In a Sentimental Mood: Mathis Sings Ellington
Johnny Mathis · 1990
54 min · 18 tracks · pop music
Smooth orchestral arrangements envelop Johnny Mathis's warm vocals, paying homage to Duke Ellington's timeless jazz standards.
Top tracks — play these first
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Lush Life — This track stands out for its emotional depth and complex harmonies, showcasing Mathis's ability to convey vulnerability through his voice. The arrangement beautifully complements the lyrical themes of longing and introspection.
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In a Sentimental Mood Start here — Mathis delivers an intimate interpretation of this classic, infusing it with warmth and nostalgia that perfectly matches the song's romantic essence. His phrasing brings new life to Ellington’s iconic melody.
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Don't Get Around Much Anymore — This track highlights Mathis's smooth vocal style paired with an upbeat arrangement, making it one of the more lively moments on the album. It effectively captures the essence of Ellington’s playful lyricism.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases Mathis's vocal strength within lush arrangements, balancing vocal and instrumental pieces effectively.
- 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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6/10
- 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
- smooth vocals for evening relaxation
- heartfelt interpretations with emotional depth
- instrumental interludes for reflective moments
- wave-like pacing for gentle immersion
- for intimate gatherings
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy tracks
- prefer upbeat, fast-paced music
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — This album showcases Mathis's vocal mastery and artistic ambition through jazz standards.
- Themes
- jazz renaissance· romantic nostalgia· heartfelt interpretations
- Career context
- By 1990, Johnny Mathis had already established himself as a prominent figure in pop and easy listening music, celebrated for his romantic ballads. 'In a Sentimental Mood: Mathis Sings Ellington' marked his return to recording after several years, showcasing his ability to reinterpret classic jazz standards for a contemporary audience. This album followed a decade of varied musical explorations and demonstrates his enduring appeal.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Perry Como· Frank Sinatra· Nat King Cole
Tracklist
- 1 Overture: A Musical Tribute to Duke Ellington 2:16
- 2 Lush Life 4:17
- 3 Don't You Know I Care (Or Don't You Care to Know) / I Didn't Know About You 4:48
- 4 Things Ain't What They Used to Be (instrumental) 1:19
- 5 In a Sentimental Mood Start here 4:07
- 6 What Am I Here For 4:23
- 7 I Got It Bad (and That Ain't Good) (instrumental) 1:43
- 8 Something to Live For 3:40
- 9 Solitude 3:43
- 10 Perdido (instrumental) 1:07
- 11 Prelude to a Kiss 2:53
- 12 In a Mellow Tone 3:21
- 13 Don't Get Around Much Anymore 3:19
- 14 Satin Doll (instrumental) 1:09
- 15 Come Sunday 3:27
- 16 Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me 4:41
- 17 Caravan (instrumental) 0:55
- 18 Day Dream 3:27
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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