Is Cherished a good place to start with Cher?

Yes, Cherished is recommended as a starting point for new Cher listeners. A vibrant blend of disco beats and pop melodies that showcases Cher's dynamic vocal range and infectious energy. By the time 'Cherished' was released in August 1977, Cher had solidified her place in music following the success of her previous album, 'Stars'. This album marked a continued evolution for her as she embraced the disco era while still incorporating elements of folk and rock, reflecting her versatility as an artist.

Who is Cherished for?

Cherished works well if you're into steady mid-tempo dance vibes, nostalgic sing-along moments and feel-good energy for gatherings.

How many songs are on Cherished?

Cherished has 10 tracks, running approximately 29 minutes.

Cherished

Cher · 1977

29 min · 10 tracks · folk music

A vibrant blend of disco beats and pop melodies that showcases Cher's dynamic vocal range and infectious energy.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Pirate Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
→
He Was Beautiful — This track stands out with its poignant lyrics and lush production, highlighting Cher's emotive vocals against a backdrop of shimmering instrumentation.
→
War Paint and Soft Feathers — Featuring a blend of rhythmic grooves and vivid storytelling, this song encapsulates Cher’s ability to merge pop sensibilities with deeper themes.
→
Love the Devil Out of Ya — This energetic track showcases a playful side of Cher, combining upbeat disco elements with cheeky lyrics that perfectly embody the spirit of the era.
→
Again — A reflective ballad that allows Cher's vocal prowess to shine, offering a contrast to the more upbeat tracks while maintaining emotional depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

Cher's 'Cherished' blends folk and disco, showcasing her versatility but lacks standout compositions.

What we noticed

The album opens with a mid-tempo track that features layered harmonies and a prominent string arrangement, setting a lush sonic landscape.
Several tracks incorporate disco elements, such as syncopated bass lines and rhythmic guitar strumming, which contrast with the folk-influenced melodies.
The final track features an extended instrumental outro that gradually fades out, creating a sense of closure to the album.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

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 mid-tempo dance vibes
nostalgic sing-along moments
feel-good energy for gatherings
playful storytelling with charm

Maybe skip if you

prefer lengthy immersive albums
seek intense emotional depth

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Helped establish Cher's diverse sound and reinforced her status in pop music.
Themes: 1970s nostalgia· disco dance floors· bittersweet longing
Career context: By the time 'Cherished' was released in August 1977, Cher had solidified her place in music following the success of her previous album, 'Stars'. This album marked a continued evolution for her as she embraced the disco era while still incorporating elements of folk and rock, reflecting her versatility as an artist.
Stylistic neighbors: Madonna· Diana Ross· Kylie Minogue