Is I Put a Spell on You a good place to start with Nina Simone?

Yes, I Put a Spell on You is recommended as a starting point for new Nina Simone listeners. A rich tapestry of jazz, blues, and soul woven with Nina Simone's powerful, emotive vocals and bold arrangements. Released in 1965, I Put a Spell on You was Nina Simone's fifth studio album and marked a pivotal moment in her career as she navigated the complexities of fame and racial identity. Following her critically acclaimed album, Pastel Blues, this record showcased her evolving sound and deepening artistry during the civil rights movement.

Who is I Put a Spell on You for?

I Put a Spell on You works well if you're into short, impactful listening sessions, emotive storytelling experiences and reflective, introspective moments.

How many songs are on I Put a Spell on You?

I Put a Spell on You has 12 tracks, running approximately 34 minutes.

I Put a Spell on You

Nina Simone · 1965

34 min · 12 tracks · blues

A rich tapestry of jazz, blues, and soul woven with Nina Simone's powerful, emotive vocals and bold arrangements.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
I Put a Spell on You Start here — This title track features Simone's haunting vocal delivery and powerful lyrical themes of obsession and possessiveness, encapsulating the emotional intensity that defines her style.
→
Feeling Good — With its uplifting message and soaring melody, this track has become an anthem for empowerment, showcasing Simone's range and ability to convey joy amid struggle.
→
Ne me quitte pas — Simone's interpretation of this poignant love ballad highlights her unique ability to infuse deep emotion into her performances, making it a standout moment on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

70 /100

Alpine

Higher than 94% of albums we've rated

Nina Simone's blend of jazz, blues, and soul creates a distinctive sound that resonates emotionally and showcases her vocal prowess.

What we noticed

The album opens with a powerful title track that features a prominent piano riff and builds intensity through layered instrumentation.
Several tracks, like 'Feeling Good', incorporate orchestral arrangements that enhance the emotional weight of Simone's vocals.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

short, impactful listening sessions
emotive storytelling experiences
reflective, introspective moments
rich, textured vocal delivery

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album marked a pivotal moment in her career, enhancing her recognition.
Themes: racial identity struggle· civil rights empowerment· obsession and possessiveness
Moods: Melancholy· Introspective
Career context: Released in 1965, I Put a Spell on You was Nina Simone's fifth studio album and marked a pivotal moment in her career as she navigated the complexities of fame and racial identity. Following her critically acclaimed album, Pastel Blues, this record showcased her evolving sound and deepening artistry during the civil rights movement.
Stylistic neighbors: Billie Holiday· Ella Fitzgerald· Aretha Franklin

New to Nina Simone? Find your way in →

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Feeling Good

The transition from dark imagery to bright descriptions reflects a profound shift from despair to hope.

This contrast emphasizes the transformative power of rebirth and renewal, illustrating Simone's mastery in conveying complex emotions through lyrics.