Merry from Lena cover

Merry from Lena

Lena Horne

31 min · 11 tracks · jazz

A smooth blend of classic jazz and pop arrangements infused with Lena Horne's captivating vocal elegance.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas — Horne's rendition brings a poignant depth to this classic, infusing it with emotional resonance that elevates its nostalgic themes.
  • →
    The Christmas Song — Her velvety tone pairs beautifully with the song’s warmth, bringing a unique interpretation that highlights both joy and reflection.
  • →
    Little Drummer Boy — This track showcases Horne's ability to convey storytelling through music, with a heartfelt delivery that captures the spirit of giving.

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

Lena Horne's interpretations and the lush arrangements create a solid holiday album, though it doesn't break new ground in jazz.

What we noticed

  • The album features lush orchestral arrangements that complement Horne's vocals, creating a rich soundscape throughout.
  • Each track maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, with the exception of 'Silent Night,' which slows down significantly to create a reflective mood.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • festive sing-along moments
  • cozy winter evening vibes
  • short bursts of holiday cheer
  • warm vocal elegance and charm

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer lengthy, immersive albums
  • want contemporary sounds

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1966, Merry from Lena marked Lena Horne's venture into the holiday music genre, following her successful career as a leading jazz and pop vocalist. This album came during a period when Horne was transitioning from her prominent performances on Broadway and film to more recorded works, showcasing her versatility.
Stylistic neighbors
Ella Fitzgerald· Billie Holiday· Sarah Vaughan

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Jingle All the Way 2:36
  • 2 The Christmas Song 3:19
  • 3 Winter Wonderland 2:11
  • 4 White Christmas 3:23
  • 5 Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! 2:27
  • 6 Little Drummer Boy 3:15
  • 7 What Are You Doing New Year's Eve? 2:41
  • 8 Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 3:39
  • 9 Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas 2:41
  • 10 Silent Night 3:00
  • 11 Santa Claus Is Coming to Town 2:42

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata