What makes It's Magic by Abbey Lincoln notable?

It's Magic received critical acclaim upon release, solidifying Lincoln's status in the jazz world. The album showcases her unique ability to convey deep emotion through song, influencing future generations of vocalists and contributing to the evolving landscape of jazz music during the late 1950s. Released in 1958, It's Magic was Abbey Lincoln's fifth album and marked a significant moment in her transition from being primarily known as a vocalist to an influential artist in the jazz scene. By this time, she had already collaborated with notable figures like Max Roach and was beginning to assert her identity as a songwriter and performer with a strong message.

How many songs are on It's Magic?

It's Magic has 10 tracks, running approximately 37 minutes.

It's Magic

Abbey Lincoln · 1958

37 min · 10 tracks · jazz

A sophisticated blend of jazz and cabaret showcasing Lincoln's emotive vocals and intricate arrangements.

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Top tracks — play these first

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I Am in Love — This opening track captivates listeners with its rich melodic structure and Lincoln's expressive interpretation, setting the tone for the entire album.
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It’s Magic — The title track highlights Lincoln’s vocal dexterity and emotional range, embodying themes of love and enchantment that resonate throughout the album.
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Ain’t Nobody’s Business — This track stands out for its innovative arrangement and Lincoln's powerful delivery, transforming a classic into a personal anthem of defiance and independence.
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Just for Me — In this song, Lincoln's intimate phrasing and nuanced dynamics capture a sense of longing that reflects the complexities of love beautifully.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album blends jazz and cabaret with emotive vocals, showcasing strong arrangements and distinct style.

What we noticed

Each track showcases Lincoln's ability to convey emotion through phrasing, often using subtle variations in dynamics.
Several songs incorporate spoken word elements, blending narrative with musical performance.

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: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 I Am in Love 2:49
2 It’s Magic 4:03
3 Just for Me 3:36
4 An Occasional Man 3:23
5 Ain’t Nobody’s Business 4:29
6 Out of the Past 4:46
7 Music, Maestro, Please 3:18
8 Love 2:41
9 Exactly Like You 2:55
10 Little Niles 5:03

What to play next

Listen next

Abbey Is Blue

1959

Go back to

Abbey Lincoln's Affair... A Story of a Girl in Love

1957

Full Abbey Lincoln discography Artists like Abbey Lincoln

jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata