For Once in My Life
Carmen McRae · 1967
30 min · 11 tracks · jazz
A sophisticated blend of jazz standards and pop-infused melodies, showcasing McRae's rich vocal timbre and emotional depth.
Top tracks — play these first
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For Once in My Life Start here — As the title track, this song showcases McRae's powerful interpretation and emotional delivery, turning it into an anthem of hope and longing.
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The Look of Love — McRae’s sultry phrasing transforms this Burt Bacharach classic into a captivating exploration of romantic yearning.
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I Just Wasn't Made for These Times — Her interpretation adds layers of melancholy to the Beach Boys original, reflecting personal introspection and social alienation.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
McRae's blend of jazz standards and pop sensibilities creates a cohesive and engaging listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a strong title track that features a lush orchestral arrangement, setting a sophisticated tone.
- McRae's vocal delivery varies from intimate and soft to powerful and commanding, particularly on tracks like 'The Look of Love'.
- Several tracks incorporate jazz standards with pop elements, blending intricate melodies with accessible hooks.
- The sequencing maintains a consistent mood, with slower ballads interspersed among more upbeat numbers, creating a balanced flow.
- 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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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- steady melodic journey throughout
- heartfelt vocals for emotional connection
- for intimate gatherings
- short tracks for quick enjoyment
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy dance tracks
- prefer longer, sprawling albums
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album helped establish McRae's recognition beyond jazz with notable tracks.
- Career context
- Released in 1967, For Once in My Life was Carmen McRae's eleventh studio album, following her breakthrough with the acclaimed album 'Carmen Sings Monk' in 1963. At this point in her career, she was establishing herself as a leading voice in jazz, known for her unique interpretations and deep emotional engagement with lyrics.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Billie Holiday· Sarah Vaughan· Ella Fitzgerald
Tracklist
- 1 For Once in My Life Start here 2:44
- 2 Don't Talk 2:54
- 3 Until It's Time for You to Go 2:59
- 4 Got to Get You Into My Life 2:34
- 5 Our Song 3:05
- 6 Come Live With Me 2:07
- 7 The Look of Love 3:08
- 8 It's Not Going That Way 2:57
- 9 I Just Wasn't Made for These Times 2:55
- 10 Worlds of Time 2:34
- 11 Flying 2:38
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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