I'll Close My Eyes
Mark Murphy · 1991
36 min · 9 tracks · jazz
Sophisticated jazz vocals intertwine with rich arrangements, creating an intimate atmosphere that invites deep emotional reflection.
Top tracks — play these first
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I'll Close My Eyes — The title track encapsulates the album's emotional depth, featuring a poignant vocal performance that balances vulnerability with powerful phrasing.
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Miss You Mr. Mercer — This tribute to lyricist Johnny Mercer highlights Murphy's storytelling ability, combining heartfelt lyrics with an expressive delivery that resonates deeply.
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Happin' — With its upbeat tempo and playful lyrics, this track showcases Murphy's versatility while maintaining the album’s overall jazz sophistication.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Murphy's unique vocal style and sophisticated arrangements create an engaging jazz experience that rewards multiple listens.
What we noticed
- The album features intricate vocal phrasing, with Murphy often using syncopation to enhance the emotional delivery of the lyrics.
- The arrangements include lush instrumentation, with strings and horns complementing Murphy's vocals, creating a rich sonic texture.
- 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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7/10
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
- rich vocal textures to savor
- intimate moments of reflection
- subtle emotional undercurrents throughout
- evening relaxation with a drink
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat, fast-paced tracks
- seek standalone hit singles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1991, I'll Close My Eyes marked Mark Murphy's continued evolution as a jazz vocalist, following his previous album, The Jazz Singer (1980). At this point in his career, Murphy was recognized for his unique interpretations of standards and original compositions, solidifying his status within the jazz community.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Carmen McRae· Ella Fitzgerald· Sarah Vaughan
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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I'll Close My Eyes
The bridge shifts from introspective musings to a resolute declaration of hope amidst uncertainty.
This structural pivot effectively contrasts vulnerability with determination, enhancing the song's emotional impact.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 I'll Close My Eyes 5:36
- 2 If 3:19
- 3 Happin' 4:06
- 4 Miss You Mr. Mercer 5:05
- 5 Small World 3:09
- 6 There is No Reason Why 3:42
- 7 Time On My Hands 4:05
- 8 Ugly Woman 5:07
- 9 Not Like This 2:46
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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