Is This Is Anita a good place to start with Anita O'Day?

Yes, This Is Anita is recommended as a starting point for new Anita O'Day listeners. A vibrant blend of jazz standards infused with Anita O'Day's unique vocal stylings and rhythmic finesse. Released in 1956, 'This Is Anita' marked a significant moment in Anita O'Day's career as her first studio album for the Verve label. This period followed her emergence as a prominent figure in the jazz scene, particularly after her successful performance at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1956, which helped elevate her profile.

Who is This Is Anita for?

This Is Anita works well if you're into steady melodic journey throughout, vibrant vocals for cheerful moments and for afternoon gatherings.

How many songs are on This Is Anita?

This Is Anita has 12 tracks, running approximately 37 minutes.

Released 70 years ago

This Is Anita

Anita O'Day · 1956

37 min · 12 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of jazz standards infused with Anita O'Day's unique vocal stylings and rhythmic finesse.

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Top tracks — play these first

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You're the Top Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square — This track highlights O'Day's ability to convey deep emotion through subtle phrasing and timing, exemplifying her mastery of ballads.
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I Can't Get Started — O'Day's interpretation transforms this standard into an introspective narrative, showcasing her unique ability to merge storytelling with musicality.
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Time After Time — The arrangement allows O'Day's voice to shine, with her playful yet poignant delivery reflecting both vulnerability and confidence.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

O'Day's vibrant interpretations and rhythmic finesse create a compelling jazz standard collection.

What we noticed

Anita O'Day's vocal lines often feature syncopation that interacts playfully with the rhythm section, creating a dynamic interplay.

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: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady melodic journey throughout
vibrant vocals for cheerful moments
for afternoon gatherings
easy listening with rhythmic charm

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced, energetic tracks
seek complex, experimental arrangements

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — First studio album for Verve, establishing her reputation in jazz.
Career context: Released in 1956, 'This Is Anita' marked a significant moment in Anita O'Day's career as her first studio album for the Verve label. This period followed her emergence as a prominent figure in the jazz scene, particularly after her successful performance at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1956, which helped elevate her profile.
Stylistic neighbors: Ella Fitzgerald· Sarah Vaughan· Billie Holiday