Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

Koko Taylor's debut showcases strong vocal performances and engaging arrangements, establishing her presence in Chicago blues.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of call-and-response vocals, particularly evident in tracks like 'Wang Dang Doodle' where Taylor's voice interacts dynamically with backing singers.
  • Several tracks incorporate prominent horn sections that punctuate the rhythm and add a layer of depth to the arrangements, enhancing the overall energy.
  • The tempo varies significantly across the tracklist, with songs like 'I’m a Little Mixed Up' maintaining a brisk pace while others, such as 'Whatever I Am, You Made Me', slow down for emotional impac…
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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 Love You Like a Woman 2:10
  • 2 I Love a Lover Like You 2:47
  • 3 Don’t Mess With the Messer 2:46
  • 4 I Don’t Care Who Knows 2:14
  • 5 Wang Dang Doodle 3:02
  • 6 I’m a Little Mixed Up 2:40
  • 7 Nitty Gritty 2:46
  • 8 Fire 2:32
  • 9 Whatever I Am, You Made Me 2:29
  • 10 Twenty-Nine Ways 3:15
  • 11 Insane Asylum 4:22
  • 12 Yes, It’s Good for You 2:42

Reference: MusicBrainz · Wikidata