Eva by Heart
Eva Cassidy · 1997
47 min · 11 tracks · blues
A haunting blend of blues and jazz, where Cassidy's smoky vocals infuse traditional songs with deep emotional resonance.
Top tracks — play these first
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Songbird — This track showcases Cassidy's ethereal vocal quality and heartfelt interpretation, becoming one of her signature songs that resonates deeply with listeners.
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Wayfaring Stranger — Her rendition transforms this traditional folk song into a poignant exploration of longing, illustrating Cassidy's ability to convey deep emotion through simplicity.
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Wade in the Water — Cassidy’s powerful delivery coupled with subtle instrumentation breathes new life into this spiritual, highlighting her versatility and connection to the blues genre.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong vocal performances and unique interpretations of familiar songs, establishing Cassidy's distinct style.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a slow, reflective track that sets a somber tone, followed by a gradual increase in tempo and intensity through the middle tracks.
- Cassidy's vocal delivery often features subtle variations in phrasing, creating an intimate connection with the listener on each song.
- Several tracks incorporate rich instrumental arrangements, blending jazz and blues elements that complement her voice without overshadowing it.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- 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
- steady, consistent energy levels
- late-night contemplative moods
- layered, dense sonic textures
- long, immersive listening sessions
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on September 23, 1997, 'Eva by Heart' marks Eva Cassidy's posthumous debut album after her untimely death in 1996. This collection brought her unique interpretations of folk and pop standards to a wider audience, solidifying her status as an influential artist despite limited commercial success during her lifetime.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Norah Jones· Sarah McLachlan· Joni Mitchell
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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How Can I Keep From Singing?
The final verse shifts from introspective reflections to an uplifting declaration of resilience and hope, creating a powerful conclusion.
This shift not only alters the song's mood but also encapsulates a journey from doubt to affirmation, showcasing Cassidy's interpretative depth.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 I Know You by Heart 4:00
- 2 Time Is a Healer 4:15
- 3 Wayfaring Stranger 4:28
- 4 Wade in the Water 4:04
- 5 Blues in the Night 4:07
- 6 Songbird 3:44
- 7 Need Your Love So Bad 4:38
- 8 Say Goodbye 3:56
- 9 Nightbird 5:28
- 10 Waly Waly 4:45
- 11 How Can I Keep From Singing? 4:28
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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