Wild Is The Wind

*Gordon Ramsay voice* finally some good fucking music. Seriouly, this album could come out today and nobody would blink an eye. It's completely outstanding not just among 60s music, but 20th century music in general.

Ok, so this is a five star for me. It's hard to believe that this album was constructed over tracks left over from recording sessions across the previous few years. The material is understandably eclectic, but held together by Ms Simone's authoritative voice and piano playing. There are standards, ballads, folk songs and one (astounding) original, mixing love songs with the political. She is completely in control of the dynamics and presentation of the material, and it comes out with a consistent and definitive voice. Four Women is a powerful song of racial inequity and discrimination (banned on many radio stations at the time, with the still common conservative tactic of claiming that material calling out racism is, itself, racist.) Subsequently sampled by Jay-Z on The Story of O.J., picking up on the themes of racial discrimination (although there are elements of his message I find a little baffling. Art speculation as a cure for racial inequity?) Her version of Lilac Wine is definitive and was clearly massively influential on Jeff Buckley, who lifted her arrangement intact for his album 'Grace'. David Bowie was also a massive fan, covering Wild is the Wind on 'Station to Station' in explicit tribute to Nina Simone. And it obviously stayed close to him; he released it as a single in 1981, opened his 200 Glastonbury set with it, and performed it at his final ever live show in 2006. I have listened to this album straight through three times in a row, and I hear more from her performances every time. She is so in control of her performance, even when she goes slightly out of control, such as her screamed "my name is Peaches!" at the end of Four Women. This is a masterclass in how deeply a musician can understand and project a song. She is at the height of her formidable powers on this record. A five star classic, perfect and massively influential. My hidden gem on the album: If I Should Lose You. It's beautiful and heartbreaking. A moment of reflection on the 1001 albums list; why does Paul Simon (the adjacent artist on this list) rate six album inclusions, and Nina Simone only one? More evidence of the white-boy rock critic bias of this list. I cannot understand why an artist of Ms Simone's stature and breadth of material only rates a single inclusion.

Tough to put to words, but when you feel something powerful through a work of music, it has achieved its purpose.

LOVE. I want to swing in a hammock strung from her vocal cords.

i wrote such a good review but then this bitch ass deleted it 🙄 here’s what i can remember: IM ROCKIN WITH NINA four women is where it’s at (fight me) part of lilac wine is used in a beyoncé documentary and i fully got whiplash when i heard it break down and let it all out is a fucking BANGER THIS SHIT SLAPS she sings so intimately, like it’s a conversation i love her voice 0 skips

This was honestly gorgeous. A surprising new discovery even though I had heard of Nina Simone. Every song on the record captivated me.

A powerful, profound, and gripping album by an indisputable icon. While I was already familiar with Ms. Simone's enormous and versatile talent, I was not familiar with her story, which I read in the linked Wikipedia article. Wow. What a strong, brave, and visionary person. I hope more people get the chance to learn her story. And of course, listen to her wide-ranging, massive, and incredible body of work.

This album blew me out of the water. Nina Simone's voice and delivery demands attention. It is textured, deep (contralto), and arresting. Everything about this album is striking down to the socially conscious lyrics. This is one of those albums that make me understand the simple power the human voice can have.

Apparently this is an album made up of left over bits from other recording sessions, and it sounds like it. Generally it's quite nice, but a bit lacking in cohesion and some of the tracks sound a bit unfinished. I'm also not overly keen on her voice. Sure its objectively great, just not to my taste.

Genre: Vocal Jazz 5/5 A titan of her time, Nina Simone is one of the greatest voices in the history of modern music. Wild Is the Wind is her opus, a collection of songs that truly showcase her range, and not just vocally. Nina Simone does not just sing, she performs. The power of a song like Four Women isn't just in its dark, brooding soundscape or its biting, socially critical lyrics, but Nina's raw power and genuine emotion, which is felt with every note. Every song on here, especially the aforementioned Four Women and the album's title track, are perfect examples of the genre, but even better examples of how talented Nina was, and how good she sounded on anything you gave her. From the upbeat, near doo-wop style of I Love Your Lovin' Ways, to her classic heartfelt tearjerkers like Either Way I Lose, she just simply floats on top of the track. An essential listen, and a perfect foray into what we now know as Vocal Jazz, a genre rife with wonderful artists with some really wonderful records.

Only a couple of songs are strong to me. The lyrics are very romantic, the voice of Nina Simone is amazing, but that's it. The album have a lot of weaknesses, really far from her best work as an album, maybe because it's made of leftovers from other sessions and compiled into this.

Nina Simone is a pleasure to listen to even if you only know her through being sampled all over the place. She makes you feel the struggles and torment of black Americans through this album. She didn’t have a bad track; her vocal performance was outstanding and very track felt new. The Soul, Jazz vibe was so fun and it's clear why artists use her work, the most famous being Jay-Z using the beat and vocals from ‘Four Woman’. The album didn’t stop on this great track it also had soulful powerful vocals on ‘Break Down and Let It All Out’. Overall this album was amazing, I will defiantly come back in the future.

Dramatic, passionate, soulful. Real, unfiltered music sung by an intense artist with something to say. Fuck off Lorde.

Absolutely wonderful album. A beautiful but authentic mix of genres that just feel good. Nina's songwriting is both challenging and comforting and she has the voice of an angel. Really surprised and pleased with this one.

The energy and emotion she puts in her lyrics, especially in her song, "Four Women" sends absolute chills and amazement. Would Give It: 5/5

Astonishingly beautiful. An amazing album and experience.

Vocal competence, well arranged music, but not for me. I prefer both Billie Holiday and Eartha Kitt. As usual for the genre and time, the songs are not written by the performer, with the exception of Four Women, which in contradiction to the statement on the album cover, is highly forgettable. Overall OK, but nothing exceptional.

Literally WTF. why haven't I heard some of these songs before - they are spellbinding. I have of course enjoyed Nina Simone songs before, but some of these are masterpieces. I'm in love with 'If I should lose you' and 'what more can I say'.. the piano playing, the lyrics, the chord progressions. 6/5

I think this is an incredible work, and it is truly so unique and beautiful. Her voice is so iconic, and the piano is really amazing too.

I want to give this queen five stars because of her legacy and impact on the music industry. But I found most of this album somewhat difficult to listen to. Maybe it's just not my style? I feel some kind of way that I like the white-man-covers of two of these songs better than her originals.

A major talent who led a fierce life.

Pure soul. So much passion and power. Nina was, and will always be, one of the all time greats. Not much more to say.

Singers like Mariah Carey should take note: having a powerful voice is about more than just singing scales. You can feel Simone’s pain, heartache, outrage, and strength pouring out of even my tinny phone speaker. Amazing!

What an amazing vocal range. Evocative and beautiful.

Pretty interesting, especially Four Women. Not sure I’d listen again but what a voice. After hearing her big singles and now this I’d definitely try another album

Revolutionary in the truest sense

Great album

YEAH LETS GO

Solid, got some bangers

A beautiful an essential record.

This is my 356th (one year) album! Happy Anniversary to me. Also, Nina Simone is fantastic. Her voice is compelling, the content is poignant and relevant even today, and the music is very strong. It is a little too old for my taste, but at the same time, the quality is undeniable. I'm stuck at 4.5 or 5, but just on vocal presence, I am leaning high!

This is one of the most spectacular albums to unexpectedly grace my ears.

listened to once at work, then on my walk again, and third time before bedtime while laying and cuddling with my gf on the sofa. perfect.

Tremendous voice. Gives you chills!

Her voice and work is so timeless.

Feel like having your heart broken? Have an afternoon to kill? Go ahead and spend some time with this one, but give it the time it's due. Bonus points if it's raining outside.

Amazing and beautiful ❤️

Passion that nobody can ignore and strength that nobody can deny.

I am ashamed to admit I hadn’t really listened to Nina Simone before. I was blown away by her voice, her lyrics, the piano, everything. If this album doesn’t make you feel something, then you are soulless.

Haunting, beguiling, soulful, intelligent and extraordinarily beautiful. Once Nina Simone has drawn your attention, be it from a tv documentary, video clip or radio program, that’s it - there really is no escape - ever. She was utterly magnetic in concert by the look of videos.

I like stouts, and a while back I drank one with a uniquely Mexican take, flavors of chocolate and cinnamon, and then the bite of some jalapeno heat. It’s one of the best stouts I’ve ever had. Likewise, on 'Wild Is The Wind,' Nina Simone brings the rich smoothness of chocolate, the spice of cinnamon, and definitely the passionate pepper heat to create her own intoxicating brew; and, it’s heady stuff. I was emotionally worn out by the end of the fourth song, ‘Lilac Wine,’ a particularly soulful rendering, sung with incredible heart, and an ending I can best describe as true. Ms. Simone’s powerful vibrato heralds her passion, her vocals at times sheer power, but also showing great restraint when the mood is required. The way she relaxes into each word, often patiently drawing out syllables, allows time for the listener to really let the lyrics settle in. The total length of the LP is under 40 minutes. It felt longer, and in a good, satisfying way. The variety on Wild Is The Wind is pretty amazing. I counted no less than seven genres of music, including R&B/Soul, rock n’ roll, blues, jazz, pop (the first four songs), folk, and believe it or not, to close the LP, doo-wop! Shoot, Nina could probably take on country and make it her bitch, too, if she wanted. Apparently, she desired only minimal accompaniment, and it works, revealing a very intimate and honest look into the emotions of her heart and mind. That said, the musicians who do accompany her from the tasteful stand up jazz bass on ‘That’s All I Ask’ to the controlled gallop of the drummer on ‘Break Down and Let It All Out,’ are all terrific. Including, of course, Nina’s own heartfelt piano playing. Her accompaniment on ‘If I Should Lose You’ is simply lovely. 'Wild Is The Wind' definitely brings the feel of 1966. The overall sound’ll take you right back there before the opener, ‘I Love Your Lovin’ Ways,’ finishes it’s first verse. As for Nina Simone and her piano? Well, that’s a little harder to pin down to any one time or place, much like a wild wind itself.

Love. Listened to at dusk in my mountain home. Sun setting on the opposite side of the house. The valley growing dark. Cloud rising. Hinze Dam shimmering in the fading light. Perfection

The opener is slight compared to its follow-up, which I recognize thanks to its legacy as sample. In not too much longer, that song unfolds, with subtle drama and plenty of good nature. For forty minutes, it's the Nina's Voice Show; With minimal accompaniment, one still gets the distinct sense of traveling through many corners of American music. Comparisons are inevitable because of the mentioned samples and the Buckley cover served to me two months ago by this very site. The songs here have powerful forward momentum, but the lateral movements are quite delicate. That makes me think of Wild as an album not quite arresting enough to fall in love with, and then I hear the blatant parallel with Mitski's Nobody (which I was absolutely arrested by). Desaturation by familiarity: That's something decently new to yours truly. But in the interests of ending speculation about things I know nothing about: One hundred percent beautiful, fascinating as a document of singers'-songwriter's songs. I can't wait to digest it again and hear a more focused project. I can tell she's capable of a better run of songs and yet this one is better than so many others...

Cooking in the morning on a sunny day was the perfect vibe for this.

