New York Tendaberry cover

New York Tendaberry

Laura Nyro · 1969

46 min · 11 tracks · jazz

A kaleidoscopic blend of jazz, soul, and pop, infused with poetic lyricism and emotional depth.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Save the Country — This track stands out as a powerful anthem advocating for social change, encapsulating the zeitgeist of the late 1960s with its urgent plea for unity.
  • →
    Time and Love — With its lush orchestration and heartfelt lyrics, this song exemplifies Nyro's ability to fuse personal emotion with universal themes, making it a touching centerpiece of the album.
  • →
    New York Tendaberry — The title track captures Nyro's essence through vivid storytelling and rich musicality, reflecting her deep connection to New York City and her artistic identity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

71 /100
Alpine
Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate compositions and a unique blend of styles, making it both distinctive and rewarding upon repeated listens.

What we noticed

  • Nyro's vocal delivery often intertwines with the piano arrangements, creating a call-and-response dynamic that enhances emotional expression.
  • Several tracks, such as 'Captain for Dark Mornings', incorporate jazz-inflected chord progressions that deviate from typical pop conventions.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
8/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

  • poetic reflections on urban life
  • intimate moments of emotional depth
  • cathartic expressions of longing
  • melancholic yet hopeful storytelling
  • late-night contemplative listening

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking upbeat dance tracks
  • prefer straightforward structures

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time 'New York Tendaberry' was released in 1969, Laura Nyro had already garnered attention with her previous album 'Eli and the Thirteenth Confession'. This record marked a significant artistic evolution for Nyro as she transitioned into a more mature sound that fused genres, showcasing her unique songwriting ability and vocal prowess.
Stylistic neighbors
Carole King· Joni Mitchell· Billie Holiday

Tracklist

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

  • 1 You Don't Love Me When I Cry 4:24
  • 2 Captain for Dark Mornings 4:38
  • 3 Tom Cat Goodby 5:32
  • 4 Mercy on Broadway 2:18
  • 5 Save the Country 4:36
  • 6 Gibsom Street 4:47
  • 7 Time and Love 4:24
  • 8 The Man Who Sends Me Home 2:52
  • 9 Sweet Lovin' Baby 3:55
  • 10 Captain Saint Lucifer 3:17
  • 11 New York Tendaberry 5:33

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata