Just Family
Dee Dee Bridgewater · 1978
39 min · 9 tracks · jazz
A vibrant blend of jazz and soul, where emotive vocals dance with lush arrangements and thoughtful lyrics.
Top tracks — play these first
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Just Family Start here — The title track encapsulates the album's core themes of connection and belonging, featuring Bridgewater's powerful vocal delivery set against a rich instrumental backdrop.
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Maybe Today — This track highlights Bridgewater's emotional range, seamlessly transitioning from soft verses to a soaring chorus that conveys hope and resilience.
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Children Are the Spirit (of the World) — This song stands out for its poignant message about the importance of children in shaping society, blending heartfelt lyrics with an uplifting melody.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- reflective moments of personal growth
- warm melodies for intimate gatherings
- gentle rhythms for quiet evenings
- thoughtful lyrics that inspire connection
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat, fast-paced tracks
- want purely instrumental music
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album helped establish Dee Dee Bridgewater's reputation in the jazz scene.
- Career context
- Released in 1978, Just Family marked Dee Dee Bridgewater's transition into a more personal phase of her career, following her acclaimed debut album, Afro Blue. This sophomore effort showcased her versatility as both a vocalist and songwriter, leading to greater recognition within the jazz community.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Nina Simone· Cassandra Wilson· Diana Krall
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Maybe Today
The bridge shifts in tone as it reflects on seizing opportunities and embracing change, creating a sense of urgency and optimism.
This structural change emphasizes a pivotal moment of realization that propels the narrative forward, contrasting earlier reflections with a call to action.
Tracklist
- 1 Just Family Start here 5:05
- 2 Maybe Today 6:55
- 3 Children Are the Spirit (of the World) 3:07
- 4 Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word 4:57
- 5 Sweet Rain 3:06
- 6 Open Up Your Eyes 5:34
- 7 Night Moves 3:14
- 8 Thank the Day (You Walked Into My Life) 5:17
- 9 Melody Maker 2:21
What to play next
Bad for Me
1979
Continues the soulful exploration with a more mature sound.
Dee Dee Bridgewater
1980
Sets the stage with earlier works leading into Just Family's themes.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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