What makes Turned to Blue by Nancy Wilson notable?

Turned to Blue received significant attention for its sophisticated arrangements and heartfelt performances, earning a Grammy nomination for Best Jazz Vocal Album. The album is notable for its ability to attract both longtime fans of Wilson's work and new listeners, demonstrating her lasting impact on the jazz genre. Released in 2006, Turned to Blue marked Nancy Wilson's return to the studio after a five-year hiatus. At this point in her career, she was celebrated as a veteran artist, having already achieved critical acclaim with her earlier works. This album showcases her enduring vocal prowess and deep emotional resonance, bridging her classic style with contemporary influences.

Who is Turned to Blue for?

Turned to Blue works well if you're into steady melodic journey throughout, for intimate evenings and emotive vocals that resonate deeply.

How many songs are on Turned to Blue?

Turned to Blue has 11 tracks, running approximately 52 minutes.

Released 20 years ago

Turned to Blue

Nancy Wilson · 2006

52 min · 11 tracks · jazz

A lush blend of jazz and pop, featuring rich vocals and a warm orchestral backdrop that evokes nostalgia and longing.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Turned to Blue — The title track encapsulates the album's theme of melancholic reflection, showcasing Wilson's emotive delivery paired with poignant instrumentation.
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I Don’t Remember Ever Growing Up — This track stands out for its whimsical lyrics and playful melody, highlighting Wilson's ability to blend nostalgia with a sense of youthful freedom.
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These Golden Years — A touching tribute to cherished memories, this song exemplifies Wilson's lyrical depth while her vocals soar over a beautifully arranged backdrop.

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

The album showcases strong arrangements and performances, appealing to both jazz and pop audiences.

What we noticed

The album features lush orchestral arrangements that complement Wilson's vocal delivery, creating a warm and nostalgic atmosphere.
Each track maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, with the exception of 'Knitting Class,' which introduces a playful swing.

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 3/10

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
for intimate evenings
emotive vocals that resonate deeply
reflective moments of nostalgia

Maybe skip if you

prefer upbeat, fast-paced music
seek standalone energetic tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2006, Turned to Blue marked Nancy Wilson's return to the studio after a five-year hiatus. At this point in her career, she was celebrated as a veteran artist, having already achieved critical acclaim with her earlier works. This album showcases her enduring vocal prowess and deep emotional resonance, bridging her classic style with contemporary influences.
Stylistic neighbors: Ella Fitzgerald· Sarah Vaughan· Billie Holiday