What makes Things Ain't What They Used to Be by Ella Fitzgerald notable?

Things Ain't What They Used to Be is notable for its commercial success and critical acclaim, reflecting a mature phase in Fitzgerald's artistry. The album reached number one on the Billboard Jazz Albums chart, illustrating her lasting influence on the genre and confirming her status as a leading figure in American music during this transition. Released in 1970, this album marked a significant evolution for Ella Fitzgerald as she transitioned into a new era of her career. After a prolific period in the 1950s and 1960s, Fitzgerald embraced contemporary songs alongside traditional jazz, showcasing her adaptability and enduring appeal.

Who is Things Ain't What They Used to Be for?

Things Ain't What They Used to Be works well if you're into vibrant emotional peaks and valleys, playful interpretations with rich textures and for evening gatherings.

How many songs are on Things Ain't What They Used to Be?

Things Ain't What They Used to Be has 22 tracks, running approximately 72 minutes.

Things Ain't What They Used to Be

Ella Fitzgerald · 1970

72 min · 22 tracks · jazz · soul · swing

A vibrant tapestry of jazz and soul, blending classic standards with playful interpretations and rich vocal textures.

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Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

vibrant emotional peaks and valleys
playful interpretations with rich textures
for evening gatherings
short tracks for quick enjoyment
nostalgic reflections on love

Maybe skip if you want

seekers of instant gratification
prefer longer, cohesive pieces

Where this album fits

Themes: soulful reinterpretation· 1970s musical evolution
Career context: Released in 1970, this album marked a significant evolution for Ella Fitzgerald as she transitioned into a new era of her career. After a prolific period in the 1950s and 1960s, Fitzgerald embraced contemporary songs alongside traditional jazz, showcasing her adaptability and enduring appeal.
Stylistic neighbors: Billie Holiday· Sarah Vaughan· Louis Armstrong
Sounds like this from elsewhere: Lady in Satin by Billie Holiday — Shares rich vocal textures and emotional depth, blending jazz with soul influences from the same era.

Wild Is the Wind by Nina Simone — Combines jazz and soul with a contemporary edge, reflecting personal themes and rich emotional expression.

I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You by Aretha Franklin — Merges soulful reinterpretation of standards with powerful vocal delivery, echoing the same musical evolution.

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Tracklist

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

1 Get Ready 2:33
2 The Hunter Gets Captured by the Game 2:59
3 Yellow Man 2:18
4 I’ll Never Fall in Love Again 2:50
5 Got to Get You Into My Life 3:06
6 I Wonder Why 3:10
7 Ooo Baby Baby 2:41
8 Savoy Truffle 2:46
9 Open Your Window 2:49
10 Knock on Wood 3:40
11 Sunny 5:20
12 Mas Que Nada 3:52
13 A Man and a Woman 3:18
14 Days of Wine and Roses 2:24
15 Black Coffee 4:30
16 Tuxedo Junction 3:17
17 I Heard It Through the Grapevine 3:46
18 Don’t Dream of Anyone but Me 4:09
19 Things Ain’t What They Used to Be 3:12
20 Willow Weep for Me 4:44
21 Manteca 2:34
22 Just When We’re Falling in Love 2:30

What to play next

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Go back to

Ella

1969

Full Ella Fitzgerald discography Where to start with Ella Fitzgerald Artists like Ella Fitzgerald

jazz soul swing

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata