The Great American Songbook cover

The Great American Songbook

Carmen McRae

71 min · 18 tracks · jazz

Carmen McRae's jazz interpretations blend lush arrangements with her smoky, emotive vocals that breathe new life into classic standards.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • smoky vocals for cozy evenings
  • wave-like pacing with emotional peaks
  • nostalgic reflections on classic standards
  • for intimate gatherings
  • engaging medleys that surprise

Maybe skip if you want

  • seekers of fast-paced tracks
  • prefer modern, upbeat sounds

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1973, 'The Great American Songbook' came during Carmen McRae’s prolific phase as a jazz vocalist. This album followed her critically acclaimed works in the late 1960s and early 1970s, showcasing her ability to interpret timeless songs with a fresh perspective while solidifying her status as a leading figure in jazz.
Stylistic neighbors
Billie Holiday· Sarah Vaughan· Ella Fitzgerald

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Satin Doll 4:35
  • 2 At Long Last Love 2:27
  • 3 If the Moon Turns Green 4:22
  • 4 Day by Day 2:23
  • 5 What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life 4:15
  • 6 I Only Have Eyes for You 4:12
  • 7 Medley: Easy Living / The Days of Wine and Roses / It’s Impossible 9:14
  • 8 Sunday 4:10
  • 9 A Song for You 4:46
  • 10 I Cried for You 2:20
  • 11 Behind the Face 2:44
  • 12 The Ballad of Thelonius Monk 3:29
  • 13 There’s No Such Thing as Love 5:01
  • 14 They Long to Be Close to You 4:38
  • 15 Three Little Words 1:59
  • 16 Mr. Ugly 3:59
  • 17 It’s Like Reaching for the Moon 2:52
  • 18 I Thought About You 3:54

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata