Is Mad About the Man a good place to start with Carmen McRae?

Yes, Mad About the Man is recommended as a starting point for new Carmen McRae listeners. A sophisticated blend of jazz and theatrical songs that convey deep emotional narratives with McRae's rich, expressive vocals. By the time 'Mad About the Man' was released in 1958, Carmen McRae had already established herself as a significant voice in jazz. This album came shortly after her acclaimed album 'Carmen Sings Monk' (1957) and showcased her ability to interpret both jazz standards and theatrical pieces, further solidifying her reputation as a versatile vocalist.

Who is Mad About the Man for?

Mad About the Man works well if you're into sophisticated melodies for evening, steady pacing for relaxed listening and poignant narratives with rich vocals.

How many songs are on Mad About the Man?

Mad About the Man has 12 tracks, running approximately 35 minutes.

Mad About the Man

Carmen McRae · 1958

35 min · 12 tracks · jazz

A sophisticated blend of jazz and theatrical songs that convey deep emotional narratives with McRae's rich, expressive vocals.

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Top tracks — play these first

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I’ll See You Again Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Mad About the Boy — This track stands out due to its poignant delivery, where McRae's vocal nuances bring a sense of longing and nostalgia to the lyrics about unrequited love.
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Poor Little Rich Girl — In this song, McRae effectively captures the complexities of privilege and loneliness, using her voice to convey both sarcasm and empathy.
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I Can’t Do Anything at All — The emotional depth in McRae's performance reveals vulnerability and helplessness, making it a standout moment that showcases her interpretive skills.
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A Room With a View — This track highlights McRae's ability to infuse romance into her music, creating a dreamy atmosphere that transports listeners to an emotional oasis.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

McRae's expressive vocals and the orchestral arrangements create a unique blend of jazz and theatricality.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of lush orchestration that complements McRae's vocal delivery, enhancing the theatrical quality of the songs.
Each track is structured around a central narrative, with McRae's phrasing and emotional delivery emphasizing the lyrical content.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

sophisticated melodies for evening
steady pacing for relaxed listening
poignant narratives with rich vocals
short tracks for quick enjoyment

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy excitement
prefer standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album contributed to McRae's growing reputation in jazz and theatrical music.
Career context: By the time 'Mad About the Man' was released in 1958, Carmen McRae had already established herself as a significant voice in jazz. This album came shortly after her acclaimed album 'Carmen Sings Monk' (1957) and showcased her ability to interpret both jazz standards and theatrical pieces, further solidifying her reputation as a versatile vocalist.
Stylistic neighbors: Billie Holiday· Sarah Vaughan· Ella Fitzgerald