What makes Schuur Thing by Diane Schuur notable?

'Schuur Thing' received critical acclaim, particularly for its innovative arrangements and Schuur's vocal prowess, leading to Grammy nominations. The album's blend of jazz standards and original compositions helped bridge the gap between classic and modern jazz, influencing subsequent artists in the genre. In 1985, Diane Schuur was emerging as a prominent figure in the jazz scene, following her acclaimed debut album 'Diane Schuur and Friends' released two years earlier. 'Schuur Thing' marked a significant step in her career as it solidified her reputation for blending traditional jazz with contemporary influences, showcasing her growth as both a vocalist and an artist.

Who is Schuur Thing for?

Schuur Thing works well if you're into steady mid-tempo listening flow, vibrant vocal showcases throughout and warm background for gatherings.

How many songs are on Schuur Thing?

Schuur Thing has 11 tracks, running approximately 45 minutes.

Schuur Thing

Diane Schuur · 1985

45 min · 11 tracks · jazz

Dynamic vocal jazz intertwines with soulful rhythms, showcasing Schuur's powerful voice and emotional range across diverse tracks.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Love Dance — This track exemplifies Schuur's ability to convey deep emotion through her vocal delivery, featuring lush instrumentation that enhances the poignant lyrics.
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Take Me to the River — A standout cover that showcases Schuur's versatility, this track blends elements of soul and gospel, bringing a fresh interpretation to a classic song.
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Someday We'll All Be Free — The poignant message of hope and freedom shines through Schuur's passionate performance, making it one of the album's most memorable moments.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

56 /100

Foothills

Higher than 47% of albums we've rated

Schuur's vocal delivery and varied arrangements create a compelling yet uneven listening experience.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate dynamic shifts in tempo and rhythm, particularly in the transitions between verses and choruses.
The arrangements often include rich instrumental backing that complements Schuur's voice without overshadowing it.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 3/10

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 mid-tempo listening flow
vibrant vocal showcases throughout
warm background for gatherings
emotive delivery for reflection

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced, energetic tracks
seeking experimental soundscapes

Where this album fits

Career context: In 1985, Diane Schuur was emerging as a prominent figure in the jazz scene, following her acclaimed debut album 'Diane Schuur and Friends' released two years earlier. 'Schuur Thing' marked a significant step in her career as it solidified her reputation for blending traditional jazz with contemporary influences, showcasing her growth as both a vocalist and an artist.
Stylistic neighbors: Cassandra Wilson· Nina Simone· Patrice Rushen