Temptation
Holly Cole · 1995
57 min · 16 tracks · jazz
A sultry blend of jazz and pop with evocative storytelling wrapped in Holly Cole's hauntingly smooth vocals.
Top tracks — play these first
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Temptation — The title track exemplifies Cole's seductive vocal style and lyrical interpretation, blending a playful yet melancholic approach that defines the album's mood.
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Jersey Girl — In this cover of Tom Waits' song, Cole brings a lush, emotional depth that transforms the narrative into a poignant reflection on love and longing.
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(Looking for) The Heart of Saturday Night — This track captures the essence of urban yearning through Cole's rich tones and clever phrasing, showcasing her ability to breathe new life into familiar themes.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends jazz and pop with strong vocal performances, though it doesn't fully stand out in its genre.
What we noticed
- Many songs incorporate a slow to mid-tempo pace, allowing for a relaxed and intimate atmosphere throughout the record.
- Cole's vocals often intertwine with the instrumentation, creating a conversational dynamic rather than a traditional lead-and-support structure.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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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 late-night gatherings
- evocative storytelling through vocals
- sultry atmosphere for relaxation
- candlelit dinner ambiance
- gentle pacing with reflective moments
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy dance tracks
- prefer fast-paced listening experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1995, Temptation marked Holly Cole's third studio album, consolidating her unique sound after the commercial success of her previous works. At this point in her career, she was transitioning from a promising newcomer to an established artist, gaining greater recognition in the jazz and pop landscapes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Norah Jones· Diana Krall· Madeleine Peyroux
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Take Me Home 2:27
- 2 Train Song 3:26
- 3 Jersey Girl 3:45
- 4 Temptation 3:05
- 5 Falling Down 5:18
- 6 Invitation to the Blues 4:22
- 7 Cinny's Waltz 2:34
- 8 Frank's Theme 3:10
- 9 Little Boy Blue 2:58
- 10 I Don't Wanna Grow Up 4:30
- 11 Tango Til They're Sore 4:28
- 12 (Looking for) The Heart of Saturday Night 3:37
- 13 Soldiers Things 3:23
- 14 I Want You 2:56
- 15 Good Old World 1:35
- 16 The Briar and the Rose 5:18
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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