Lady in Satin

Eleanora (aka Lady Day) is basically the best female singer ever, and listening to this is a reminder to anyone who might think otherwise. Even the outtakes and alternate versions add value - which is not usually the case with repackaged versions of old albums! I wish there was more film of her, and even more recorded music, but plan to fully explore her back catalogue when i have time (ie after the list!)

Respect to Billie but this isn’t for me. I was bored. It wasn’t bad but it gave me the same feeling I get watching movies from the 50’s. Probably great for the time, but we have moved way past this.

Really chill and sensual. You can tell her voice has been affected by alcohol/drugs, but somehow it only elevates it here. The backing arrangements do a good job of complementing her voice while still always allowing it to be the focus.

Laatulevy menneeltä ajalta ja varsinainen mestari taas areenalla. Vieläkään ei tää vokaalijazz kuitenkaan oo omia suosikeita, nii jää nyt 3.5/5

Ein interessante Stimme aber leider begeisterter mich der Mix aus Jazz, Blues und Swing nicht.aLeider kein spektakulärer Titel aber auch für den nicht Jazz Fan nett zu hören als Hintergrund für einen schönen Bar-Abend.

I really did have to get used to her voice at first, as while I'm not unfamiliar with the vocal style, it can certainly be jarring. Once I did get accustomed to it, however, I really thought it was very pretty. It's filled with so much heartache, and feels all the more genuine due to the strife behind each word. Those strings are also great, and were the reason for helping me get used to her voice. My main issue is that this album is pretty repetitive, and at forty-five minutes long, which is big for an album from the 1950s, it does wear on you after a while, but otherwise this a great piece of music history, showing you don't need some impeccable voice to stand out and even stand above your contemporaries.

I kinda had to force myself through this album, not my vibe at all. I enjoy jazz music, but I swear to god every single song was the exact same on this album. Whatever, I guess I'm not a romantic. I could see myself enjoying the ambiance caused by playing this album at the right time.

No standout tracks, I'm a fool to want you is going on the playlist, I guess.

1/5

This was decent. In my mind, jazz doesn't have singing, but this may have changed my mind. Not a stellar album, but decent enough to give it 3/5

Was the album all just the same song? I heard different words pertaining the love throughout, but other than that it was just one block of indifferent warbling. 1/5

Agree this album probably should be on the list, but I’m really not a fan of Billie Holiday’s voice on this album, so not an enjoyable album for me or one I’ll come back to.

She's great, and I really regret that I wasn't listening to this in ideal circumstances--slow dancing in a dimly-lit room

Undeniably, a unique voice.
I wasn't particularly in the mood for this style of music yesterday, songs felt quite dull. Still appreciate the musical arrangements. 2.5

Billie Holiday has such a recognizable voice. It is so raspy, smokey, and beautiful. She is one of the greatest female crooners. Ray Ellis' orchestra is beautiful. The music is low, with Billie's voice overtop, but every now and again, waves of strings and flutes wash over you, and then amazing trumpet solos blow the roof off the place. This album features songs that are about love and heartbreak. I am not a huge fan of jazz, but can absolutely appreciate it all the same.

Favourite songs: I'm a Fool to Want You, The End of a Love Affair, But Beautiful, For Heaven's Sake

Least favourite songs: Violets for Your Furs, You've Changed, I Get Along Without You Very Well

3/5

This was a tough one to get through. I understand how some people find her voice amazing, but I found the overall album fairly boring.

Like being wrapped in a blanket. Wonderful.

Normally, I'm in for this sort of album; Especially with one of the greats, such as Billie Holiday! But this album just felt like a complete production miss. The orchestral arrangements strike me as overly glossy and schmaltzy. On the other hand, Billie's vocals sound strained, especially during the line punctuating vibratos (of which there is one on nearly every single line).

Honestly, I expected something great, but after 3 attempts, I just couldn't sit through the full length album.

Nice voice!

I listened to this several times. It has a pleasant sound but also a deep sadness.

Bonito y tranquilo. Jazz clásico. Como es de sus últimos discos está mejor grabado.

oh yesss. am i going to listen to a billie holiday album and not give it 5 stars? i dont think so. its just perfect. he casual mastery of her instrument is incredible. the orchestration does just enough.