What makes Wholly Earth by Abbey Lincoln notable?

Wholly Earth received significant acclaim for its thoughtful exploration of personal and societal themes, reflecting Lincoln's artistic maturation. It is often noted for its impact on contemporary jazz, influencing a generation of vocalists who seek to combine emotional depth with technical skill. By the time Abbey Lincoln released Wholly Earth in 1998, she was a seasoned artist known for both her vocal prowess and her contributions to jazz. This album arrived as her follow-up to the critically acclaimed Over the Years (1994), marking a period where Lincoln embraced deeper lyrical content and collaboration with prominent jazz musicians.

How many songs are on Wholly Earth?

Wholly Earth has 10 tracks, running approximately 67 minutes.

Wholly Earth

Abbey Lincoln · 1998

67 min · 10 tracks · jazz

A rich tapestry of jazz, blending soulful vocals with intricate arrangements that explore themes of love and existence.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Midnight Sun — This track stands out for its haunting melody and Lincoln's emotive delivery, showcasing her unique ability to convey complex emotions through music.
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Caged Bird — A powerful interpretation that draws from Maya Angelou's poem, this track exemplifies Lincoln's commitment to social justice and personal freedom.
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Learning How to Listen — The introspective lyrics paired with a delicate arrangement demonstrate Lincoln's artistry and her focus on connection and understanding in relationships.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong writing and production, with a distinctive sound that reflects Lincoln's artistic growth.

What we noticed

Tracks six through ten incorporate more spoken word elements and varied instrumentation, shifting the album's dynamic towards introspection.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.

Tracklist

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

1 And It's Supposed to Be Love 5:13
2 Midnight Sun 7:23
3 Wholly Earth 6:01
4 Look to the Star 6:42
5 Another World 9:13
6 Conversations With a Baby 6:37
7 If I Only Had a Brain 5:32
8 Another Time, Another Place 7:16
9 Caged Bird 7:02
10 Learning How to Listen 6:29

What to play next

Listen next

Over the Years

2000

Go back to

Who Used to Dance

1997

Full Abbey Lincoln discography Artists like Abbey Lincoln

jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata