What makes That Bad Eartha by Eartha Kitt notable?

That Bad Eartha features the provocative track 'I Want to Be Evil', which became emblematic of Kitt's daring persona and challenged societal norms of femininity. The album was well-received, further establishing Kitt as an influential figure in vocal jazz and paving the way for future artists to explore more audacious themes. Released in December 1953, That Bad Eartha marked Eartha Kitt's emergence as a solo artist following her breakout success with 'Santa Baby' in 1953. This album solidified her status as a vibrant star in the jazz and pop landscape of the early 1950s, showcasing her distinctive vocal style and theatrical flair.

Who is That Bad Eartha for?

That Bad Eartha works well if you're into steady melodic journeys, intimate late-night vibes and sultry vocal explorations.

How many songs are on That Bad Eartha?

That Bad Eartha has 12 tracks, running approximately 37 minutes.

That Bad Eartha

Eartha Kitt · 1953

37 min · 12 tracks · vocal jazz

Eartha Kitt's sultry vocals intertwine with lush orchestration, creating an intoxicating blend of jazz and cabaret.

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Top tracks — play these first

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I Want to Be Evil — This track epitomizes Kitt's playful yet defiant spirit, presenting a character who embraces their darker desires against conventional expectations.
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C'est si bon — Kitt's rendition is both flirtatious and sophisticated, capturing the intimacy and allure inherent in this classic French song.
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Lilac Wine (Dance Me a Song) — In this haunting ballad, Kitt showcases her emotive range, transforming the song into a poignant exploration of longing and desire.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

52 /100

Foothills

Higher than 38% of albums we've rated

Kitt's vocal style and the orchestration create a distinctive sound, though the material is somewhat conventional.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate lush orchestration, creating a rich backdrop that complements Kitt's sultry delivery.
The tempo varies significantly across the album, with some tracks maintaining a slow, seductive pace while others are more upbeat.

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: 7/10
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 melodic journeys
intimate late-night vibes
sultry vocal explorations
contemplative listening moments

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in December 1953, That Bad Eartha marked Eartha Kitt's emergence as a solo artist following her breakout success with 'Santa Baby' in 1953. This album solidified her status as a vibrant star in the jazz and pop landscape of the early 1950s, showcasing her distinctive vocal style and theatrical flair.
Stylistic neighbors: Nina Simone· Billie Holiday· Sarah Vaughan

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Tracklist

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

1 I Want to Be Evil 3:32
2 C'est si bon 3:01
3 Angelitos negros 3:30
4 Avril au Portugal 2:55
5 Let's Do It 3:07
6 My Heart Belongs to Daddy 3:05
7 Uska Daba - A Turkish Tale 3:10
8 African Lullaby 2:55
9 Mountain High, Valley Low 2:39
10 Lilac Wine (Dance Me a Song) 3:48
11 Under the Bridges of Paris 2:43
12 Smoke Gets in Your Eyes 3:04

What to play next

Listen next

RCA Victor Presents Eartha Kitt

1953

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata