'Round Midnight
Betty Carter · 1963
37 min · 13 tracks · jazz
A captivating blend of sophisticated jazz vocals and intricate arrangements that showcase emotional depth and technical prowess.
Top tracks — play these first
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'Round Midnight — Carter's rendition of this classic showcases her unique phrasing and emotional intensity, transforming it into a deeply personal experience.
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When I Fall in Love — Her interpretation breathes new life into this standard, blending heartfelt sincerity with complex rhythmic variations that highlight her vocal agility.
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Call Me Darling — This track exemplifies Carter's ability to convey longing through nuanced dynamics and expressive timing, making it resonate with listeners on multiple levels.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Carter's innovative vocal techniques and complex arrangements create a distinctive jazz experience.
What we noticed
- The album features intricate vocal phrasing that often overlaps with the instrumental arrangements, creating a conversational dynamic.
- Several tracks employ unexpected tempo changes, such as 'Round Midnight', which shifts from a slow ballad to a more upbeat swing.
- The use of dissonance in the harmonies adds emotional complexity, particularly in tracks like 'I Wonder' and 'Two Cigarettes in the Dark'.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- 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
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
- steady melodic flow throughout
- intimate late-night listening experience
- emotive vocals that captivate
- short tracks for quick enjoyment
- reflective moments of nostalgia
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy dance tracks
- prefer longer, sprawling albums
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1963, 'Round Midnight was Betty Carter's first album for the legendary jazz label Verve Records. At this point in her career, she was transitioning from a smaller label to a major one, marking a significant step towards broader recognition and artistic freedom.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sarah Vaughan· Ella Fitzgerald· Nina Simone
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Nothing More to Look Forward To 2:41
- 2 Who What Why Where When 3:13
- 3 Heart and Soul 3:21
- 4 Call Me Darling 3:55
- 5 When I Fall in Love 3:04
- 6 'Round Midnight 3:21
- 7 I Wonder 2:34
- 8 Theme From Dr. Kildare (Three Stars Will Shine Tonight) 2:46
- 9 The Good Life 2:38
- 10 Everybody's Somebody's Fool 2:46
- 11 Two Cigarettes in the Dark 2:10
- 12 Shine on Harvest Moon 2:11
- 13 One Note Samba 2:21
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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