Except Sometimes
Molly Ringwald · 2013
43 min · 10 tracks · jazz
A lush exploration of jazz standards infused with nostalgic charm and a contemporary sensibility.
Top tracks — play these first
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I Get Along Without You Very Well (Except Sometimes) — This track stands out as it captures a poignant blend of melancholy and resilience, showcasing Ringwald's expressive vocal style against a backdrop of intricate instrumentation.
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Don’t You (Forget About Me) — A reimagined version of the iconic theme from The Breakfast Club, Ringwald’s rendition breathes new life into the song, transforming it into a reflective jazz ballad that resonates with nostalgia.
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Ballad of the Sad Young Men — This track emphasizes the album's emotional depth, as Ringwald interprets the lyrics with a vulnerability that highlights her growth as both a vocalist and an artist.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends classic jazz standards with modern sensibilities, showcasing Ringwald's vocal maturity and solid arrangements.
What we noticed
- The album features lush arrangements with a full band, including strings and horns, creating a rich soundscape for each track.
- Ringwald's vocal delivery is consistently smooth and controlled, often employing subtle phrasing to enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- Several tracks feature extended instrumental sections that allow the musicians to showcase their improvisational skills, adding depth to the performances.
- 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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6/10
- 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
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
- nostalgic elegance in every note
- steady pacing for relaxed evenings
- heartfelt interpretations of classics
- for intimate gatherings
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy tracks
- prefer modern, upbeat sounds
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2013, Except Sometimes marks Molly Ringwald's return to music after a long hiatus from her acting career. This album showcases her evolution as an artist, transitioning from the iconic roles of her youth to a serious musical endeavor, reflecting both personal growth and artistic reinvention.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sun Ra· Hiromi Uehara· Charles Mingus
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Sooner or Later 4:48
- 2 I Get Along Without You Very Well (Except Sometimes) 4:43
- 3 I Believe in You 4:12
- 4 I’ll Take Romance 3:56
- 5 The Very Thought of You 4:42
- 6 Exactly Like You 2:41
- 7 Where Is Love? 4:50
- 8 Pick Yourself Up 2:02
- 9 Ballad of the Sad Young Men 6:30
- 10 Don’t You (Forget About Me) 4:51
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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