What makes Standing on the Rooftop by Madeleine Peyroux notable?

The album received positive reviews for its sophisticated sound and lyrical depth, with notable mentions in publications like NPR and AllMusic. It further solidified Peyroux's reputation as a leading figure in contemporary jazz, showcasing her ability to reinterpret classic styles while maintaining a modern sensibility. Released in 2011, Standing on the Rooftop is Madeleine Peyroux's fourth studio album, following her critically acclaimed release, Bare Bones, from 2009. At this point in her career, she had established herself as a unique voice in jazz and was exploring deeper emotional themes within her songwriting.

Who is Standing on the Rooftop for?

Standing on the Rooftop works well if you're into steady pacing with gradual peaks, intimate storytelling throughout tracks and for relaxed evenings.

How many songs are on Standing on the Rooftop?

Standing on the Rooftop has 12 tracks, running approximately 47 minutes.

Standing on the Rooftop

Madeleine Peyroux · 2011

47 min · 12 tracks · jazz

A blend of jazz and chanson, featuring introspective lyrics and rich, expressive vocals that evoke a sense of wistfulness.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Standing on the Rooftop — The title track encapsulates the album's reflective nature, blending haunting melodies with poignant lyrics about longing and perspective.
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Fickle Dove — This song stands out for its intricate arrangement and emotional delivery, illustrating Peyroux's knack for storytelling through music.
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Lay Your Sleeping Head, My Love — With its intimate tone and gentle instrumentation, this track highlights Peyroux’s ability to convey vulnerability while engaging with timeless themes of love and care.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album blends jazz and chanson with introspective lyrics, but lacks a strong cohesive arc throughout its runtime.

What we noticed

Peyroux's vocal delivery often employs a conversational style, with phrasing that emphasizes the emotional weight of the lyrics.
Several tracks incorporate rich instrumental arrangements, including strings and brass, which enhance the overall mood without overshadowing the vocals.

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

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 pacing with gradual peaks
intimate storytelling throughout tracks
for relaxed evenings
smoky atmosphere for quiet moments

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy experiences
prefer standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2011, Standing on the Rooftop is Madeleine Peyroux's fourth studio album, following her critically acclaimed release, Bare Bones, from 2009. At this point in her career, she had established herself as a unique voice in jazz and was exploring deeper emotional themes within her songwriting.
Stylistic neighbors: Norah Jones· Diana Krall· Cassandra Wilson