My Ideal: A Tribute to Chet Baker Sings cover

My Ideal: A Tribute to Chet Baker Sings

Amos Lee · 2022

42 min · 14 tracks · folk music

A lush, contemplative reimagining of classic jazz standards infused with Amos Lee's soulful folk sensibilities.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    My Funny Valentine (For Oskar and Eli) — This track highlights Lee's ability to convey vulnerability through subtle vocal nuances, transforming a well-known standard into a deeply personal tribute.
  • →
    Time After Time — Lee’s interpretation brings a fresh, introspective quality to this classic, emphasizing the song's themes of enduring love and nostalgia.
  • →
    There Will Never Be Another You — In this rendition, Lee captures the bittersweet essence of the lyrics with a soulful delivery that resonates with both jazz aficionados and new listeners alike.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album effectively blends jazz standards with folk elements, showcasing strong craftsmanship and emotional depth.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent arrangement of lush instrumentation, primarily using strings and soft percussion to create a warm backdrop for Lee's vocals.
  • Lee's vocal delivery is intimate and nuanced, often employing subtle variations in phrasing that reflect the original jazz standards while infusing them with his folk sensibility.
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
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

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, consistent energy levels
  • intimate late-night vibes
  • nostalgic reflective moments
  • gentle background ambiance

Where this album fits

Career context
My Ideal: A Tribute to Chet Baker Sings marks Amos Lee's first major release since his 2018 album, My New Moon. This project reflects a deep personal connection to Chet Baker's music, showcasing Lee's artistic growth as he embraces the jazz tradition while infusing it with his own unique style.
Stylistic neighbors
Ray LaMontagne· John Mayer· Iron & Wine

Tracklist

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

  • 1 That Old Feeling 3:22
  • 2 It's Always You 3:46
  • 3 Like Someone in Love 2:31
  • 4 My Ideal 3:26
  • 5 I've Never Been in Love Before 4:24
  • 6 My Buddy 3:18
  • 7 But Not for Me 2:24
  • 8 Time After Time 2:51
  • 9 I Get Along Without You Very Well 2:54
  • 10 My Funny Valentine (For Oskar and Eli) 2:07
  • 11 There Will Never Be Another You 3:10
  • 12 The Thrill Is Gone 2:33
  • 13 I Fall in Love Too Easily 3:24
  • 14 Look for the Silver Lining 2:46

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata