What makes From Broken Hearts to Blue Skies by Susannah McCorkle notable?

From Broken Hearts to Blue Skies received critical acclaim for its lush arrangements and McCorkle's nuanced vocal performances. It solidified her reputation within the jazz community and showcased her ability to reinterpret classic songs while staying true to their emotional core. In 1999, Susannah McCorkle was at a pivotal point in her career, having established herself as a notable jazz vocalist. This album, her last before her untimely passing in 2001, reflects her deep connection to the American songbook and her ability to convey complex emotions through music.

How many songs are on From Broken Hearts to Blue Skies?

From Broken Hearts to Blue Skies has 14 tracks, running approximately 59 minutes.

From Broken Hearts to Blue Skies

Susannah McCorkle · 1999

59 min · 14 tracks · jazz

A rich tapestry of jazz standards interwoven with heartfelt interpretations, showcasing McCorkle's expressive vocal artistry.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Something to Live For — This track exemplifies McCorkle's ability to infuse a sense of yearning into each note, making it a standout representation of the album’s themes.
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I Wish I Were in Love Again — McCorkle's interpretation breathes new life into this standard, conveying both vulnerability and strength through her vocal delivery.
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Blue Skies — Her rendition of this classic is infused with optimism and nostalgia, encapsulating the album's overarching message of hope amid heartache.
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Look for the Silver Lining — This track highlights McCorkle's skill in blending uplifting lyrics with her smooth vocal style, making it a memorable highlight of the collection.

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

McCorkle's interpretations shine through solid arrangements, though the album lacks a strong cohesive arc.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate lush instrumental arrangements that complement her voice, creating a rich sonic backdrop.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

A Phone Call to the Past

The narrative voice reflects on cherished memories while grappling with their fleeting nature.

By contrasting past joy with present longing, the writing deepens the emotional impact and invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences.

Tracklist

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

1 Laughing at Life 4:08
2 Something to Live For 5:39
3 Look for the Silver Lining 4:05
4 Nuages 5:03
5 Caminhos Cruzados 4:29
6 I Wish I Were in Love Again 4:02
7 I Ain't Gonna Play No Second Fiddle 2:20
8 Losing Hand 5:43
9 I Want to Be a Sideman 4:47
10 Insensatez (How Insensitive) 2:09
11 A Phone Call to the Past 5:05
12 Stop, Time (From the Musical 'Big') 4:20
13 Wave 4:12
14 Blue Skies 3:21

What to play next

Listen next

Hearts and Minds

2000

Go back to

Someone to Watch Over Me - The Songs of George Gershwin

1998

Full Susannah McCorkle discography Artists like Susannah McCorkle

jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata