Taking a Chance on Love
Jane Monheit · 2004
55 min · 13 tracks · jazz
A lush, romantic blend of jazz standards delivered with rich vocals and sophisticated arrangements that evoke timeless elegance.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Taking a Chance on Love — This title track encapsulates the album's overarching theme of hope and longing, delivered through Monheit's emotive phrasing and dynamic range.
-
→
In the Still of the Night — The arrangement highlights Monheit's ability to balance vulnerability and strength, making it a standout moment that showcases both her technical skill and emotional depth.
-
→
Over the Rainbow — Monheit’s interpretation transforms this classic into a heartfelt ballad, emphasizing her unique ability to connect deeply with both the lyrics and melodies.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Monheit's polished vocal delivery and sophisticated arrangements create a compelling interpretation of jazz standards.
What we noticed
- The album features lush orchestral arrangements that complement Monheit's vocals, creating a rich sonic texture throughout.
- Each track is structured around classic jazz standards, with Monheit's interpretations emphasizing emotional nuance and phrasing.
- The first half of the album maintains an upbeat tempo, while the latter half shifts to more reflective ballads, altering the overall mood.
- 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
-
7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- intimate evening listening experience
- rich vocal interpretations of classics
- romantic ambiance for dinner parties
- soothing melodies for relaxation
- gentle pacing that invites reflection
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of high-energy tracks
- prefer standalone upbeat singles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2004, Taking a Chance on Love marked Jane Monheit's third studio album following her breakthrough debut, Come Dream With Me. At this point in her career, she was solidifying her reputation as a leading voice in contemporary jazz, building on the acclaim received from her earlier works.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Cassandra Wilson· Norah Jones· Diana Krall
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
Taking a Chance on Love
The bridge shifts from hopeful anticipation to an almost breathless declaration of love, reflecting an emotional crescendo.
This structural transition elevates the song's emotional stakes, demonstrating how Monheit navigates complexity within a seemingly simple narrative.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Honeysuckle Rose 3:38
- 2 In the Still of the Night 5:06
- 3 Taking a Chance on Love 3:19
- 4 Bill 5:16
- 5 I Won't Dance 3:36
- 6 Too Late Now 5:21
- 7 Why Can't You Behave? 4:08
- 8 Do I Love You? 4:53
- 9 I Should Care 3:43
- 10 Love Me or Leave Me 3:35
- 11 Embraceable You 3:47
- 12 Dancing in the Dark 5:06
- 13 Over the Rainbow 3:53
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.