Belly of the Sun
Cassandra Wilson · 2002
65 min · 14 tracks · jazz
A rich tapestry of jazz, blending soulful vocals with intricate arrangements and diverse rhythms that evoke both warmth and introspection.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Weight — This cover transforms the original's rock roots into a soulful jazz exploration, highlighting Wilson's versatility and deep emotional engagement with the material.
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Justice — With its poignant lyrics and haunting melody, this track encapsulates the album's thematic depth while showcasing Wilson's powerful vocal delivery.
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Waters of March — Wilson's interpretation breathes new life into this classic Brazilian song, emphasizing fluidity and improvisation that reflect her jazz roots.
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Wichita Lineman — This reimagining of the classic country song bridges genres seamlessly, revealing Wilson's unique ability to convey vulnerability through her voice.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong arrangements and vocal performances but does not fully stand out in its genre.
What we noticed
- Many tracks include extended instrumental sections that allow for improvisation, particularly in the middle of the album.
- The sequencing alternates between more upbeat tracks and slower, introspective pieces, creating a dynamic flow throughout.
- 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
- introspective moments of warmth
- richly layered vocal textures
- soulful exploration of life
- late-night reflective ambiance
- engaging storytelling through song
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat, fast-paced tracks
- seek immediate, catchy hooks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Belly of the Sun is Cassandra Wilson's sixth studio album, released in 2002 following her critically acclaimed album, New Moon Daughter. At this point in her career, Wilson was consolidating her reputation as a leading voice in contemporary jazz, known for her innovative interpretations and genre-blurring style.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Diana Krall· Norah Jones· Esperanza Spalding
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Weight 6:05
- 2 Justice 5:26
- 3 Darkness on the Delta 3:47
- 4 Waters of March 4:26
- 5 You Gotta Move 2:43
- 6 Only a Dream in Rio 4:31
- 7 Just Another Parade 6:06
- 8 Wichita Lineman 5:47
- 9 Shelter From the Storm 5:17
- 10 Drunk as Cooter Brown 4:56
- 11 Show Me a Love 3:49
- 12 Road So Clear 5:17
- 13 Hot Tamales 1:43
- 14 Corcovado 5:19
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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