Is Bel Hommage a good place to start with Patti LaBelle?

Yes, Bel Hommage is recommended as a starting point for new Patti LaBelle listeners. A soulful tribute blending jazz standards with LaBelle's powerful vocals and heartfelt interpretations. Released on May 5, 2017, 'Bel Hommage' is Patti LaBelle's first album of jazz standards, marking a significant stylistic shift after her long-standing career in rhythm and blues. This album follows her last studio release, 'Labelle,' in 2008 and showcases her evolution as an artist willing to embrace new musical landscapes late in her career.

Who is Bel Hommage for?

Bel Hommage works well if you're into reflective moments of quiet introspection, emotive vocal showcases throughout and steady pacing for relaxed listening.

How many songs are on Bel Hommage?

Bel Hommage has 13 tracks, running approximately 52 minutes.

Bel Hommage

Patti LaBelle · 2017

52 min · 13 tracks · rhythm and blues

A soulful tribute blending jazz standards with LaBelle's powerful vocals and heartfelt interpretations.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Jazz in You Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Wild Is the Wind — This track features LaBelle's vocal range beautifully, transforming the original into a poignant exploration of love's complexities. Her emotional delivery adds depth to the song’s themes of longing and devotion.
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Moanin’ — LaBelle's interpretation of this jazz classic showcases her ability to blend soul with jazz elements seamlessly, emphasizing her deep connection to the material with a rich, resonant tone.
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Here’s to Life — The closing track serves as a reflective anthem celebrating life’s journey, allowing LaBelle to demonstrate both vulnerability and strength through her powerful vocal performance.

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

LaBelle's powerful interpretations and rich arrangements create a compelling tribute to jazz standards.

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

reflective moments of quiet introspection
emotive vocal showcases throughout
steady pacing for relaxed listening
evening ambiance for intimate gatherings
thoughtful tribute to classic standards

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy party vibes
prefer fast-paced, upbeat tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — First jazz standards album, marking a significant stylistic shift in her career.
Themes: jazz standards revival· Nina Simone tribute· resilience and gratitude
Career context: Released on May 5, 2017, 'Bel Hommage' is Patti LaBelle's first album of jazz standards, marking a significant stylistic shift after her long-standing career in rhythm and blues. This album follows her last studio release, 'Labelle,' in 2008 and showcases her evolution as an artist willing to embrace new musical landscapes late in her career.
Stylistic neighbors: Gladys Knight· Aretha Franklin· Chaka Khan

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Song for Old Lovers

The narrative shifts from nostalgia to bittersweet acceptance as the singer reflects on past relationships filled with both love and regret.

This lyrical progression intricately captures the passage of time, illustrating how memories evolve while revealing a poignant maturity in the storytelling.