Blame It on My Youth
Holly Cole · 1992
38 min · 10 tracks · jazz
A lush blend of jazz and pop with intimate vocals and sophisticated arrangements that evoke deep emotional resonance.
Top tracks — play these first
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Trust in Me — The opening track introduces Cole's sultry voice over a delicate arrangement, setting the tone for the entire album and highlighting her ability to convey vulnerability.
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I’m Gonna Laugh You Right Out of My Life — This track showcases Cole's playful side with clever lyrics and an upbeat tempo, demonstrating her versatility within the album's jazz-pop framework.
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Calling You — Cole's rendition transforms this song into a poignant ballad, where her emotive delivery elevates the lyrical yearning, making it one of the standout moments on the album.
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On the Street Where You Live — Her interpretation adds depth to this classic, allowing listeners to experience a fresh emotional perspective through her nuanced phrasing and dynamic control.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features intimate vocals and sophisticated arrangements but lacks standout compositions that elevate it significantly.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a slow tempo on 'Trust in Me', establishing a relaxed mood that persists through the first half.
- Cole's vocal delivery is often layered with subtle harmonies, particularly evident in tracks like 'Calling You' and 'Honeysuckle Rose'.
- Several tracks feature extended instrumental sections, allowing the band to showcase their jazz influences alongside Cole's vocals.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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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
- intimate moments of quiet reflection
- playful tunes for lighthearted moods
- cathartic expressions of longing
- late-night conversations with friends
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy dance tracks
- prefer instant gratification rhythms
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1992, Blame It on My Youth was Holly Cole's debut album, marking her entry into the music scene after establishing herself in Toronto's jazz clubs. At this point, she was transitioning from local performances to a broader audience, showcasing her unique vocal style and interpretations of jazz standards.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Norah Jones· Diana Krall· Madeleine Peyroux
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Trust in Me 3:23
- 2 I’m Gonna Laugh You Right Out of My Life 2:37
- 3 If I Were a Bell 2:17
- 4 Smile 4:13
- 5 Purple Avenue 3:57
- 6 Calling You 4:38
- 7 God Will 3:11
- 8 On the Street Where You Live 5:33
- 9 Honeysuckle Rose 2:20
- 10 I’ll Be Seeing You 5:54
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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