Feeling Orange but Sometimes Blue cover

Feeling Orange but Sometimes Blue

Ledisi · 2002

51 min · 12 tracks · contemporary R&B

A blend of contemporary R&B and jazz that resonates with deep emotion and showcases Ledisi's powerful vocal prowess.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Feeling Orange but Sometimes Blue — The title track encapsulates the album's emotional depth, combining intricate musical arrangements with Ledisi's soaring vocals that express a nuanced exploration of complex feelings.
  • →
    'Round Midnight — This cover of the classic jazz standard highlights Ledisi's ability to reinterpret timeless songs, blending her rich tone with heartfelt delivery that brings new life to the piece.
  • →
    Land of the Free — A poignant social commentary, this track stands out for its lyrical depth and emotional resonance, showcasing Ledisi's commitment to addressing important cultural themes through her music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

Ledisi's debut showcases her vocal talent through varied compositions but lacks strong cohesion in its arrangement.

What we noticed

  • Tracks like 'Feeling Orange but Sometimes Blue' and 'In a Sentimental Mood' utilize extended vocal runs that highlight her range and emotional delivery.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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

  • emotional vocal performances throughout
  • intimate late-night listening experience
  • reflective moments of quiet beauty
  • dynamic shifts in mood
  • cathartic slow-burn tracks

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of fast-paced energy
  • prefer standalone catchy singles

Where this album fits

Career context
Feeling Orange but Sometimes Blue marks Ledisi's debut album, released in January 2002. At this point in her career, she was transitioning from a background singer to a solo artist, establishing her unique voice in the music industry. The album laid the groundwork for her future success and recognition as a formidable talent.
Stylistic neighbors
Jill Scott· Erykah Badu· India.Arie

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Land of the Free

    The verse shifts into a stark critique of societal issues, layering personal narrative with broader cultural reflections.

    This moment juxtaposes personal experience against larger societal injustices, demonstrating how individual stories can illuminate collective struggles.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 So Right 3:41
  • 2 I've Got It 3:37
  • 3 Sugar - Brown Sugar 4:42
  • 4 Meeting Marcus on a Thursday 3:58
  • 5 'Round Midnight 3:44
  • 6 Straight No Chaser 2:55
  • 7 Feeling Orange but Sometimes Blue 7:43
  • 8 In a Sentimental Mood 5:22
  • 9 If You Go 2:32
  • 10 Autumn Leaves 4:37
  • 11 Land of the Free 5:32
  • 12 Autumn Leaves (Coda) 2:55

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata