Phyllis Hyman cover

Phyllis Hyman

Phyllis Hyman · 1977

47 min · 9 tracks · jazz

A smooth blend of soul and jazz, featuring lush instrumentation and Hyman's powerful, emotive vocals weaving through heartfelt lyrics.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Loving You, Losing You — This track showcases Hyman's vocal range and emotional depth, perfectly balancing vulnerability and strength in its poignant storytelling. Its sweeping orchestration complements her voice beautifully, making it an unforgettable opener.
  • →
    No One Can Love You More — The song highlights Hyman's ability to convey deep emotion through her delivery, with a catchy hook that remains memorable. Its blend of soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics exemplifies her signature style.
  • →
    Deliver the Love — This track emphasizes Hyman's command over rhythm and phrasing, allowing her voice to shine against vibrant instrumental arrangements. It acts as a perfect representation of her ability to fuse jazz elements with pop sensibilities.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong vocal performances and rich arrangements, establishing Hyman's presence in jazz and soul.

What we noticed

  • The album features lush instrumentation with strings and horns that create a rich backdrop for Hyman's vocals.
  • Each track maintains a smooth tempo, with several songs incorporating extended instrumental sections that showcase the musicianship.
  • Hyman's vocal delivery is emotive and dynamic, often using subtle variations in phrasing to enhance the lyrical content.
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
7/10

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

  • steady emotional exploration throughout
  • intimate moments for quiet reflection
  • captivating vocal performances shine
  • soulful melodies for heartfelt connection

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer upbeat, fast-paced tracks
  • seek short standalone songs

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1977, Phyllis Hyman was Hyman's self-titled debut album, emerging as she transitioned from a background vocalist to a solo artist. This album set the stage for her influential career in the soul and jazz genres, introducing her distinct sound and vocal prowess to wider audiences.
Stylistic neighbors
Angela Bofill· Lalah Hathaway· Chaka Khan

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • One Thing on My Mind

    The bridge features a shift in perspective where the singer articulates desires directly to a lover, moving from general longing to specific declaration.

    This structural choice enhances emotional intensity, marking a transition from passive yearning to active engagement in the relationship.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Loving You, Losing You 7:41
  • 2 No One Can Love You More 4:20
  • 3 One Thing on My Mind 5:30
  • 4 I Don’t Want to Lose You 5:31
  • 5 Deliver the Love 4:02
  • 6 Was Yesterday Such a Long Time Ago 4:55
  • 7 The Night Bird Gets the Love 5:20
  • 8 Beautiful Man of Mine 6:56
  • 9 Children of the World 2:55

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata