What makes That's Just the Way I Want to Be by Blossom Dearie notable?

This album is notable for its innovative blend of jazz and pop elements, which helped to expand Dearie’s audience beyond traditional jazz listeners. The track "Both Sides Now" has been particularly recognized for its emotive delivery and was a precursor to Joni Mitchell's later success with the song, marking Dearie's influence on subsequent artists. By the time 'That's Just the Way I Want to Be' was released in 1970, Blossom Dearie had established herself as an influential figure in the jazz scene. This album followed her critically acclaimed work in the late 1960s, showcasing her unique vocal style and lyrical sensibility during a period of artistic maturation.

How many songs are on That's Just the Way I Want to Be?

That's Just the Way I Want to Be has 12 tracks, running approximately 1 minutes.

That's Just the Way I Want to Be

Blossom Dearie · 1970

1 min · 12 tracks · jazz

Intimate jazz piano intertwines with Blossom Dearie's delicate vocals, creating a whimsical yet poignant exploration of love and longing.

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Top tracks — play these first

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That's the Way I Want to Be — The title track sets the tone with its playful yet introspective lyrics, showcasing Dearie's signature vocal delivery and lyrical wit.
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Both Sides Now — Dearie's interpretation offers a fresh perspective on this classic, highlighting her ability to convey deep emotion through subtle phrasing.
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Will There Really Be a Morning — This track features a haunting arrangement that emphasizes Dearie's delicate vocals, creating an atmosphere of introspection and yearning.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and intimate arrangements, making it a notable entry in Dearie's discography.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of piano as the primary instrument, with vocals layered delicately over the top.
Several tracks incorporate unexpected tempo changes, such as 'Both Sides Now', which shifts from a slow ballad to a more upbeat section.
The arrangement often includes subtle backing harmonies that complement Dearie's voice without overpowering it.

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: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 That's the Way I Want to Be
2 Long Daddy Green
3 Sweet Surprise
4 Hey John
5 Sweet Georgie Fame
6 Both Sides Now
7 Dusty Springfield 1:52
8 Will There Really Be a Morning
9 I Know the Moon
10 Inside a Silent Tear
11 Yesterday When I Was Young
12 I Like London in the Rain

What to play next

Listen next

Blossom Dearie Sings, Volume I

1973

Go back to

Soon It's Gonna Rain

1967

Full Blossom Dearie discography Artists like Blossom Dearie

jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata