Never Too Far
Dianne Reeves · 1989
47 min · 10 tracks · contemporary R&B
Soulful jazz melodies intertwine with contemporary R&B grooves, showcasing an emotional depth that resonates throughout the album.
Top tracks — play these first
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Hello (Haven't I Seen You Before) — This track captures the essence of the album with its infectious melody and smooth vocals, establishing Reeves as a standout artist in the late '80s music scene.
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Never Too Far — The title track showcases Reeves' vocal range and emotional delivery, encapsulating themes of love and longing that resonate throughout the album.
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Fumilayo — This song blends rich instrumentation with powerful storytelling, highlighting Reeves’ ability to convey deep emotions through her performance.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends jazz and R&B effectively, showcasing strong vocals and varied tempos but lacks complete cohesion.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a strong lead single that features a prominent horn section, setting a vibrant tone for the following tracks.
- Several tracks incorporate call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the interaction between Reeves and her backing musicians.
- The tempo varies significantly across the album, with slower ballads juxtaposed against more upbeat grooves, creating dynamic shifts in energy.
- 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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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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
- soulful melodies for evening relaxation
- emotional depth in every track
- slow-burning grooves for intimate settings
- reflective moments during quiet times
Maybe skip if you
- seeking fast-paced excitement
- prefer short, standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1989, Never Too Far marked Dianne Reeves' third studio album following her self-titled debut and the acclaimed album I Remember. At this time, she was transitioning from a promising jazz vocalist into a prominent figure in contemporary R&B, expanding her appeal beyond traditional jazz audiences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Cassandra Wilson· Esperanza Spalding· Lizz Wright
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Hello (Haven't I Seen You Before) 3:44
- 2 Never Too Far 5:20
- 3 Come In 6:55
- 4 How Long 5:05
- 5 Eyes on the Prize 4:37
- 6 Bring Me Joy 1:12
- 7 Fumilayo 5:32
- 8 More to Love 4:09
- 9 We Belong Together 5:39
- 10 Company 5:26
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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