Nina Simone's voice is very commanding and demands the listeners attention. The instrumentation is grand and the swells add to the emotion of the singing and lyrics well. Some parts are a bit hokey, e.g. "my name is Peaches." Probably not very fair considering this was released in 1966 but it doesn't flow very well as an album, and some songs just abruptly stop which is quite jarring Highlights: I Love Your Lovin' Ways

I adore Nina Simone. This album has some knockouts, but because it is a compilation of sorts it has some uneven moments to me that perhaps wouldn’t be there or noticed as much were this a regular studio album.

The lyrics are just so beautiful and her voice has so much gravity. The music is lilting. My mood is lifting

Going to keep it simple: Nina Simone was an amazing, highly talented individual. The music is great. Very little to complain about here.

Always incredible. *What More Can I Say? *Why Keep On Breaking My Heart?

Soulful and deep. A uniquely classic album that shines on its elegance and simplicity. Four Women is a beautiful and moving song. Overall enjoyed more than I expected. 7.7/10

I have a pretty great 2 disc Nina Simone anthology that I listened to alot for awhile but I've never really listened to one of her albums in it's entirety. It's hard to choose with such a long and prolific career (and I'd say she was pretty consistently great through it all). This album has some great tracks for sure. It's fairly spare in it's arrangements on most tracks and she has an amazing ability to use space/silence to build drama. Powerful voice, incredible piano playing. I can't even imagine seeing this live. It would be so intense. I had to check and see if spotify had changed to a new album when I heard the last track "Either way I lose" come on.

I knew Wild Is The Wind from Bowie's Station to Station, never realised it was a cover. The song Four Women is an emotional gut punch, very powerful.

Starts strong but gets boring

Love her. Not my favourite album, tho.

The album was surprisingly emotional, but no song grabbed me. The lyrics were dark and introspective whilst the music was light, smooth, and jazzy - the contrast was interesting!

Not bad. Not really my thing.

Not bad

it was ok. prefer other stuff from her and only about 5 things. was still good to experience but won't be happening again.

Hard to argue with the fact that Nina is one of the most iconic voices of the 20th century. I thought this album lacked some more upbeat material, favourites were Lilac Wine and the live cut of Black Is The Colour Of My True Love's Hair. 6/10.

I wish there was more Nina Simone on this list, and I’m honestly shocked that there isn’t. There’s moments on Wild is The Wind that are no less than transcendent; the run from “Four Women” to “That’s All I Ask” is truly untouchable. Simone had such a unique, singular voice, literally and figuratively, and the stark, sparse songs that let that voice shine with just her and a piano showcase why Nina Simone is still so goddamn powerful. But there’s other parts of this record that just feel….like fluff? The more trad-r&b songs, like “I Love Your Lovin' Ways” and “Either Way I Lose,” feel really cheap standing next to some of the most powerful social commentary in music history. And then there’s songs like the title track or “Black Is the Color of My True Love's Hair,” which are complex and noteworthy, but also dense, and are very hard to digest. For the majority of Side B, I honestly find Simone’s deeper register more distracting than engaging, which doesn’t help me fully fall in love with this record overall. To me, Wild is The Wind is a 50/50 split. What’s annoying is that I *know* I like other Simone records. I know I like I Put a Spell on You and …Sings the Blues and would consider both stronger listens front-to-back, and that’s excluding at least 3 other records in her back catalog that are equally revered. I’m not saying I need 6 Nina Simone albums on this list, but given her influence, it feels strange to only acknowledge her once with what may be her spottiest record. The highs are mountain tops, but the lows are either deserts that do her style a disservice, or canyons that take years to descend. Truthfully, it wouldn’t be my pick for this list, and I feel like it’s a weak representation of her talent, despite its best moments.

Barely feels like an album with how frequently it changes modes (perhaps that turned me off a touch a few months back), but that grew on me immensely this time around. Beautiful work start to finish.

Cant not love her voice but doesnt compare to my enjoyment of her "sings the blues" album

This isn’t a album you listen to. It’s one you feel. Love, hate, passion all central to the themes of what Nina wants you to feel.

 Regarded by many as Simone's greatest artistic triumph, Wild is the Wind his a collection of very different songs that work together on multiple levels. They work as social commentary, the singer voicing her frustration with the limited opportunities of African American women in a ways both overt and subtle. They also work as a showcase for the artist's versatility, as she tackles everything from sexy soul to soothing pop, from traditional folk to angry blues. Simone was not just capable of playing in these varied mediums; she could turn each into mesmerizing performance art, powerful self-expression composed of elegance and drama simultaneously.

Some interesting lyrics (a tad rambly), glimpses of life as a black woman in the US '60. Good musical variety. "I love your loving ways" stands out. "Four women" is trying to tell a story, but the "my name's" shtick makes it kinda forced.

I feel bad, I just don't like it.

Objectively good but not my style. She has a strange voice, but is very good on the piano.

Compilation of dropped songs.

I can respect it, but it’s not my thing really

First album in here that I just didn't enjoy. Nina Simone has a great voice and plenty of songs that are known all around the World. I approached this album (for the first time ever), hoping that I could like it. It is now a big part of the history of musi, after all. First song, I Love your Lovin' Ways, was very promising. The groove was there, I could easily blend into the atmosphere and enjoy it. Next song, the famous Four Women, was a bit of a turn in the mood, that actually stayed that way until the end of an album. Light, jazzy bit, deeply in the background and Nina Simone pushing all emotions out. I do think this album might be enjoyable in a different moment in life, or with a different mood when listening. But at the time, I could not take any pleasure from the compositions. Especially the titular song, Wild is the Wind was a very hard one to even sit through. On teh first listen I had to stop halfway, and start again after some time. Strong voice of Nina plus a simple, jazzy structure didn't make my day better, in fact I was constantly throwing glances at the length of songs, to see how much is there until the end. I love some songs made by Nina, but unfortunately, this album has basically zero of those.

I do like Nina Simone, but I like greatest hits Nina Simone. I don't like an album that is so bereft of joy. This was hard work.

Glad to listen to it, but not my jam. In general: 4/10 My rating: 2/10

Stunning.

😮 you can’t fake that pain, it’s like audio history. At a time when America is trying to delete its past. It’s all right there. And more than that it’s really really good music 😮

Spectacular. One of the best voices in history.

Pretty great

WOW. This website has offered some clunkers lately, but this is something out of the blue. A wild emotional journey.

Yes, Miss Simone!

absolutely fantastic when Nina Simone in on you’re just forced to listen an unstoppable force these are some of the greatest love songs ever written

Ten ten no notes

I love how much emotion she is able to convey through both the music and her singing.

Nina Simone's voice is timeless. The songs on here are excellent, and this is one of the rare albums that I truly loved listening to. Favorite Songs: Lilac Wine, What More Can I Say?, Black is The Color of My Lover's Hair

