Book of Ballads
Carmen McRae · 1959
41 min · 12 tracks · jazz
A sophisticated blend of jazz and emotive storytelling, this album showcases McRae's velvet voice over lush arrangements.
Top tracks — play these first
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By Myself Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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The Thrill Is Gone — This track features McRae's poignant interpretation of loss and longing, perfectly capturing the essence of the ballad tradition. Her vocal delivery combined with subtle instrumentation creates an atmosphere of deep melancholy.
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My Romance — McRae's rendition brings a tender intimacy to this classic, showcasing her ability to convey vulnerability through her nuanced phrasing. The orchestration complements her voice beautifully, enhancing the song's romantic themes.
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Angel Eyes — In this track, McRae deftly navigates complex emotions surrounding love and loss, using dynamic shifts in her vocal delivery to highlight the song's dramatic arc. The haunting arrangement elevates her performance to new heights.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
McRae's velvet voice and the lush arrangements create a cohesive and engaging collection of ballads.
What we noticed
- Each track features McRae's vocals accompanied by a small jazz ensemble, with arrangements that emphasize lush harmonies and subtle instrumentation.
- The album maintains a consistent slow to mid-tempo pace, with no tracks exceeding a moderate tempo, creating a reflective mood 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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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
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
- steady melodic flow throughout
- soulful reflections on love
- intimate moments for quiet listening
- evocative storytelling through ballads
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat, fast-paced tracks
- seek experimental soundscapes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album helped establish McRae's reputation in jazz after previous successes.
- Career context
- When 'Book of Ballads' was released in 1959, Carmen McRae was establishing her reputation as a leading jazz vocalist following her breakthrough with the album 'Carmen McRae Sings Monk'. This collection of ballads marked her third studio album, further cementing her status in the jazz scene and showcasing her ability to interpret classic songs with emotional depth.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Billie Holiday· Sarah Vaughan· Ella Fitzgerald
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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He Was Too Good To Me
The narrative shifts from reminiscence to regret as the narrator reflects on a relationship filled with unreciprocated affection, revealing layers of emotional…
This transition underscores a poignant realization about lost opportunities, allowing McRae's vocal inflections to express a mix of nostalgia and sorrow.
Tracklist
- 1 By Myself Start here 3:13
- 2 The Thrill Is Gone 3:54
- 3 How Long Has This Been Going On 4:08
- 4 Do You Know Why? 2:54
- 5 My Romance 3:55
- 6 Isn't It Romantic? 3:02
- 7 If Love Is Good To Me 3:31
- 8 When I Fall In Love 3:48
- 9 Please Be Kind 3:16
- 10 He Was Too Good To Me 2:43
- 11 Angel Eyes 2:43
- 12 Something I Dreamed Last Night 3:58
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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