But Beautiful
Nancy Wilson · 1969
39 min · 13 tracks · jazz
A lush blend of jazz and pop, woven with Wilson's soulful vocals and intimate arrangements that evoke deep emotion.
Top tracks — play these first
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But Beautiful — The title track encapsulates the album's essence, showcasing Wilson's ability to convey vulnerability through her nuanced interpretation of this classic standard.
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In a Sentimental Mood — Wilson's rendition transforms this Duke Ellington classic into a poignant exploration of nostalgia, highlighted by her smooth phrasing and emotional depth.
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Happiness Is Just a Thing Called Joe — This track stands out for its lively tempo and playful lyrics, illustrating Wilson's versatility and ability to blend joy with complex emotions.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong vocal performances and sophisticated arrangements, creating a cohesive listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a slow, orchestral introduction that sets a lush tone for the following tracks.
- Each song features Wilson's vocals prominently, often accompanied by strings and soft brass arrangements that create an intimate atmosphere.
- Several tracks include subtle tempo shifts, with some moving from ballad-like pacing to slightly more upbeat sections without losing cohesion.
- 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
- intimate moments of reflection
- for quiet evenings
- smooth vocals for relaxation
Maybe skip if you
- prefer high-energy experiences
- seek complex, varied arrangements
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1969, But Beautiful marked Nancy Wilson's continued ascent in the music industry following her breakthrough in the early 1960s. This album came after her successful records like 'How Glad I Am' and solidified her reputation as a versatile artist capable of bridging jazz and pop genres.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Ella Fitzgerald· Sarah Vaughan· Billie Holiday
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Prelude to a Kiss 2:45
- 2 For Heaven’s Sake 2:50
- 3 Happiness Is Just a Thing Called Joe 2:54
- 4 I’ll Walk Alone 3:33
- 5 Supper Time 3:53
- 6 But Beautiful 4:05
- 7 Oh! Look at Me Now 2:22
- 8 Glad to Be Unhappy 3:17
- 9 In a Sentimental Mood 2:58
- 10 I Thought About You 2:04
- 11 Easy Living 3:07
- 12 Do It Again 2:47
- 13 Darn That Dream 2:51
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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