Is Communication a good place to start with Nelson Riddle?

Yes, Communication is recommended as a starting point for new Nelson Riddle listeners. A vibrant blend of orchestral arrangements and lush melodies that captures the essence of early '70s romantic jazz. By 1971, Nelson Riddle was an established arranger and conductor known for his collaborations with Frank Sinatra. 'Communication' marked his return to recording after a brief hiatus, showcasing his ability to adapt big band sounds to contemporary pop styles during this era.

Who is Communication for?

Communication works well if you're into steady mid-tempo romantic vibes, for urban evening outings and elegant backdrop for intimate gatherings.

How many songs are on Communication?

Communication has 10 tracks, running approximately 30 minutes.

Communication

Nelson Riddle · 1971

30 min · 10 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of orchestral arrangements and lush melodies that captures the essence of early '70s romantic jazz.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Born Happy Start here — This opening track sets a joyful tone with its upbeat tempo and rich orchestration, illustrating Riddle's skill in weaving intricate melodies.
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A Night of Love — The romantic theme is beautifully encapsulated here, with lush strings and smooth harmonies creating an intimate atmosphere that defines the album.
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Uptown Dance — This track showcases a lively rhythm and playful brass sections, highlighting Riddle's mastery in blending traditional jazz with contemporary influences.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

Riddle's orchestral arrangements create a cohesive and engaging instrumental jazz experience.

What we noticed

The album features lush orchestral arrangements that dominate the sound, with strings and brass sections frequently taking center stage.
Each track maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, creating a smooth flow throughout the record without abrupt tempo changes.

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 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 romantic vibes
for urban evening outings
elegant backdrop for intimate gatherings
nostalgic feel of city nightlife

Maybe skip if you

seekers of high-energy tracks
prefer longer, sprawling albums

Where this album fits

Themes: early '70s romance· orchestral jazz elegance· big band revival
Career context: By 1971, Nelson Riddle was an established arranger and conductor known for his collaborations with Frank Sinatra. 'Communication' marked his return to recording after a brief hiatus, showcasing his ability to adapt big band sounds to contemporary pop styles during this era.
Stylistic neighbors: Gordon Jenkins· Henry Mancini· Billy May