What makes Let Them Talk by Hugh Laurie notable?

The album received positive reviews, reaching number one on the UK Albums Chart and solidifying Laurie's status as a legitimate musician. Its success also sparked interest in traditional blues music among a wider audience, leading to a resurgence of appreciation for the genre. When 'Let Them Talk' was released in 2011, Hugh Laurie was primarily known for his role on the television series 'House'. This album marked Laurie's debut as a recording artist, showcasing his long-standing passion for blues music and allowing him to step beyond his acting career into the music scene.

How many songs are on Let Them Talk?

Let Them Talk has 18 tracks, running approximately 69 minutes.

Let Them Talk

Hugh Laurie · 2011

69 min · 18 tracks · blues

A spirited blend of classic blues standards infused with Hugh Laurie's charismatic vocal style and playful instrumentation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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St. James Infirmary — This opening track showcases Laurie's ability to convey deep emotion through his vocals, setting an atmospheric tone for the entire album.
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You Don’t Know My Mind — Laurie's rendition brings a fresh perspective to this classic blues song, highlighting his piano skills alongside his expressive voice.
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Buddy Bolden’s Blues — This track captures the essence of early jazz and blues influences, demonstrating Laurie's respect for the genre’s roots while infusing it with his unique flair.
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Let Them Talk — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of resilience and defiance against adversity, delivered with Laurie's characteristic charm.

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

The album blends classic blues with Laurie's unique style, though it follows familiar structures and themes.

What we noticed

Laurie's vocal delivery varies from playful to deeply emotive, often accompanied by a full band that includes brass and piano.
Several tracks incorporate call-and-response elements, typical of classic blues, enhancing the interactive feel of the music.

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: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

You Don’t Know My Mind

A shift occurs when the vocalist directly addresses misconceptions about their emotional state, creating a moment of vulnerability amidst a lively melody.

This direct address contrasts with the otherwise playful tone of the song, emphasizing personal struggle within the context of upbeat instrumentation.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 St. James Infirmary 6:23
2 You Don’t Know My Mind 3:39
3 Six Cold Feet 4:55
4 Buddy Bolden’s Blues 3:12
5 Battle of Jericho 3:47
6 After You’ve Gone 4:09
7 Swanee River 2:43
8 The Whale Has Swallowed Me 3:37
9 John Henry 3:34
10 Police Dog Blues 3:33
11 Tipitina 5:06
12 Winin’ Boy Blues 2:59
13 They’re Red Hot 1:11
14 Baby, Please Make a Change 4:57
15 Let Them Talk 4:11
16 Guess I’m a Fool 3:08
17 It Ain’t Necessarily So 3:45
18 Lowdown, Worried and Blue 4:13

What to play next

Listen next

Didn't It Rain

2013

Full Hugh Laurie discography Artists like Hugh Laurie

blues

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata