What makes Daybreak by Chet Baker notable?

Daybreak received critical acclaim for its lush arrangements and Baker's emotive trumpet playing, solidifying his reputation as a jazz icon. The album is often cited for its influence on the smooth jazz genre, demonstrating how Baker's style bridged traditional jazz with more contemporary sounds during the late 20th century. Released in 1979, Daybreak marked Chet Baker's return to recording after a period marked by personal struggles and professional challenges. It followed his earlier works that established him as a significant figure in the jazz world, showcasing a matured sound reflective of his life experiences.

How many songs are on Daybreak?

Daybreak has 4 tracks, running approximately 35 minutes.

Daybreak

Chet Baker

35 min · 4 tracks · jazz

A blend of melancholic melodies and intricate harmonies that evoke a sense of calm introspection and yearning.

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Top tracks — play these first

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For Minor's Only — This track features Baker's signature soft tone intertwined with complex chord progressions, setting an intimate mood that defines the album's essence.
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Daybreak — The title track showcases extended solo sections where Baker's improvisational skills shine, encapsulating the feeling of dawn breaking through night.
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Broken Wing — In this piece, Baker’s vulnerability is palpable as he navigates through poignant melodies that reflect both beauty and sorrow, a hallmark of his artistry.

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

The album showcases strong melodies and intricate arrangements, making it a notable entry in Baker's discography.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of soft dynamics, with each track maintaining a subdued volume that enhances the introspective mood.
The arrangements include layered instrumentation, with strings and piano complementing Baker's trumpet, adding depth to the overall sound.

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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 For Minor's Only 6:10
2 Daybreak 11:05
3 Broken Wing 7:40
4 Down 10:40

What to play next

Listen next

The Improviser

Go back to

Strollin'

Full Chet Baker discography Where to start with Chet Baker Artists like Chet Baker

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata