The Sound of Silence
Carmen McRae · 1968
39 min · 12 tracks · jazz
A soulful blend of jazz and pop that captures the emotional weight of its poignant lyrics.
Why this album works
This album is notable for its inclusion of the title track, which became emblematic of a shift in popular music towards more introspective themes during the late 1960s. McRae's version of 'The Sound of Silence' contributed to the song's enduring legacy and further showcased her ability to bridge jazz and mainstream pop audiences.
- Best for
- steady emotional melodic journey soulful reflections on love poignant moments for quiet introspection
- Context
- By 1968, Carmen McRae was already an established figure in jazz, known for her distinctive vocal style. 'The Sound of Silence' came during a prolific period for McRae, following her successful album 'Carmen Sings Monk' released in 1968, showcasing her ability to reinterpret contemporary songs with a jazz sensibility.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Aretha Franklin· Bing Crosby· Ella Fitzgerald· Dave Brubeck· Chet Atkins· Ray Charles· Dean Martin· Andy Williams
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Sound of Silence Standout 3:04
- 2 I Got It Bad and That Ain't Good 3:29
- 3 MacArthur Park Standout 4:02
- 4 Watch What Happens 2:38
- 5 Stardust 4:08
- 6 Don't Go Away 2:18
- 7 Gloomy Sunday Standout 4:11
- 8 I Sold My Heart to the Junkman 3:44
- 9 Poor Butterfly 2:21
- 10 My Heart Reminds Me 2:32
- 11 The Folks Who Live on the Hill 4:30
- 12 Can You Tell 2:17
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.