Forever for Now cover

Forever for Now

Harry Connick Jr. · 1993

63 min · 16 tracks · jazz

A lush blend of classic jazz standards and romantic ballads infused with Connick's smooth vocals and big band arrangements.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    It Had to Be You (Big Band and Vocals) Start here — This opening track exemplifies Connick's ability to blend classic big band sounds with his smooth vocals, setting an upbeat tone for the entire album.
  • →
    Recipe for Love — The playful lyrics combined with a jazzy rhythm showcase Connick's charm and clever songwriting, making it a highlight that resonates with listeners.
  • →
    We Are in Love — This romantic ballad captures the essence of Connick's vocal style, merging heartfelt lyrics with lush orchestration that embodies the album's theme of love.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album blends standards with big band flair but lacks standout compositions that elevate it beyond its genre.

What we noticed

  • Tracks like 'It Had to Be You' and 'Recipe for Love' utilize lush orchestration that emphasizes the romantic themes.
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
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

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

  • wave-like pacing with peaks
  • nostalgic reflections on love
  • for romantic evenings
  • immersive vocal storytelling experience
  • sophisticated background for gatherings

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer high-energy, fast-paced music
  • seek standalone, punchy tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — Solid entry in Connick's catalog, showcasing his jazz standards without being a standout.
Career context
When Forever for Now was released in 1993, Harry Connick Jr. was riding the wave of his early success following his breakthrough album, 20, which had established him as a prominent figure in the jazz genre. This album further solidified his reputation as a versatile artist capable of bridging traditional jazz with contemporary sensibilities, showcasing his growth as both a vocalist and musician.
Stylistic neighbors
Jamie Cullum· Diana Krall· Norah Jones

Tracklist

  • 1 It Had to Be You (Big Band and Vocals) Start here 2:41
  • 2 Love Is Here to Stay 4:12
  • 3 Forever, for Now 4:21
  • 4 Stardust 6:06
  • 5 Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans 5:20
  • 6 Recipe for Love 2:34
  • 7 One Last Pitch (take Two) 3:27
  • 8 Heavenly 2:00
  • 9 Blue Light, Red Light (Someone’s There) 3:30
  • 10 But Not for Me 4:33
  • 11 Little Clown 5:52
  • 12 Where or When 3:51
  • 13 Don’t Get Around Much Anymore 4:22
  • 14 You Didn’t Know Me When 3:10
  • 15 It’s Alright With Me 4:52
  • 16 We Are in Love 2:41

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata