Is That All There Is? cover

Is That All There Is?

Peggy Lee · 1969

41 min · 14 tracks · jazz

A reflective blend of jazz and pop, featuring lush arrangements that convey a sense of disillusionment and bittersweet nostalgia.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Is That All There Is? Start here — This track encapsulates the album's overarching theme of existential questioning, delivered through Lee's poignant vocal performance that balances melancholy with an upbeat arrangement.
  • →
    I’m a Woman — In this empowering anthem, Lee showcases her versatility and confidence, delivering lyrics that celebrate femininity while blending jazz influences with pop sensibilities.
  • →
    Brother Love’s Travelling Salvation Show — This cover stands out for its spirited arrangement and Lee’s charismatic interpretation, reflecting the era's cultural shifts while maintaining her unique style.
  • →
    Something — Lee’s rendition of this classic showcases her emotional depth, transforming the song into a heartfelt expression of longing that complements the album's themes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album blends jazz and pop with thoughtful lyrics, showcasing Lee's vocal strength and emotional depth.

What we noticed

  • The title track features a slow, deliberate tempo with sparse instrumentation that emphasizes Lee's vocal delivery and the song's reflective lyrics.
  • Several tracks incorporate lush orchestral arrangements, creating a rich backdrop that contrasts with the introspective themes of the lyrics.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • introspective moments of reflection
  • haunting melodies for quiet evenings
  • sultry charm for cozy gatherings
  • wave-like pacing with emotional peaks

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer upbeat, fast-paced tracks
  • seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album solidified Lee's status in pop music with its notable title track.
Themes
post-war disillusionment· feminine empowerment· intimate family connections
Career context
By 1969, Peggy Lee was a seasoned artist with several decades in the music industry. 'Is That All There Is?' marked her artistic reinvention, as it showcased her ability to tackle existential themes with a contemporary sound, following her successful career in the 1950s and 60s.
Stylistic neighbors
Ella Fitzgerald· Julie London· Sarah Vaughan

Tracklist

  • 1 Is That All There Is? Start here 4:22
  • 2 Love Story 3:32
  • 3 Me and My Shadow 3:08
  • 4 Sing a Rainbow 2:32
  • 5 My Old Flame 4:30
  • 6 I’m a Woman 2:10
  • 7 Somethin’ Stupid 2:35
  • 8 Brother Love’s Travelling Salvation Show 3:08
  • 9 Something 3:12
  • 10 Whistle for Happiness 2:13
  • 11 Johnny (Linda) 2:53
  • 12 I Can Hear the Music 2:00
  • 13 Don’t Smoke in Bed 3:12
  • 14 You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby 1:51

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata