Odetta Sings cover

Odetta Sings

Odetta · 1970

30 min · 10 tracks · pop music

A soulful blend of folk and blues that showcases Odetta's powerful voice through poignant storytelling and evocative arrangements.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Take Me to the Pilot — This track highlights Odetta's ability to transform a pop song into a deeply soulful experience, showcasing her vocal range and emotional depth.
  • →
    Mama Told Me Not to Come — Odetta delivers a captivating rendition that combines humor with serious undertones, emphasizing her unique interpretative style and storytelling prowess.
  • →
    My God and I — This track stands out for its spiritual depth, with Odetta's voice conveying both strength and vulnerability, reflecting her roots in traditional folk music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100
Foothills
Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

Odetta's powerful vocals and storytelling shine through, though the album's pacing and cohesion vary.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a cover of 'Take Me to the Pilot', which features a strong vocal performance layered over a sparse arrangement that builds gradually.
  • Several tracks incorporate call-and-response elements, emphasizing Odetta's vocal prowess and engaging the listener in a conversational style.
  • The last three tracks shift towards more introspective themes, slowing the tempo and creating a reflective atmosphere as the album concludes.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • poignant storytelling through song
  • inviting sing-along participation
  • short tracks with quick impact
  • soulful moments of reflection

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking extended, immersive pieces
  • prefer fast-paced listening experiences

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in December 1970, Odetta Sings arrived during a pivotal moment in Odetta's career, marking her return to recording after a period of relative silence. The album followed her influential contributions to the civil rights movement and her earlier work that helped shape the folk revival of the 1960s, positioning her as a significant figure in American music.
Stylistic neighbors
Bessie Smith· Billie Holiday· Mavis Staples

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • My God and I

    The bridge shifts from personal reflection to communal affirmation, inviting listeners into a shared spiritual experience.

    This structural choice deepens the emotional impact by moving from introspection to unity, highlighting Odetta's role as both an individual artist and a collective voice.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Take Me to the Pilot 2:53
  • 2 Mama Told Me Not to Come 2:53
  • 3 Every Night 3:02
  • 4 Hit or Miss 2:52
  • 5 Give a Damn 3:08
  • 6 My God and I 4:28
  • 7 Lo & Behold 2:58
  • 8 Bless the Children 2:24
  • 9 No Expectations 3:25
  • 10 Movin’ It On 2:32

What to play next

Odetta at the Best of Harlem
Listen next

Odetta at the Best of Harlem

1976
Odetta Sings the Blues
Go back to

Odetta Sings the Blues

1968
Full Odetta discography Artists like Odetta
country blues jazz blues traditional folk music

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata