Is Day Is Done a good place to start with Brad Mehldau?

Yes, Day Is Done is recommended as a starting point for new Brad Mehldau listeners. A contemplative blend of jazz and pop standards, infused with introspective piano melodies and rich improvisations. By 2005, Brad Mehldau had established himself as a prominent figure in jazz, following his acclaimed albums like 'Largo' in 2002. 'Day Is Done' represents a continuation of his exploration of popular music through a jazz lens, showcasing his unique interpretations of classic songs.

Who is Day Is Done for?

Day Is Done works well if you're into contemplative evening listening sessions, dynamic exploration of emotional depth and wave-like pacing with peaks.

How many songs are on Day Is Done?

Day Is Done has 10 tracks, running approximately 70 minutes.

Day Is Done

Brad Mehldau · 2005

70 min · 10 tracks · jazz

A contemplative blend of jazz and pop standards, infused with introspective piano melodies and rich improvisations.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Knives Out Start here — This track stands out for its hauntingly beautiful interpretation of Radiohead's song, incorporating intricate melodic lines and emotional depth that reflect Mehldau's signature style.
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She's Leaving Home — Mehldau's rendition transforms this Beatles classic into a lyrical jazz ballad, highlighting his ability to convey complex emotions through minimalistic yet powerful phrasing.
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Alfie — The delicate interplay between melody and harmony in this track showcases Mehldau's nuanced approach to rhythm and dynamics, making it a standout piece on the album.
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Day Is Done — The title track encapsulates the album's mood with its reflective tone and intricate improvisational passages, emphasizing Mehldau's skill in creating an intimate atmosphere.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

71 /100

Alpine

Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

Mehldau's inventive piano work and sophisticated arrangements create a compelling blend of jazz and pop standards.

What we noticed

Several tracks, such as 'Knives Out' and 'She's Leaving Home', incorporate unexpected harmonic shifts that add depth to the arrangements.
The pacing is deliberate, with most tracks maintaining a reflective tempo, allowing space for the listener to absorb the nuances of the performance.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

contemplative evening listening sessions
dynamic exploration of emotional depth
wave-like pacing with peaks
rich improvisation and interpretation

Maybe skip if you

seeking upbeat instant gratification
prefer standalone catchy tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Represents a high point in Mehldau's artistic exploration of jazz and pop standards.
Themes: introspective piano melodies· Beatles reinterpretation· Radiohead's emotional depth
Career context: By 2005, Brad Mehldau had established himself as a prominent figure in jazz, following his acclaimed albums like 'Largo' in 2002. 'Day Is Done' represents a continuation of his exploration of popular music through a jazz lens, showcasing his unique interpretations of classic songs.
Stylistic neighbors: Esbjörn Svensson Trio· Tigran Hamasyan· Robert Glasper