The Song Lives On cover

The Song Lives On

Lalah Hathaway · 1999

56 min · 11 tracks · jazz

A lush blend of jazz and soul, seamlessly merging heartfelt vocals with rich instrumental textures.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Song Lives On — This title track introduces Hathaway's signature style, combining soulful melodies with poignant lyrics about resilience and hope.
  • →
    Fever — A captivating rendition of the classic standard, Hathaway's interpretation adds jazz-infused sensuality that highlights her vocal range and emotive delivery.
  • →
    One Day I'll Fly Away — This track showcases Hathaway’s ability to infuse deep emotion into a narrative about longing and liberation, making it a standout moment on the album.

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 showcases strong songwriting and production but doesn't fully stand out in its genre.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a title track that features layered vocal harmonies and a slow build-up, setting a reflective tone.
  • Several tracks incorporate intricate instrumental solos, particularly in the middle section, allowing for dynamic shifts in mood.
  • The final three tracks feature a gradual decrease in tempo, creating a sense of closure as the album progresses.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

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 The Song Lives On 5:11
  • 2 Fever 5:42
  • 3 Come Along With Me 5:14
  • 4 Living in Blue 4:46
  • 5 Street Life 5:51
  • 6 When Your Life Was Low 5:45
  • 7 One Day I'll Fly Away 5:42
  • 8 When the World Turns Blue 4:31
  • 9 For All We Know 5:15
  • 10 Bitter Street 4:00
  • 11 A Long Way From Home 4:57

What to play next

Outrun the Sky
Listen next

Outrun the Sky

2004
A Moment
Go back to

A Moment

1994
Full Lalah Hathaway discography Artists like Lalah Hathaway
jazz soul

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata