Beautiful
Teena Marie · 2013
72 min · 14 tracks · funk
A rich tapestry of soul and funk, layered with heartfelt lyrics and Teena Marie's signature vocal prowess.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Luv Letter — This track opens the album with an intimate tone, showcasing Marie's trademark blend of smooth melodies and emotional depth that sets the stage for the entire record.
-
→
Beautiful (For Alia) — A poignant tribute to her daughter, this song encapsulates the album's themes of love and familial bonds, exemplifying Marie's ability to convey deep emotion through her music.
-
→
Wild Horses — This cover beautifully highlights Marie's vocal range and interpretive skills, transforming a classic into a soulful ballad that resonates with both nostalgia and new sentiment.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends upbeat funk with heartfelt ballads, showcasing strong vocals and varied themes.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features upbeat tracks that maintain a consistent groove, while the second half shifts to more introspective ballads.
- 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
-
6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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 reflective moments
- heartfelt lyrics for emotional connection
- vibrant warmth for sunny days
- gradual peaks in vocal intensity
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek standalone singles experience
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on January 15, 2013, 'Beautiful' was Teena Marie's final studio album before her passing later that year. This album came nearly a decade after her previous release, showcasing her enduring talent and relevance in the contemporary R&B landscape while reflecting themes of love and loss.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Chaka Khan· Prince· Sade
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Luv Letter 4:37
- 2 Sweet Tooth 5:37
- 3 Rare Breed 4:38
- 4 Love Starved 4:44
- 5 Definition Of Down 4:49
- 6 Maria Bonita 5:15
- 7 Beautiful (For Alia) 5:44
- 8 The Long Play 6:30
- 9 Carte Blanche 5:18
- 10 Give Me Your Love 4:57
- 11 Wild Horses 5:18
- 12 The Perfect Feeling 5:50
- 13 Count the Ways 4:49
- 14 When Smokey Sings (For Smokey) 4:52
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.