Being Myself
Lena Horne · 1998
38 min · 10 tracks · jazz
A timeless blend of jazz standards and pop elegance, showcasing Horne's rich vocal mastery and emotional depth.
Top tracks — play these first
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Some of My Best Friends Are the Blues — This track opens the album with a playful yet poignant exploration of friendship and melancholy, setting the tone for Horne's reflective storytelling throughout.
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Autumn in New York — Horne's interpretation of this classic showcases her ability to convey deep emotion through subtle vocal nuances, making it a standout moment on the album.
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Willow Weep for Me — This track illustrates Horne's mastery over phrasing and dynamics, delivering a heart-wrenching performance that resonates deeply with themes of longing and sorrow.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Horne's vocal mastery shines through a mix of standards and arrangements, creating a cohesive yet varied listening experience.
What we noticed
- Each track features Horne's vocals prominently, often accompanied by a small jazz ensemble that includes piano, bass, and subtle brass.
- The album opens with an upbeat tempo on the first two tracks before transitioning to more reflective ballads in the latter half.
- Several tracks incorporate rich harmonies and intricate arrangements, particularly in the use of strings and woodwinds alongside traditional jazz instrumentation.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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
- intimate moments of vocal mastery
- reflective evening listening sessions
- sophisticated explorations of emotion
- nostalgic journeys through classic standards
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced, energetic music
- seek heavy production value
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Being Myself was released in 1998, marking Lena Horne's return to the recording studio after a long hiatus since her last album in 1985. At this point in her career, Horne was already an established icon, known for her groundbreaking contributions to music and film, and the album served as a reaffirmation of her artistry and relevance in the evolving music landscape.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Ella Fitzgerald· Billie Holiday· Sarah Vaughan
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Some of My Best Friends Are the Blues 3:42
- 2 As Long as I Live 2:27
- 3 Autumn in New York 4:25
- 4 It’s Alright With Me 3:17
- 5 Sleepin’ Bee 3:37
- 6 Imagination 5:49
- 7 How Long Has This Been Going On? 4:42
- 8 After You 3:15
- 9 Willow Weep for Me 3:54
- 10 What Am I Here For? 3:17
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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