Is Blue a good place to start with Diana Ross?

Yes, Blue is recommended as a starting point for new Diana Ross listeners. A lush collection of jazz standards infused with Diana Ross's smooth vocals and emotive interpretations. In 2006, Diana Ross released 'Blue' as her first studio album in over a decade, following the 1999 project 'Every Day Is a New Day.' At this stage, Ross was re-establishing herself in the music industry after years of focusing on her legacy and various performances. This album marked a return to her roots in jazz and traditional pop music.

Blue works well if you're into intimate evening listening experience, steady pacing with emotional depth and lush arrangements for quiet moments.

How many songs are on Blue?

Blue has 16 tracks, running approximately 50 minutes.

Released 20 years ago

Blue

Diana Ross · 2006

50 min · 16 tracks · jazz

A lush collection of jazz standards infused with Diana Ross's smooth vocals and emotive interpretations.

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Top tracks — play these first

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I Loves Ya Porgy — This track highlights Ross's ability to convey deep emotion through her interpretation of the classic song, illustrating her connection to theatricality and storytelling.
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What a Diff’rence a Day Makes Start here — The arrangement combines orchestral elements with Ross's soulful delivery, making it a standout that emphasizes her vocal range and emotional depth.
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You’ve Changed — This poignant ballad showcases Ross’s nuanced vocal performance as she navigates themes of love and loss, resonating with listeners familiar with heartbreak.
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Smile — Ross’s rendition brings warmth and hope to the classic song, illustrating her ability to transform well-known material into something deeply personal.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

Ross's interpretations of jazz standards are supported by sophisticated arrangements, making for a cohesive and engaging album.

What we noticed

The album features lush orchestral arrangements that complement Ross's smooth vocal delivery, creating a rich soundscape throughout.
Each track is a reinterpretation of a jazz standard, with Ross's phrasing and emotional delivery adding depth to the familiar melodies.

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: 8/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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 evening listening experience
steady pacing with emotional depth
lush arrangements for quiet moments
reflective mood for personal time
candlelit ambiance and soft vibes

Maybe skip if you

seeking upbeat party atmosphere
prefer fast-paced listening sessions

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — A strong release after a long hiatus, showcasing vocal skill and jazz standards.
Themes: emotional depth· heartbreak narratives
Career context: In 2006, Diana Ross released 'Blue' as her first studio album in over a decade, following the 1999 project 'Every Day Is a New Day.' At this stage, Ross was re-establishing herself in the music industry after years of focusing on her legacy and various performances. This album marked a return to her roots in jazz and traditional pop music.
Stylistic neighbors: Chaka Khan· Donna Summer· Anita Baker