Worthy
Bettye LaVette · 2015
44 min · 11 tracks · blues
A compelling blend of blues and soul, showcasing raw emotional power through heartfelt storytelling and dynamic vocal performances.
Top tracks — play these first
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When I Was a Young Girl — This track reinterprets a classic folk song, allowing LaVette's emotive delivery to shine as she navigates themes of nostalgia and reflection.
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Just Between You and Me and the Wall, You're a Fool — LaVette's rendition transforms this track into a poignant exploration of betrayal and resilience, showcasing her ability to infuse raw emotion into storytelling.
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Worthy — The title track encapsulates the album's ethos, with LaVette delivering an empowering message about self-acceptance and dignity through her commanding vocal performance.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and vocal performances, though it has a familiar blues structure.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate layered instrumentation, building intensity before dropping to sparse arrangements that highlight the vocals.
- The last three tracks shift towards a more reflective tone, creating a sense of closure as they explore themes of resilience and self-acceptance.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- heartfelt storytelling through song
- steady pacing with emotional peaks
- reflective moments of personal growth
- intimate listening for deep connection
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer upbeat party vibes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2015, Worthy is Bettye LaVette's first album of original material in nearly a decade, following her acclaimed covers album, Interpretations: The British Rock Songbook. This record marks a pivotal moment in her career as it showcases her artistic evolution and deepens her exploration of personal themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Mavis Staples· Etta James· Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Stop
The chorus presents a moment of vulnerability where the narrator directly confronts their feelings, demanding recognition from a partner.
This direct address shifts the emotional intensity of the song, marking it as a pivotal point where urgency escalates.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Unbelievable 3:15
- 2 When I Was a Young Girl 3:40
- 3 Bless Us All 2:49
- 4 Stop 4:24
- 5 Undamned 3:32
- 6 Complicated 3:43
- 7 Where a Life Goes 5:04
- 8 Just Between You and Me and the Wall, You're a Fool 6:39
- 9 Wait 3:40
- 10 Step Away 3:03
- 11 Worthy 4:10
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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