Kamień cover

Kamień

Kayah · 1995

70 min · 14 tracks · jazz

A lush fusion of jazz and pop, blending emotive vocals with intricate arrangements that evoke both intimacy and grandeur.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Nawet deszcz Start here — The opening track sets the emotional tone of the album with its haunting melody and poetic lyrics, highlighting Kayah's vocal range and lyrical depth.
  • →
    Smutna kobieta — This track features a poignant narrative about heartbreak, showcasing Kayah's ability to convey deep emotion through both lyrics and delivery.
  • →
    Jestem kamieniem — The title track encapsulates the essence of the album; its reflective lyrics explore themes of resilience, making it a standout moment in Kayah's discography.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

Kamień showcases strong compositions with intricate arrangements but has uneven cohesion due to remix inclusions.

What we noticed

  • The first five tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the sixth track introduces a slower ballad that shifts the album's emotional tone.
  • Several tracks incorporate lush string arrangements that complement the vocal melodies, creating a rich sonic texture.
  • The album includes two remixes at the end, which alter the original tracks' arrangements and pacing, affecting the overall flow.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

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
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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

  • wave-like emotional fluctuations
  • heartfelt reflections on love
  • introspective moments of solitude
  • dynamic pace through narratives
  • engaging remixes for fresh perspectives

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • avoid lengthy emotional explorations

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album established Kayah's reputation in the Polish music scene.
Themes
Polish heartbreak· intimate jazz clubs· emotional resilience
Career context
Released in 1995, Kamień was Kayah's debut studio album, marking her entry into the Polish music scene after her tenure with various bands. At this point in her career, she was transitioning from a background vocalist to a prominent solo artist, showcasing her distinct style and vocal prowess.
Stylistic neighbors
Anna Maria Jopek· Maria Schneider· Nina Simone

Tracklist

  • 1 Nawet deszcz Start here 6:21
  • 2 Tam będę 3:37
  • 3 Bo czasem 3:37
  • 4 Pod tym samym niebem 4:28
  • 5 Ja chcę ciebie 7:12
  • 6 Smutna kobieta 5:59
  • 7 Fleciki 5:04
  • 8 Jak liść 4:58
  • 9 Cień anioła stróża 5:20
  • 10 Santana 4:41
  • 11 Jestem kamieniem 3:21
  • 12 Cień anioła stróża (remix) 5:21
  • 13 Jestem kamieniem (remix) 3:22
  • 14 Ja chcę ciebie (remix) 7:16

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata