What makes The Absence by Melody Gardot notable?

The album received widespread acclaim, charting in multiple countries and showcasing Gardot's ability to connect deeply with audiences through heartfelt songwriting. It also marked her first project recorded outside the United States, reflecting a significant step in her artistic evolution and international appeal. The Absence is Melody Gardot's third studio album, released after her critically acclaimed sophomore effort, My One and Only Thrill. At this point in her career, Gardot was solidifying her distinctive sound that blends jazz with pop influences while also exploring themes of love and loss through a more mature lens.

Who is The Absence for?

The Absence works well if you're into wave-like pacing with emotional peaks, heartfelt lyrics for reflective moments and intimate listening for quiet evenings.

How many songs are on The Absence?

The Absence has 11 tracks, running approximately 57 minutes.

The Absence

Melody Gardot · 2012

57 min · 11 tracks · jazz

A fusion of jazz and pop, enveloped in lush instrumentation and introspective melodies that feel both timeless and contemporary.

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Top tracks — play these first

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So We Meet Again My Heartache — This track exemplifies Gardot's signature blend of vulnerability and sophistication, weaving poignant lyrics with a haunting melody that lingers long after it's over.
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Lisboa — Through its vibrant arrangement, this song captures the essence of travel and longing, with Gardot's evocative vocals painting vivid imagery of distant places.
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If I Tell You I Love You — This track stands out for its intimate lyrical exploration of love's complexities, paired with a subtle yet captivating instrumental backdrop that enhances the emotional weight.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album features lush arrangements and introspective melodies, creating a cohesive yet emotionally varied listening experience.

What we noticed

The album opens with a soft, melodic piano line that sets a reflective tone, which is maintained through lush orchestration across the first half.
Several tracks feature intricate arrangements with strings and woodwinds, creating a rich texture that complements Gardot's vocal delivery.
The last three tracks slow down significantly, emphasizing emotional weight and introspection, which alters the overall pacing of the album.

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

Influence 3/10

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

wave-like pacing with emotional peaks
heartfelt lyrics for reflective moments
intimate listening for quiet evenings
lush melodies for cozy atmospheres

Maybe skip if you

seeking fast-paced energy
prefer standalone singles over cohesion

Where this album fits

Career context: The Absence is Melody Gardot's third studio album, released after her critically acclaimed sophomore effort, My One and Only Thrill. At this point in her career, Gardot was solidifying her distinctive sound that blends jazz with pop influences while also exploring themes of love and loss through a more mature lens.
Stylistic neighbors: Norah Jones· Diana Krall· Madeleine Peyroux