Everyday I Have the Blues
Joe Williams · 1959
38 min · 13 tracks · blues
A vibrant fusion of traditional blues and swing, marked by Williams' rich baritone and heartfelt storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
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Every Day I Have the Blues — This track serves as the album's cornerstone, showcasing Williams' powerful vocals and ability to convey deep emotion in a classic blues format.
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Baby, Won't You Please Come Home — A poignant rendition that highlights Williams’ expressive delivery, transforming this standard into a personal plea filled with longing.
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Shake, Rattle, and Roll — Williams infuses this energetic number with his unique style, bridging blues and swing while inviting listeners to engage with its infectious rhythm.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Williams' rich vocals and the blend of blues with swing create a distinctive sound that stands out in its era.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of swing rhythms, with most tracks maintaining an upbeat tempo that encourages movement.
- Williams' vocal delivery is characterized by a deep, resonant baritone that often employs call-and-response techniques with the instrumental sections.
- Several tracks incorporate prominent brass arrangements, enhancing the dynamic interplay between vocals and instruments.
- 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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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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
- heartfelt storytelling through vocals
- short tracks for quick enjoyment
- swinging rhythms that invite movement
- vibrant energy for social settings
Maybe skip if you
- prefer lengthy, immersive albums
- seek complex musical arrangements
Where this album fits
- Career context
- In 1959, Joe Williams was transitioning from his role as the lead vocalist for the Count Basie Orchestra to a solo artist. This album, his first release independently, established him as a prominent figure in the jazz and blues scene, showcasing his versatility beyond big band music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Jimmy Rushing· Billie Holiday· Count Basie
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Every Day I Have the Blues 4:41
- 2 Baby, Won't You Please Come Home 1:55
- 3 It's a Low-Down Dirty Shame 5:24
- 4 Shake, Rattle, and Roll 2:12
- 5 Just a Dream 2:50
- 6 Cherry Red 2:51
- 7 Good Mornin' Blues 2:48
- 8 What Did You Win 2:15
- 9 Ain't No Use 2:54
- 10 Gee Baby, Ain't I Good to You 2:29
- 11 Confessin' the Blues 2:46
- 12 Five O'Clock in the Morning 3:13
- 13 How Can You Lose 2:32
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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