What makes Midnight by Diane Schuur notable?

Midnight was well-received within the jazz community, showcasing Schuur's ability to connect deeply with listeners through her interpretations of timeless standards. The album features a mix of original compositions and covers, highlighting her artistic range and earning critical acclaim from publications like JazzTimes and AllMusic. Released in 2003, Midnight marked Diane Schuur's return to the studio after a five-year hiatus following her album, Diane Schuur and Friends. By this point in her career, she had established herself as a prominent figure in vocal jazz, known for her rich voice and powerful emotional delivery. This album further solidified her reputation as a versatile artist capable of interpreting classic songs with fresh sensitivity.

Midnight works well if you're into steady pacing with emotional depth, soulful vocals for evening relaxation and warm background for intimate gatherings.

How many songs are on Midnight?

Midnight has 13 tracks, running approximately 48 minutes.

Midnight

Diane Schuur · 2003

48 min · 13 tracks · jazz

A seamless blend of jazz-inflected vocals and emotive ballads that traverse themes of love and longing.

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Top tracks — play these first

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When October Goes — This track stands out for its haunting arrangement and poignant lyrics, reflecting on the bittersweet nature of love lost as the seasons change.
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He Loved Me — This song showcases Schuur's vocal prowess, delivering an emotionally charged performance that captures the essence of nostalgia and heartache.
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Good‐bye My Love — In this track, Schuur's interpretation brings depth to the theme of farewell, marrying lyrical vulnerability with a compelling melodic structure.

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

The album showcases strong vocal performances and cohesive arrangements, though it remains within familiar jazz territory.

What we noticed

The album opens with a mid-tempo track that sets a reflective mood, followed by a series of ballads that maintain a consistent emotional tone.
Several tracks feature intricate vocal phrasing that interacts closely with the instrumental arrangements, creating a conversational dynamic.
The last three tracks gradually decrease in tempo, allowing the album to conclude on a softer, more introspective note.

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 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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

steady pacing with emotional depth
soulful vocals for evening relaxation
warm background for intimate gatherings
reflective moments of quiet contemplation
gradual rise in emotional intensity

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced, upbeat tracks
seek instant gratification in music

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2003, Midnight marked Diane Schuur's return to the studio after a five-year hiatus following her album, Diane Schuur and Friends. By this point in her career, she had established herself as a prominent figure in vocal jazz, known for her rich voice and powerful emotional delivery. This album further solidified her reputation as a versatile artist capable of interpreting classic songs with fresh sensitivity.
Stylistic neighbors: Cassandra Wilson· Nina Simone· Patrice Rushen