Midnight Sun
Dee Dee Bridgewater · 2011
56 min · 11 tracks · jazz
A lush tapestry of jazz standards, where Bridgewater's soulful voice navigates themes of love and longing with intimate warmth.
Top tracks — play these first
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Midnight Sun Start here — The title track features an exquisite blend of melody and emotion, highlighting Bridgewater's ability to convey deep feelings through subtle phrasing and dynamic control.
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Angel Eyes — Bridgewater's rendition transforms this standard into a poignant meditation on love lost, with her rich timbre adding depth to the lyrics’ melancholy.
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Good Morning Heartache — This track stands out for its haunting arrangement and Bridgewater’s heartfelt interpretation, making it a standout moment that encapsulates the album's overall theme of heartache.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Bridgewater's emotive vocals and sophisticated arrangements create a compelling jazz experience.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a slow tempo on 'Midnight Sun', setting a reflective mood that continues through several tracks.
- Bridgewater's vocal delivery is often layered with rich instrumental arrangements, creating a lush soundscape.
- Several tracks feature extended instrumental sections, allowing the musicians to explore themes beyond the lyrics.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- steady progression with resolution
- rich vocal explorations of emotion
- late-night reflective listening
- intimate moments of vulnerability
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat party anthems
- prefer fast-paced listening
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — This album is noted for its sophisticated arrangements and emotive delivery, marking a high point.
- Career context
- By the time 'Midnight Sun' was released in 2011, Dee Dee Bridgewater was an established artist with a celebrated career spanning over three decades. This album came after her Grammy-winning record 'Eleanora Fagan (1915-1959): To Billie with Love from Dee Dee', further solidifying her place in the jazz vocal tradition while showcasing her deepening interpretative skills.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Nina Simone· Cassandra Wilson· Diana Krall
Tracklist
- 1 Midnight Sun Start here 7:24
- 2 Angel Eyes 5:52
- 3 My Ship 4:58
- 4 Que Reste-t-il? 4:59
- 5 Lonely Woman 5:22
- 6 Speak Low 4:19
- 7 I'm a Fool to Want You/I Fall in Love Too Easily 4:09
- 8 L'Hymne a L'Amour 5:04
- 9 The Island 3:42
- 10 Good Morning Heartache 5:11
- 11 Here I'll Stay 5:45
What to play next
Dee Dee's Feathers
2015
Continues the lush jazz sound with rich arrangements and emotional depth.
Eleanora Fagan (1915-1959): To Billie with Love from Dee Dee Bridgewater
2010
Sets the stage with a tribute that enhances the themes of love and longing.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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