Days Aweigh cover

Days Aweigh

Cassandra Wilson · 1987

42 min · 9 tracks · jazz

A fusion of jazz and soul, with intricate arrangements that showcase emotional depth and Wilson's distinctive vocal style.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Electromagnolia — The opening track establishes the album's eclectic sonic palette, featuring complex rhythms and rich instrumentation that highlight Wilson's vocal prowess.
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    Days Aweigh — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of introspection and transformation, showcasing Wilson's ability to imbue lyrics with personal significance.
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    Subatomic Blues — This track stands out for its experimental flair, blending bluesy undertones with jazz elements, reflecting Wilson's innovative spirit during this period.
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    If You Know How — A poignant ballad that highlights Wilson’s lyrical depth and emotional delivery, marking a moment of vulnerability within the album's broader narrative.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album blends intricate arrangements with Wilson's unique vocal style, establishing her as a notable voice in jazz.

What we noticed

  • The first track opens with a slow, atmospheric introduction that gradually builds into a more complex arrangement featuring layered instrumentation.
  • Wilson's vocal lines often weave in and out of the instrumentation rather than dominating it, creating a conversational dynamic between her voice and the instruments.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • intimate moments of reflection
  • soulful vocals with emotional depth
  • thoughtful pacing for deep listening
  • warm atmospheres for cozy evenings

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking upbeat dance tracks
  • prefer instant gratification

Where this album fits

Career context
Days Aweigh marks Cassandra Wilson's second album, following her debut with 1986's 'Point of View'. At this stage, she was beginning to establish herself as a significant voice in jazz, blending traditional elements with contemporary influences. This release set the groundwork for her later experimentation and success in the genre.
Stylistic neighbors
Diana Krall· Norah Jones· Esperanza Spalding

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Electromagnolia 4:45
  • 2 Let's Face the Music 2:31
  • 3 Days Aweigh 3:27
  • 4 Subatomic Blues 4:35
  • 5 Apricots on Their Wings 5:49
  • 6 If You Know How 5:08
  • 7 You Belong to You 4:55
  • 8 Some Other Time 5:12
  • 9 Black and Yellow 5:38

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata