What makes This Time It's Love by Kurt Elling notable?

The album received significant critical acclaim, including a nomination for Best Jazz Vocal Album at the 1999 Grammy Awards, which highlighted Elling's growing influence in the jazz world. It also features a mix of classic standards and original compositions that resonated well with audiences, further cementing Elling's status as a leading figure in the genre. This Time It's Love is Kurt Elling's second studio album, released in 1998 following his acclaimed debut, Close Your Eyes. By this point in his career, Elling was establishing himself as a prominent voice in contemporary jazz, recognized for his distinctive style and improvisational skills. The album solidified his reputation, showcasing his ability to blend traditional jazz with modern sensibilities.

Who is This Time It's Love for?

This Time It's Love works well if you're into steady emotional exploration throughout, for romantic evenings and rich vocal nuances to savor.

How many songs are on This Time It's Love?

This Time It's Love has 12 tracks, running approximately 55 minutes.

This Time It's Love

Kurt Elling · 1998

55 min · 12 tracks · jazz

Sophisticated jazz vocals intertwine with lush arrangements, creating an intimate atmosphere that celebrates the nuances of love.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Freddie's Yen for Jen — This track showcases Elling's inventive vocal improvisation and playful interaction with the band, reflecting the album's celebration of romantic themes.
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My Foolish Heart — Elling delivers a deeply emotive interpretation of this classic ballad, highlighting his ability to convey vulnerability through his vocal performance.
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The Very Thought of You — His rendition brings a fresh perspective to this timeless standard, combining lush phrasing with intricate scatting that exemplifies his 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

Elling's second album blends standards with original pieces, showcasing his vocal prowess within lush arrangements.

What we noticed

Tracks often include intricate vocal improvisations that showcase Elling's range and control, particularly in the slower ballads.
The arrangements incorporate lush instrumentation, including strings and horns, which complement the vocal lines without overshadowing them.

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

steady emotional exploration throughout
for romantic evenings
rich vocal nuances to savor
intimate moments of connection

Maybe skip if you

seeking upbeat party tracks
prefer standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

Career context: This Time It's Love is Kurt Elling's second studio album, released in 1998 following his acclaimed debut, Close Your Eyes. By this point in his career, Elling was establishing himself as a prominent voice in contemporary jazz, recognized for his distinctive style and improvisational skills. The album solidified his reputation, showcasing his ability to blend traditional jazz with modern sensibilities.
Stylistic neighbors: Gregory Porter· Cécile McLorin Salvant· Diana Krall