Nested
Laura Nyro · 1978
37 min · 10 tracks · jazz
A kaleidoscopic blend of jazz, soul, and pop steeped in emotional depth and intricate arrangements.
Top tracks — play these first
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Mr. Blue (The Song of Communications) — This opening track sets the tone with lush harmonies and poignant lyrics about connection and longing, encapsulating Nyro's introspective style.
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American Dreamer — With its jazzy undertones and reflective lyrics, this track critiques American ideals while presenting a personal narrative that resonates deeply.
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Crazy Love — This song showcases Nyro's vocal prowess and emotional delivery, blending soulful melodies with heartfelt lyrics that explore the complexities of love.
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The Nest — As the title track, it encapsulates themes of safety and vulnerability within an intricate musical framework, highlighting Nyro's artistic vision.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album displays intricate compositions and varied tempos but lacks a strong cohesive narrative throughout.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate extended instrumental sections that showcase improvisation, especially in the horns and piano.
- The first half of the album maintains a more upbeat tempo, while the second half transitions to slower, more reflective pieces.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- kaleidoscopic emotional landscapes
- short bursts of introspection
- nostalgic reflections on innocence
- playful yet profound storytelling
- vivid imagery and warmth
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward, linear songs
- seek high-energy party tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'Nested' was released in 1978, Laura Nyro had already established herself as a significant songwriter and performer with hits like 'Eli's Comin'' and 'Stoney End.' This album followed her artistic exploration in the 1970s, showcasing a more mature sound after experiencing commercial success and personal challenges. Nyro's creative evolution is evident as she merges genres while retaining her distinct lyrical style.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Carole King· Joni Mitchell· Billie Holiday
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Crazy Love
The lyric shifts from describing love’s euphoria to acknowledging its pain reveals deep emotional layers.
This transition mirrors the complexities of romantic relationships, illustrating how joy and heartache often coexist.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Mr. Blue (The Song of Communications) 5:01
- 2 Rhythm and Blues 2:57
- 3 My Innocence 3:24
- 4 Crazy Love 4:18
- 5 American Dreamer 4:08
- 6 Springblown 4:24
- 7 The Sweet Sky 3:32
- 8 Light—Pop’s Principle 2:53
- 9 Child in a Universe 4:09
- 10 The Nest 2:27
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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