Is Kisses in the Rain a good place to start with John Pizzarelli?

Yes, Kisses in the Rain is recommended as a starting point for new John Pizzarelli listeners. A sophisticated blend of jazz standards and original compositions wrapped in warm melodies and smooth guitar work. By the time 'Kisses in the Rain' was released in 2000, John Pizzarelli had already established himself as a notable figure in jazz, particularly with his previous albums showcasing his unique guitar skills and vocal style. This album followed his 1998 release 'Let's Make Love,' continuing his exploration of classic jazz while also incorporating contemporary influences.

Who is Kisses in the Rain for?

Kisses in the Rain works well if you're into steady melodic journey throughout, ideal for intimate gatherings and smooth vocals for relaxation.

How many songs are on Kisses in the Rain?

Kisses in the Rain has 16 tracks, running approximately 55 minutes.

Kisses in the Rain

John Pizzarelli · 2000

55 min · 16 tracks · jazz

A sophisticated blend of jazz standards and original compositions wrapped in warm melodies and smooth guitar work.

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Top tracks — play these first

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From Monday On Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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I'm in the Mood for Love — This track highlights Pizzarelli's smooth vocal delivery paired with intricate guitar work, capturing the romantic essence of the song beautifully.
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I Got Rhythm — Pizzarelli's rendition injects fresh energy into this classic, showcasing his ability to reinterpret well-known tunes while maintaining their charm.
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Kisses in the Rain — The title track stands out for its evocative lyrics and Pizzarelli's emotive performance, encapsulating the album's thematic focus on love and nostalgia.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

Pizzarelli's guitar work and smooth arrangements create a warm jazz atmosphere, though it doesn't significantly reshape the genre.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of guitar as the lead instrument, with intricate solos that weave through the melodies.
Several tracks incorporate subtle shifts in dynamics, allowing for moments of tension and release within the arrangements.

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: 8/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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

steady melodic journey throughout
ideal for intimate gatherings
smooth vocals for relaxation
nostalgic vibes on rainy days
for evening unwinding

Maybe skip if you

seekers of high-energy tracks
prefer standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Showcases Pizzarelli's storytelling and fresh takes on standards, marking a high point in his career.
Career context: By the time 'Kisses in the Rain' was released in 2000, John Pizzarelli had already established himself as a notable figure in jazz, particularly with his previous albums showcasing his unique guitar skills and vocal style. This album followed his 1998 release 'Let's Make Love,' continuing his exploration of classic jazz while also incorporating contemporary influences.
Stylistic neighbors: Bucky Pizzarelli· Joe Pass· Pat Metheny