No One Ever Tells You cover

No One Ever Tells You

Seth MacFarlane · 2015

65 min · 17 tracks

A lush collection of classic standards infused with MacFarlane's rich baritone and playful wit, evoking a smoky jazz club ambiance.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    No One Ever Tells You — The title track sets the tone for the album with its introspective lyrics and lush orchestration, showcasing MacFarlane's vocal range and emotional depth.
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    I Guess I’ll Hang My Tears Out to Dry — This track highlights MacFarlane's ability to convey heartache through smooth phrasing and a sophisticated arrangement that nods to classic jazz.
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    Only the Lonely — MacFarlane delivers a poignant rendition of this standard, demonstrating both technical skill and an understanding of its melancholic themes, 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.

61 /100
Treeline
Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album effectively revives classic standards with strong vocals and orchestration, though it remains niche in its appeal.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent arrangement of classic standards, with lush orchestral backing that complements MacFarlane's baritone voice.
  • Many songs employ traditional jazz structures, with occasional playful vocal embellishments that showcase MacFarlane's personality.
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
6/10

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

  • smoky club ambiance
  • intimate late-night listening
  • wistful reflections on love
  • playful yet emotional storytelling
  • rich baritone with charm

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking upbeat dance tracks
  • prefer instant gratification songs

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time 'No One Ever Tells You' was released in 2015, Seth MacFarlane had established himself primarily as a television creator and voice actor known for 'Family Guy.' This album marked his third studio release and his continued exploration into the world of traditional pop and jazz, following his critically acclaimed album 'Music Is Better Than Words' from 2011.
Stylistic neighbors
Harry Connick Jr.· Tony Bennett· Frank Sinatra

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • I Guess I’ll Hang My Tears Out to Dry

    In the bridge, the lyrics shift from resignation to a moment of bittersweet reflection on love lost.

    This transition captures a moment of vulnerability that contrasts with the earlier stoicism, adding emotional complexity to the narrative.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 No One Ever Tells You 4:02
  • 2 I Guess I’ll Hang My Tears Out to Dry 4:16
  • 3 A Ship Without a Sail 4:18
  • 4 The One I Love Belongs to Somebody Else 3:25
  • 5 It’s All Right With Me 5:28
  • 6 This Nearly Was Mine 3:27
  • 7 Make This a Slow Goodbye 3:26
  • 8 Don’t Call It Love 3:32
  • 9 I’ll Only Miss Her When I Think of Her 3:14
  • 10 These Foolish Things (Remind Me of You) 3:24
  • 11 Before I Gaze at You Again 4:09
  • 12 Only the Lonely 4:50
  • 13 I Guess I’ll Have to Change My Plan 3:40
  • 14 I Wish I Didn’t Love You So 3:41
  • 15 Goodbye, Little Dream, Goodbye 3:50
  • 16 Spring Will Be a Little Late This Year 3:03
  • 17 Loss of Love 3:28

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata