Storm at Sunup cover

Storm at Sunup

Gino Vannelli · 1975

35 min · 8 tracks · pop music

A fusion of pop and jazz-inflected arrangements that evoke introspective narratives and rich emotional landscapes.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Storm at Sunup — The title track encapsulates the album’s thematic essence, merging poetic lyrics with lush instrumentation that sets the tone for the entire project.
  • →
    Where Am I Going — This song features a reflective narrative that explores existential themes, enhanced by Vannelli's emotive vocal delivery and complex musical structure.
  • →
    Love Me Now — With its catchy melody and romantic lyrics, this track exemplifies Vannelli's ability to blend heartfelt emotion with accessible pop sensibilities.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

51 /100
Foothills
Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

The album blends pop and jazz influences with strong songwriting, though its appeal may be limited to specific audiences.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a title track that features layered vocal harmonies and a gradual build-up of instrumentation, setting an introspective tone.
  • Several tracks incorporate jazz elements, such as syncopated rhythms and extended chord progressions, particularly evident in 'Love Is a Night'.
  • The final track, 'Gettin’ High', features a notable shift in tempo and mood, creating a sense of closure that contrasts with the earlier songs.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

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 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

  • introspective themes of love
  • thoughtful morning listening
  • consistent arrangements throughout

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy tracks
  • prefer short standalone songs

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1975, 'Storm at Sunup' was Gino Vannelli's third studio album, following his breakthrough record 'Powerfull People'. At this point in his career, Vannelli was solidifying his unique blend of pop and jazz influences, establishing a distinctive sound that would define his future work.
Stylistic neighbors
Michael Franks· Boz Scaggs· David Foster

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Storm at Sunup 6:35
  • 2 Love Me Now 3:53
  • 3 Mama Coco 3:09
  • 4 Father and Son 3:17
  • 5 Where Am I Going 7:49
  • 6 Keep On Walking 3:51
  • 7 Love Is a Night 3:55
  • 8 Gettin’ High 3:27

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata