What does Solitaire sound like?

A lush blend of poignant ballads and upbeat pop, showcasing Sedaka's melodic prowess and emotional depth. Rooted in pop music. Start with "That’s When the Music Takes Me".

Is Solitaire a good place to start with Neil Sedaka?

Yes, Solitaire is recommended as a starting point for new Neil Sedaka listeners. A lush blend of poignant ballads and upbeat pop, showcasing Sedaka's melodic prowess and emotional depth. By the time 'Solitaire' was released in January 1972, Neil Sedaka had experienced both highs and lows in his career. This album marked his return to the spotlight after a few years of declining popularity, following the success of earlier hits like 'Breaking Up Is Hard to Do'. With this album, Sedaka aimed to re-establish himself as a leading figure in pop music during the early 70s.

Who is Solitaire for?

Solitaire works well if you're into steady melodic journey throughout, introspective reflections on nostalgia and warm sounds for quiet moments.

How many songs are on Solitaire?

Solitaire has 11 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

Solitaire

Neil Sedaka · 1972

41 min · 11 tracks · pop music

A lush blend of poignant ballads and upbeat pop, showcasing Sedaka's melodic prowess and emotional depth.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Solitaire — The title track stands out with its haunting melody and introspective lyrics, encapsulating themes of loneliness and longing that resonate throughout the album.
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That’s When the Music Takes Me Start here — This opening track showcases Sedaka's signature blend of catchy hooks and heartfelt lyrics, setting the tone for the emotional journey of the album.
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Better Days Are Coming — This optimistic anthem offers a hopeful perspective amidst personal struggles, reflecting Sedaka's ability to convey uplifting messages through his music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong melodies and contrasts in tempo but lacks a cohesive flow throughout.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features upbeat tracks that maintain a lively tempo, while the second half shifts to slower ballads, creating a distinct contrast.
Several tracks utilize layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the emotional impact of the melodies.
The title track 'Solitaire' is positioned as the penultimate song, allowing it to serve as a climactic moment before the closing track.

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

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 melodic journey throughout
introspective reflections on nostalgia
warm sounds for quiet moments
thoughtful background for relaxation
cathartic emotional release

Maybe skip if you

seeking fast-paced excitement
prefer standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album marked Sedaka's return to prominence and solidified his reputation.
Themes: loneliness in solitude· nostalgic melodies· personal growth reflections
Career context: By the time 'Solitaire' was released in January 1972, Neil Sedaka had experienced both highs and lows in his career. This album marked his return to the spotlight after a few years of declining popularity, following the success of earlier hits like 'Breaking Up Is Hard to Do'. With this album, Sedaka aimed to re-establish himself as a leading figure in pop music during the early 70s.
Stylistic neighbors: Barry Manilow· Bobby Vinton· Paul Anka