Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100
Foothills
Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

Shirley Horn's debut showcases her unique vocal style and piano work, blending jazz and pop effectively.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of lush piano arrangements that support Horn's vocals, often with minimal instrumentation.
  • Several tracks include subtle tempo changes, creating a dynamic flow that enhances the emotional weight of the songs.
  • Horn's vocal delivery is intimate and conversational, often employing a soft swing that invites listeners into her interpretations.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

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
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

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.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Wild Is Love 1:44
  • 2 Loads of Fun (from “No Strings”) 2:20
  • 3 My Future Just Passed (from “Safety in Numbers”) 2:37
  • 4 There’s a Boat That’s Leavin’ Soon for New York (from “Porgy and Bess”) 2:40
  • 5 Ten Cents a Dance 3:40
  • 6 Only the Lonely 2:58
  • 7 The Second Time Around 3:10
  • 8 Do It Again 2:55
  • 9 It’s Love 2:00
  • 10 That’s No Joke 2:32
  • 11 Love for Sale 3:42
  • 12 Who Am I 2:47

Reference: MusicBrainz