Lena Like Latin
Lena Horne · 1963
29 min · 12 tracks · jazz
A vibrant fusion of traditional pop and Latin rhythms showcases Lena Horne's velvety vocals and sophisticated arrangements.
Top tracks — play these first
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Night and Day — This track exemplifies Horne's ability to infuse a timeless standard with a sultry Latin rhythm, showcasing her vocal prowess and emotional depth.
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Meditation — With its lush arrangement, this song allows Horne to display her rich tonal quality while exploring themes of longing and desire.
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Falling in Love With Love — This track stands out for its playful rhythm and Horne's engaging delivery, perfectly capturing the excitement of romance through an upbeat melody.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends jazz and Latin styles effectively, showcasing Horne's vocal prowess within sophisticated arrangements.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of Latin rhythms across most tracks, with percussion prominently driving the arrangements.
- Horne's vocals are layered with lush orchestral backing, often featuring strings and brass that complement her delivery.
- Several tracks incorporate call-and-response patterns between Horne and the instrumentalists, creating a dynamic interaction throughout the record.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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
- quick bursts of vibrant energy
- playful romantic themes throughout
- elegant melodies for intimate settings
- lighthearted moments with rhythmic flair
Maybe skip if you
- prefer lengthy immersive experiences
- want heavy, complex arrangements
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1963, Lena Like Latin marked a significant period in Lena Horne's career as she transitioned into recording more concept-driven albums. This was her first album after signing with RCA Records, reflecting her desire to explore diverse musical styles, particularly the Latin influences that were becoming popular in the jazz scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Ella Fitzgerald· Billie Holiday· Sarah Vaughan
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 From This Moment On 1:52
- 2 Take Me 2:23
- 3 Night and Day 2:41
- 4 Old Devil Moon 2:39
- 5 More 1:43
- 6 My Blue Heaven 2:25
- 7 Cuckoo in the Clock 3:34
- 8 Meditation 2:19
- 9 By Myself 2:44
- 10 Island in the West Indies 2:21
- 11 Ours 2:48
- 12 Falling in Love With Love 2:02
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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