Oh, My NOLA
Harry Connick Jr. · 2007
66 min · 16 tracks · jazz
A vibrant tapestry of classic New Orleans jazz rhythms woven with heartfelt vocal performances and rich instrumentation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Working in the Coal Mine Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Jambalaya (On the Bayou) — This lively rendition captures the spirit of Cajun culture, blending playful lyrics with infectious rhythms that are quintessentially New Orleans.
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Careless Love — Connick's take on this classic showcases his smooth vocal delivery and emotional depth, adding a fresh perspective to a well-known standard.
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Let Them Talk — This track stands out for its upbeat tempo and engaging call-and-response format, embodying the communal essence of New Orleans music.
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Oh, My NOLA — The title track serves as a love letter to New Orleans, blending personal reflection with evocative imagery that highlights the city's charm.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends classic jazz elements with heartfelt vocals, though it doesn't fully stand out in its genre.
What we noticed
- Vocal performances are interspersed throughout the record, with some tracks featuring call-and-response patterns typical of jazz ensembles.
- The tempo varies significantly across the tracklist, with upbeat numbers like 'Jambalaya' contrasted by slower ballads such as 'Careless Love'.
- Several tracks incorporate improvisational solos, particularly from the piano and brass sections, highlighting the spontaneity of jazz.
- 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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6/10
- 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
- vibrant energy for social gatherings
- dynamic peaks and valleys
- nostalgic reflections of new orleans
- sing-along moments with friends
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer standalone singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Represents a high point in Connick's exploration of New Orleans jazz.
- Career context
- Released in 2007, Oh, My NOLA is Harry Connick Jr.'s homage to his hometown, following his successful album, Songs I Heard. At this point in his career, Connick was transitioning from a pop-oriented sound back to his jazz roots, showcasing his versatility as an artist. This album solidified his identity as a keeper of New Orleans' musical legacy while appealing to both longtime fans and new listeners.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Jamie Cullum· Diana Krall· Norah Jones
Tracklist
- 1 Working in the Coal Mine Start here 3:39
- 2 Won't You Come Home Bill Bailey 3:58
- 3 Something You Got 3:26
- 4 Let Them Talk 5:03
- 5 Jambalaya (On the Bayou) 3:41
- 6 Careless Love 4:16
- 7 All These People 4:14
- 8 Yes We Can Can 4:32
- 9 Someday 2:40
- 10 Oh, My NOLA 3:59
- 11 Elijah Rock 4:45
- 12 Sheik of Araby 4:59
- 13 Lazy Bones 3:50
- 14 We Make a Lot of Love 3:31
- 15 Hello Dolly 4:26
- 16 Do Dat Thing 5:33
What to play next
My New Orleans
2007
Continues the New Orleans jazz vibe with rich instrumentation and heartfelt performances.
Chanson du Vieux Carré : Connick on Piano, Volume 3
2007
Sets up the mood with a focus on piano-driven pieces that complement the jazz style.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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