotional progression and reflective moments of nostalgia.

How many songs are on Almost Piano?

Almost Piano has 10 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

Almost Piano

Leon Russell · 2003

40 min · 10 tracks · blues

A soulful blend of blues and folk rock, showcasing Russell's signature piano-driven melodies and heartfelt songwriting.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Ixtland Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Friendly Fire — This track stands out for its poignant lyrics about personal conflict and resolution, delivered through Russell's emotive vocals and rich piano arrangement.
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Whitewater Blues — With its reflective storytelling and bluesy undertones, this song encapsulates Russell's ability to convey deep emotion through simple yet powerful melodies.
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Kiss My Eyes — The lush instrumentation combined with heartfelt lyrics showcases Russell's mastery in blending romantic themes with intricate musicality, making it a highlight on the album.
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Big Easy — This track pays homage to New Orleans, featuring a laid-back groove that reflects the city's musical spirit while highlighting Russell's roots.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album blends blues and folk rock with strong piano work but lacks standout tracks to elevate its impact.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate call-and-response vocal patterns, emphasizing the blues tradition and engaging the listener.
The last three tracks slow down significantly, creating a reflective mood that contrasts with the more upbeat earlier songs.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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 piano-driven melodies
wave-like emotional progression
reflective moments of nostalgia
for late-night listening
brief interludes for contemplation

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced, energetic tracks
want standalone singles experience

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Released after a quiet period, it showcases Russell's enduring artistry.
Career context: By the time 'Almost Piano' was released in 2003, Leon Russell was a seasoned artist with a career spanning over four decades. This album arrived after a period of relative quiet following his 1998 album 'Anytime', marking a return to the studio that emphasized his roots in piano-based music.
Stylistic neighbors: Joe Cocker· Leonard Cohen· Bob Dylan