What makes Donny Hathaway by Donny Hathaway notable?

The album received critical acclaim upon release and has since been regarded as a cornerstone of soul music, influencing countless artists in the genre. Its standout track, A Song For You, is often celebrated for its heartfelt lyrics and intricate arrangement, leading to numerous cover versions by various artists. Released on April 2, 1971, this self-titled album marks Donny Hathaway's debut as a solo artist after gaining fame as a session musician and through collaborations. At this stage in his career, Hathaway was transitioning from background vocals into the spotlight, building on his previous work with artists like Roberta Flack.

How many songs are on Donny Hathaway?

Donny Hathaway has 11 tracks, running approximately 51 minutes.

Donny Hathaway

Donny Hathaway · 1971

51 min · 11 tracks · blues

Soulful melodies intertwine with poignant lyrics, showcasing Hathaway's vocal prowess and emotional depth amidst lush arrangements.

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Top tracks — play these first

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A Song For You — This track epitomizes Hathaway's ability to blend emotional vulnerability with musical sophistication, showcasing a heartfelt narrative of love and regret.
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He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother — Hathaway's rendition transforms this classic into a soulful anthem of compassion and solidarity, highlighting his powerful vocal delivery.
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This Christmas — A holiday staple, Hathaway's rendition adds warmth and joy to the season, becoming one of his most enduringly popular songs over the years.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

68 /100

Alpine

Higher than 93% of albums we've rated

Hathaway's debut showcases strong songwriting and vocal dynamics, though the cohesion is slightly affected by varied tempos.

What we noticed

Hathaway's vocal delivery often features dynamic shifts, moving from soft, intimate moments to powerful crescendos.
Several tracks incorporate lush orchestral arrangements that complement Hathaway's voice, particularly in 'A Song For You' and 'He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother'.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Giving Up 6:25
2 A Song For You 5:28
3 Little Girl 4:47
4 He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother 5:55
5 Magnificent Sanctuary Band 4:25
6 She Is My Lady 5:34
7 I Believe In Music 3:38
8 Take A Love Song 4:54
9 Put Your Hand In The Hand 3:50
10 Be There 3:05
11 This Christmas 3:50

What to play next

Listen next

Live at the Astrodome

1972

Go back to

Everything Is Everything

1970

Full Donny Hathaway discography Artists like Donny Hathaway

blues jazz soul

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata