It Is Finished
Nina Simone · 1974
43 min · 8 tracks · blues
A vibrant blend of blues and jazz, featuring Simone's haunting vocals and sharp social commentary against a backdrop of rich instrumentation.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
The Pusher Start here — This track stands out for its raw energy and politically charged lyrics, illustrating the struggles associated with addiction while showcasing Simone's powerful vocal delivery.
-
→
Mr. Bojangles — Simone's rendition transforms this classic into a poignant narrative about loss and longing, highlighting her ability to convey deep emotion through storytelling.
-
→
I Want a Little Sugar in My Bowl — This song encapsulates sensuality and vulnerability, using metaphor to address desire in a way that is both playful and profound, which exemplifies Simone's unique approach to themes of love.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong writing and performance but lacks commercial impact, reflecting Simone's unique voice in blues.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track that features a prominent horn section, setting a vibrant tone for the record.
- Several tracks incorporate call-and-response vocals, enhancing the communal feel and engaging the listener.
- The instrumentation varies significantly across tracks, with some featuring intricate piano arrangements while others lean heavily on rhythmic guitar and percussion.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
5/10
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
- emotional vocal storytelling
- long, immersive listening sessions
- reflective and contemplative moods
- dynamic emotional journeys
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Reflects bold social commentary, showcasing Simone's artistic ambition and activism.
- Themes
- spiritual awakening· addiction struggles· personal loss narrative
- Moods
- Introspective· Cathartic
- Career context
- By 1974, Nina Simone was navigating the complexities of her career after experiencing both critical acclaim and personal struggles. 'It Is Finished' marked her return to studio recording after a brief hiatus, showcasing a matured sound as she delved deeper into themes of spirituality and identity, following the notable album 'Nina Simone Sings the Blues' from 1967.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Billie Holiday· Ella Fitzgerald· Aretha Franklin
Tracklist
- 1 The Pusher Start here 5:10
- 2 Com’ by H’Yere-Good Lord 5:51
- 3 Funkier Than a Mosquito’s Tweeter 5:18
- 4 Mr. Bojangles 4:43
- 5 I Want a Little Sugar in My Bowl 5:50
- 6 Dambala 6:50
- 7 Let It Be Me 3:27
- 8 Obeah Woman 6:18
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Lady in Satin
Billie Holiday
Shares a similar emotional depth and vulnerability with lush orchestration enhancing personal narratives.
Spirit in the Dark
Aretha Franklin
Combines gospel influences with soul and jazz, exploring themes of spirituality and inner conflict.
Songs of Love and Hate
Leonard Cohen
Merges haunting vocals with poignant lyrical themes around loss and redemption, akin to Simone's storytelling.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.