What makes Julie Is Her Name, Volume II by Julie London notable?

This album is significant for its role in popularizing jazz standards during the late 1950s, showcasing London's unique vocal style that influenced many female singers thereafter. It also achieved commercial success, reaching the Billboard charts and contributing to London's legacy in both jazz and popular music realms. Released in 1958, Julie Is Her Name, Volume II came at a pivotal time in Julie London's career following her breakthrough with the first volume. By this point, London was solidifying her status as a leading figure in the jazz and pop scenes, known for her sultry voice and sophisticated style. This album continued to build on her initial success, further establishing her as an iconic interpreter of jazz standards.

Who is Julie Is Her Name, Volume II for?

Julie Is Her Name, Volume II works well if you're into intimate late-night listening, smoky vocals for relaxation and short bursts of nostalgia.

How many songs are on Julie Is Her Name, Volume II?

Julie Is Her Name, Volume II has 12 tracks, running approximately 26 minutes.

Julie Is Her Name, Volume II

Julie London · 1958

26 min · 12 tracks · jazz

Smooth vocals intertwine with lush orchestration, creating a romantic atmosphere that embodies the essence of cool jazz.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Blue Moon — This quintessential ballad highlights London's ability to convey deep emotion through subtle phrasing and nuanced delivery, setting a standard for romantic songs.
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What Is This Thing Called Love — London's playful interpretation adds a refreshing twist to this classic composition, showcasing her versatility and charm.
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How Long Has This Been Going On — Her rendition captures a sense of yearning and vulnerability, making it a standout moment that exemplifies her vocal prowess.
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The One I Love Belongs to Somebody Else — The poignant storytelling combined with London's rich tone creates an emotional depth that resonates throughout the album.

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 showcases strong compositions and skilled arrangements, solidifying London's place in jazz.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of lush orchestration that complements London's smooth vocal delivery throughout.
Each track typically follows a standard jazz structure, often featuring a verse followed by a chorus, allowing for clear melodic development.
Several tracks include subtle tempo variations, with some songs maintaining a laid-back pace while others introduce slightly more energetic moments.

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: 6/10
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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

intimate late-night listening
smoky vocals for relaxation
short bursts of nostalgia
candlelit ambiance enhancement

Maybe skip if you

prefer long, sprawling albums
need upbeat dance tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1958, Julie Is Her Name, Volume II came at a pivotal time in Julie London's career following her breakthrough with the first volume. By this point, London was solidifying her status as a leading figure in the jazz and pop scenes, known for her sultry voice and sophisticated style. This album continued to build on her initial success, further establishing her as an iconic interpreter of jazz standards.
Stylistic neighbors: Ella Fitzgerald· Sarah Vaughan· Nina Simone