What makes This Is It by Melba Moore notable?

This Is It was critically acclaimed, receiving significant attention from both audiences and music critics alike. The title track became a disco anthem, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart, which helped solidify Moore's impact on the genre during the height of disco's popularity. Released in 1976, This Is It marked Melba Moore's second studio album following her self-titled debut in 1975. At this point in her career, Moore was transitioning into a prominent figure in the disco scene, showcasing her dynamic vocal range and establishing her presence as a leading artist in R&B and soul music.

Who is This Is It for?

This Is It works well if you're into uplifting vibes for celebration, danceable rhythms for gatherings and soulful melodies for uplifting moments.

How many songs are on This Is It?

This Is It has 9 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Released 50 years ago

This Is It

Melba Moore · 1976

39 min · 9 tracks · pop music

Soulful melodies intertwine with disco rhythms, creating an uplifting atmosphere that celebrates love and resilience.

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Top tracks — play these first

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This Is It — The title track stands out with its infectious groove and powerful vocal delivery, serving as a declaration of personal empowerment and joy.
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Free — This song highlights Moore's gospel influences, blending uplifting lyrics with a soulful melody that embodies themes of liberation and self-acceptance.
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Lean On Me — A heartfelt ballad, this track showcases Moore’s emotional depth and vocal prowess, making it a memorable centerpiece of the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

51 /100

Foothills

Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

The album blends disco rhythms with soulful melodies, highlighting Melba Moore's vocal prowess and emotional delivery.

What we noticed

The album opens with a strong title track that features a prominent disco beat, immediately setting an energetic tone.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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

uplifting vibes for celebration
danceable rhythms for gatherings
soulful melodies for uplifting moments
energizing tracks for motivation

Maybe skip if you

preference for slow ballads
seeking subdued background music

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1976, This Is It marked Melba Moore's second studio album following her self-titled debut in 1975. At this point in her career, Moore was transitioning into a prominent figure in the disco scene, showcasing her dynamic vocal range and establishing her presence as a leading artist in R&B and soul music.
Stylistic neighbors: Patti LaBelle· Chaka Khan· Gloria Gaynor

Tracklist

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

1 This Is It 3:07
2 Free 4:27
3 One Less Morning 4:34
4 Make Me Believe You 7:03
5 Lean On Me 4:49
6 Stay Awhile 3:51
7 Play Boy Scout 4:08
8 Blood Red Roses 3:14
9 Brand New 4:46

What to play next

Listen next

A Portrait of Melba

1977

Go back to

Melba

1976

Full Melba Moore discography Artists like Melba Moore

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata