Is This Is New a good place to start with Dee Dee Bridgewater?

Yes, This Is New is recommended as a starting point for new Dee Dee Bridgewater listeners. A lush amalgamation of jazz standards infused with Dee Dee Bridgewater's soulful interpretations and rich vocal textures. When 'This Is New' was released in 2002, Dee Dee Bridgewater was already an accomplished artist, celebrated for her contributions to jazz and vocal music. This album followed her Grammy-winning project 'Dear Ella,' showcasing her continued evolution as a vocalist and interpreter of classic songs. At this point in her career, she was transitioning into more experimental territory while maintaining ties to traditional jazz elements.

Who is This Is New for?

This Is New works well if you're into theatrical flair with emotional depth, gradual build to satisfying resolutions and for reflective evening moments.

How many songs are on This Is New?

This Is New has 11 tracks, running approximately 65 minutes.

This Is New

Dee Dee Bridgewater · 2002

65 min · 11 tracks · jazz

A lush amalgamation of jazz standards infused with Dee Dee Bridgewater's soulful interpretations and rich vocal textures.

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Top tracks — play these first

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This Is New Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Lost in the Stars — This track exemplifies Bridgewater's ability to convey profound emotion through her nuanced phrasing and interpretation, transforming the song into a haunting experience.
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Bilbao Song — Bridgewater's rendition captures the song's wistfulness and longing, with her voice soaring over intricate instrumentation that enhances its dramatic effect.
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September Song — The intimate arrangement allows Bridgewater’s rich vocals to shine, delivering a poignant reflection on aging and nostalgia that resonates deeply with listeners.
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My Ship — Her interpretation brings a fresh perspective to this classic, blending jazzy rhythms with emotional depth that showcases her versatile artistry.

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

Bridgewater's interpretations and arrangements create a lush sound, though it remains within familiar jazz territory.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that features a slow build, layering instruments gradually before Bridgewater's vocals enter.
Each track is arranged to highlight Bridgewater's vocal phrasing, often featuring extended instrumental sections that allow for improvisation.

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: 6/10
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

theatrical flair with emotional depth
gradual build to satisfying resolutions
for reflective evening moments
captivating storytelling through vocals

Maybe skip if you

seeking fast-paced, upbeat tracks
prefer standalone singles over cohesion

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Acclaimed for innovative jazz arrangements, showcasing Bridgewater's artistic growth.
Career context: When 'This Is New' was released in 2002, Dee Dee Bridgewater was already an accomplished artist, celebrated for her contributions to jazz and vocal music. This album followed her Grammy-winning project 'Dear Ella,' showcasing her continued evolution as a vocalist and interpreter of classic songs. At this point in her career, she was transitioning into more experimental territory while maintaining ties to traditional jazz elements.
Stylistic neighbors: Nina Simone· Cassandra Wilson· Diana Krall