Sarah Sings Soulfully cover

Sarah Sings Soulfully

Sarah Vaughan · 1963

44 min · 12 tracks · jazz

Soulful melodies intertwine with lush arrangements, showcasing Vaughan's rich vocal prowess against a backdrop of jazz sophistication.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    A Taste of Honey Start here — This track highlights Vaughan's ability to convey warmth and intimacy through her rich tone, making it an enduring favorite among jazz standards.
  • →
    'Round Midnight — Vaughan's interpretation of this classic showcases her improvisational skill and emotional depth, transforming the song into a personal narrative.
  • →
    Moanin’ — This track stands out for its bluesy feel and Vaughan's powerful delivery, capturing the essence of soulfulness that defines the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

67 /100
Alpine
Higher than 91% of albums we've rated

Vaughan's vocal prowess and orchestral arrangements create a standout jazz album with strong compositions.

What we noticed

  • The album features lush orchestral arrangements that complement Vaughan's vocal lines, creating a rich soundscape.
  • Vaughan's voice often employs a wide dynamic range, moving from soft, intimate passages to powerful, soaring notes within the same track.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

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 exploration throughout
  • soulful reflections on love
  • headphone detail hunting experience
  • late-night intimate listening sessions
  • cathartic vocal performances unfold

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking upbeat party tracks
  • prefer fast-paced listening

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album marked a shift in Vaughan's sound and gained her wider recognition.
Career context
In 1963, Sarah Vaughan was at a pivotal moment in her career as she transitioned from her earlier bebop roots to a more orchestral jazz sound. 'Sarah Sings Soulfully' followed her acclaimed album 'Sarah Vaughan Sings George Gershwin,' further solidifying her reputation as a leading jazz vocalist. This album encapsulated her artistic evolution during the early 1960s, marked by collaborations with prominent arrangers and musicians.
Stylistic neighbors
Ella Fitzgerald· Billie Holiday· Nancy Wilson

Tracklist

  • 1 A Taste of Honey Start here 3:14
  • 2 What Kind of Fool Am I? 3:22
  • 3 Guess I’ll Hang My Tears Out to Dry 4:09
  • 4 Sermonette 4:19
  • 5 In Love in Vain 4:59
  • 6 Gravy Waltz 2:19
  • 7 The Good Life 3:07
  • 8 Moanin’ 3:12
  • 9 ’Round Midnight 3:34
  • 10 Easy Street 3:30
  • 11 Baby, Won’t You Please Come Home 3:09
  • 12 Midnight Sun 5:34

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata