What makes Naked and True by Randy Crawford notable?

'Naked and True' features a mix of original songs and covers that highlight Crawford's vocal prowess, receiving positive reviews for its fresh take on classics. The album is often cited for its critical acclaim within the jazz and soul genres, demonstrating Crawford's enduring influence on contemporary artists. By the time 'Naked and True' was released in 1995, Randy Crawford had already established herself as a notable vocalist in the jazz and R&B scenes, following her breakout hits in the late 1970s and early 1980s. This album came after her successful work with artists like Quincy Jones and Joe Sample, marking a return to her roots while exploring new interpretations of classic tracks.

How many songs are on Naked and True?

Naked and True has 12 tracks, running approximately 66 minutes.

Naked and True

Randy Crawford · 1995

66 min · 12 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of jazz, soul, and R&B showcasing heartfelt vocals over lush arrangements.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Give Me the Night — This track stands out as a quintessential blend of jazz and disco, featuring infectious grooves that showcase Crawford's ability to command both heart and dance floor.
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Purple Rain — Crawford's rendition transforms this iconic song into a soulful ballad that highlights her emotional depth and vocal range, offering a unique interpretation of Prince's classic.
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Joy Inside My Tears — With its rich instrumentation and heartfelt delivery, this track encapsulates the essence of Crawford's emotional storytelling, making it a standout moment on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

Crawford's vocal delivery shines over varied arrangements, but the mix of originals and covers affects cohesion.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate lush instrumental arrangements that complement the vocal lines, creating a rich soundscape.
The pacing varies, with some tracks maintaining an upbeat tempo while others slow down to highlight emotional delivery.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Cajun Moon 4:06
2 Give Me the Night 5:07
3 The Glow of Love 7:37
4 Purple Rain 5:51
5 Forget Me Nots 5:45
6 I'll Be Around 3:52
7 Joy Inside My Tears 5:54
8 Come Into My Life 7:12
9 What a Difference a Day Makes 5:54
10 Holding Back the Years 5:30
11 All the Kings Horses 4:30
12 Give Me the Night (Chill Night mix) 4:49

What to play next

Listen next

Every Kind of Mood: Randy, Randi, Randee

1997

Go back to

Don't Say It's Over

1993

Full Randy Crawford discography Artists like Randy Crawford

jazz soul

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata