Eli and the Thirteenth Confession
Laura Nyro · 1968
47 min · 13 tracks · jazz
A vibrant tapestry of jazz-infused pop and soul, rich with emotional depth and intricate melodies.
Top tracks — play these first
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Eli’s Comin’ — As the standout single from the album, Eli’s Comin’ showcases Nyro's distinctive blend of pop and jazz influences, driving rhythms, and emotive vocals that capture the essence of her style.
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Stoned Soul Picnic — This track highlights Nyro's ability to weave complex themes into catchy melodies, blending social commentary with an infectious groove that has made it a classic.
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Poverty Train — With its poignant lyrics and soulful delivery, Poverty Train reflects Nyro's introspective storytelling and her ability to convey deep emotion through music.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases intricate melodies and vocal arrangements, making it distinct within its genre.
What we noticed
- The album features complex chord progressions that shift unexpectedly, particularly in tracks like 'Poverty Train' and 'Stoned Soul Picnic'.
- Vocals are layered with rich harmonies, often featuring call-and-response patterns between Nyro and background singers.
- Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo changes, such as the transition from the upbeat 'Eli’s Comin’' to the more reflective 'Lonely Women'.
- The final track, 'The Confession', serves as a contemplative conclusion, contrasting with the more energetic pieces earlier in the album.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- vibrant storytelling through melodies
- playful rhythms for sunny days
- short tracks with rich detail
- emotional depth in every listen
- cathartic moments of reflection
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek lengthy, cohesive experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Eli and the Thirteenth Confession was Laura Nyro's second studio album, released in 1968, following her acclaimed debut, More Than a New Discovery. At this point in her career, she was beginning to garner significant attention for her unique songwriting style and vocal prowess, establishing herself as a key figure in the '60s singer-songwriter movement.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Carole King· Joni Mitchell· Billie Holiday
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Stoned Soul Picnic
The bridge shifts from playful imagery to stark realities of life, contrasting carefree moments with deeper societal issues.
This shift not only enhances the song's narrative depth but also illustrates Nyro's skill in merging lightheartedness with serious themes.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Luckie 3:03
- 2 Lu 2:47
- 3 Sweet Blindness 2:42
- 4 Poverty Train 4:21
- 5 Lonely Women 3:36
- 6 Eli’s Comin’ 4:00
- 7 Timer 3:26
- 8 Stoned Soul Picnic 3:50
- 9 Emmie 4:24
- 10 Woman’s Blues 3:48
- 11 Once It Was Alright Now (Farmer Joe) 3:01
- 12 December’s Boudoir 5:10
- 13 The Confession 2:49
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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