Is Wild Is the Wind a good place to start with Nina Simone?

Yes, Wild Is the Wind is recommended as a starting point for new Nina Simone listeners. A haunting blend of jazz, blues, and soul that showcases Simone's emotive vocal prowess and poignant storytelling. Released in 1966, Wild Is the Wind was Nina Simone's tenth studio album, following the critically acclaimed record, I Put a Spell on You. At this point in her career, Simone was solidifying her role as a powerful voice in both music and civil rights, exploring deeper themes of identity and struggle.

Who is Wild Is the Wind for?

Wild Is the Wind works well if you're into deep emotional exploration, introspective late-night sessions and rich storytelling through vocals.

How many songs are on Wild Is the Wind?

Wild Is the Wind has 11 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Released 60 years ago

Wild Is the Wind

Nina Simone · 1966

39 min · 11 tracks · blues

A haunting blend of jazz, blues, and soul that showcases Simone's emotive vocal prowess and poignant storytelling.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
I Love Your Lovin’ Ways Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
→
Four Women — This track stands out for its raw portrayal of four distinct female characters reflecting the complexities of race and gender in America. Its powerful narrative structure makes it a centerpiece of Simone's social commentary.
→
Lilac Wine — Simone's rendition transforms this song into an emotional exploration of love and loss, showcasing her ability to convey deep vulnerability through her voice. The arrangement complements the lyrical longing beautifully.
→
Wild Is the Wind — The title track encapsulates the album's thematic depth with its sweeping melodies and Simone’s passionate delivery, making it a standout moment that resonates with feelings of yearning and desire.

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 Simone's vocal range and emotional depth while addressing significant themes, making it a notable work in her discography.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate rich instrumental arrangements, including strings and horns, which enhance the emotional weight of her vocals.

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

deep emotional exploration
introspective late-night sessions
rich storytelling through vocals
soulful, haunting atmospheres

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Features iconic track 'Four Women' addressing racial identity, boosting recognition.
Themes: racial identity struggles· female resilience narratives· emotional longing in love
Moods: Introspective· Melancholy
Career context: Released in 1966, Wild Is the Wind was Nina Simone's tenth studio album, following the critically acclaimed record, I Put a Spell on You. At this point in her career, Simone was solidifying her role as a powerful voice in both music and civil rights, exploring deeper themes of identity and struggle.
Stylistic neighbors: Billie Holiday· Ella Fitzgerald· Aretha Franklin