Everything Is Everything cover

Everything Is Everything

Donny Hathaway · 1970

45 min · 10 tracks · blues

Soulful melodies intertwine with heartfelt lyrics, showcasing a blend of gospel, blues, and jazz influences.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Ghetto — This track stands out for its poignant exploration of urban life and social issues, combining storytelling with a captivating melody that resonates deeply.
  • →
    To Be Young, Gifted and Black — Hathaway's rendition transforms this anthem into a powerful statement of pride and resilience, capturing the spirit of the civil rights movement.
  • →
    Thank You Master (For My Soul) — This song showcases Hathaway's gospel roots, blending heartfelt gratitude with rich vocal harmonies that elevate its spiritual message.
  • →
    I Believe to My Soul — A standout track that combines soulful instrumentation with emotional depth, reflecting Hathaway's mastery of blending personal experience with universal themes.

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

The album blends soulful melodies with orchestral elements, creating a distinct sound while addressing social issues.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a title track that features layered vocal harmonies and a gradual build-up, setting a reflective tone.
  • Several tracks incorporate orchestral arrangements, particularly strings, which enhance the emotional weight of the melodies.
  • The song 'The Ghetto' employs a call-and-response structure, emphasizing social themes through its lyrical content and musical dynamics.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
8/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

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

  • steady mid-tempo groove throughout
  • intimate moments for reflection
  • socially conscious lyrical themes
  • soulful warmth for gatherings

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced listening experiences
  • seek standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in July 1970, Everything Is Everything marked Donny Hathaway's second studio album, following his self-titled debut. At this point in his career, Hathaway was gaining recognition for his powerful voice and innovative songwriting, establishing himself as a significant figure in the soul music scene.
Stylistic neighbors
Roberta Flack· Bill Withers· Curtis Mayfield

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Voices Inside (Everything Is Everything) 3:29
  • 2 Je vous aime (I Love You) 3:32
  • 3 I Believe to My Soul 3:51
  • 4 Misty 3:38
  • 5 Sugar Lee 4:05
  • 6 Tryin’ Times 3:15
  • 7 Thank You Master (For My Soul) 5:51
  • 8 The Ghetto 6:53
  • 9 To Be Young, Gifted and Black 6:44
  • 10 A Dream 4:14

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata