Lazy Afternoon
Regina Belle · 2004
62 min · 12 tracks · soul
Smooth jazz-infused soul weaves through lush arrangements, showcasing Regina Belle's rich vocals and emotional depth.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Lazy Afternoon — The title track encapsulates the album's laid-back vibe with its gentle melody and reflective lyrics, establishing the emotional tone for the entire record.
-
→
Fly Me to the Moon — Belle's rendition brings a soulful warmth to this timeless standard, showcasing her ability to reinterpret classic songs with fresh emotion.
-
→
If I Ruled the World — This track blends social commentary with romantic longing, illustrating Belle's lyrical depth while underscoring her smooth vocal delivery.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends jazz standards with original songs, showcasing Belle's vocals within lush arrangements.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a smooth jazz standard, setting a laid-back tone that persists through the first half.
- Belle's vocal delivery is consistently rich and emotive, often layering harmonies in the choruses.
- Several tracks feature lush instrumental arrangements that include strings and horns, enhancing the overall ambiance.
- The last three tracks shift slightly in tempo and mood, creating a reflective conclusion to the album.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- steady mid-tempo flow
- smooth background listening experience
- intimate, reflective moments
- long, immersive listening sessions
- rich emotional storytelling
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on July 13, 2004, 'Lazy Afternoon' marks Regina Belle's return after a five-year hiatus since her last studio album, 'This is Regina,' in 1999. At this point in her career, Belle sought to blend classic jazz standards with contemporary soul influences, reaffirming her artistic identity.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Anita Baker· Sade· Patti LaBelle
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
If I Ruled the World
The moment shifts from introspective musings about power to personal desires for love and connection.
This transition emphasizes the juxtaposition between idealism and vulnerability, revealing Belle’s nuanced approach to songwriting.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Lazy Afternoon 5:21
- 2 Fly Me to the Moon 5:24
- 3 What Are You Afraid Of 4:49
- 4 If I Ruled the World 4:36
- 5 Corcovado 5:56
- 6 There's a Love 4:05
- 7 Why Do People Fall in Love 4:53
- 8 For the Love of You 5:26
- 9 If I Should Lose You 4:34
- 10 Moanin' 5:51
- 11 The Man I Love 5:19
- 12 Try a Little Tenderness 6:19
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.