**Nina Simone – *Wild Is the Wind* (1966)** _In-depth review: lyrics, music, production, themes, influence, pros & cons_ --- ### 🎤 **Overview** Released in 1966, *Wild Is the Wind* is not a traditional studio album in the strictest sense—it’s a collection of tracks recorded across several sessions between 1964 and 1965. Despite its patchwork origins, it stands as one of Nina Simone’s most emotionally resonant and stylistically diverse works. The album blends jazz, blues, folk, soul, and pop, all unified by Simone’s commanding voice, piano, and interpretive genius. --- ### 🖋️ **Lyrics & Themes** The lyrical content of *Wild Is the Wind* spans heartbreak, racial identity, love, and existential longing. Simone didn’t write most of the songs, but her interpretive power makes them feel deeply personal. - **“Four Women”** is the album’s thematic and emotional centerpiece. Written by Simone herself, it’s a harrowing portrait of four Black women, each representing a different stereotype and historical experience. The song is a radical act of storytelling, confronting colorism, trauma, and resilience head-on. Its rawness and political urgency made it controversial—some radio stations banned it—but it has since become a civil rights anthem . - **“Lilac Wine”** and **“Wild Is the Wind”** explore intoxicating, almost surreal romantic longing. Simone’s delivery turns these covers into existential meditations on love and loneliness. - **“Break Down and Let It All Out”** and **“Either Way I Lose”** channel vulnerability and emotional surrender, with lyrics that reflect despair but also catharsis. --- ### 🎼 **Music & Arrangements** Musically, the album is a masterclass in restraint and dynamics. Simone’s piano playing is subtle yet emotionally charged, often providing the only harmonic support her voice needs. - **“Black Is the Color of My True Love’s Hair”** is a haunting folk reinterpretation, stripped down to voice and minimal instrumentation. Her phrasing is deliberate, almost ceremonial, turning a simple folk tune into something sacred. - **“I Love Your Lovin’ Ways”** introduces a lighter, almost doo-wop soul vibe, showing her versatility and ability to shift emotional tones without losing cohesion. - The **title track** is a standout—Simone’s version is slower, more aching than Johnny Mathis’s original. Her vibrato and control make it feel like the wind itself is mourning. --- ### 🎛️ **Production** The production, handled by Hal Mooney, is sparse and intimate, often placing Simone’s voice and piano front and center. The album was recorded in a way that preserves the immediacy of her performances—there’s little studio gloss, which enhances the emotional rawness. - The **soundstage** on original vinyl pressings is wide and warm, with a natural midrange and deep bass that gives the music a lived-in feel . - Some tracks feel slightly unfinished or uneven, likely due to the album’s compilation nature. This has led to criticism that it lacks the cohesion of a “true” album . --- ### 🌍 **Influence & Legacy** *Wild Is the Wind* has left a deep imprint across genres and generations: - **Jeff Buckley** lifted Simone’s arrangement of **“Lilac Wine”** almost entirely for his own version on *Grace* . - **David Bowie** was so moved by her version of **“Wild Is the Wind”** that he covered it on *Station to Station* (1976), later releasing it as a single and performing it at his final concert in 2006 . - **Jay-Z** sampled **“Four Women”** on **“The Story of O.J.”**, drawing a direct line from Simone’s 1966 racial commentary to contemporary hip-hop activism . The album is now considered a cornerstone of **vocal jazz** and **civil rights-era music**, often cited as a gateway for new listeners discovering Simone’s broader catalog. --- ### ✅ **Pros** - **Emotional depth**: Simone’s interpretive power turns even standard material into something transcendent. - **Lyrical boldness**: “Four Women” is a landmark in protest music. - **Vocal performance**: Her contralto is rich, expressive, and controlled—arguably at its peak here. - **Genre versatility**: Seamlessly moves between jazz, blues, folk, and soul. - **Influence**: Inspired artists across rock, jazz, and hip-hop. --- ### ❌ **Cons** - **Lack of cohesion**: As a compilation of leftover tracks, the album can feel stylistically disjointed . - **Uneven pacing**: Some listeners find the slower, denser tracks hard to digest in one sitting. - **Not all originals**: Only one song (“Four Women”) is written by Simone, which may disappoint those seeking more of her compositional voice. - **Emotional weight**: The album’s intensity and darkness can be emotionally exhausting for some listeners. --- ### 🏁 **Final Verdict** *Wild Is the Wind* is not Nina Simone’s most polished or cohesive album, but it may be her most **emotionally potent**. It’s a patchwork that somehow feels whole, held together by her unmatched ability to channel pain, beauty, and truth into every note. For those willing to sit with its heaviness, it offers some of the most **haunting and influential performances** in 20th-century music. **Essential listening** for anyone exploring the intersection of **music, identity, and resistance**. A flawed masterpiece, but a masterpiece nonetheless.

Every once in a while, this experience brings me an album that I didn't previously know and that fully and aggressively grabs hold of me. There's so much life here.

Powerful and haunting

Beautiful, cannot believe this is isn't more widely reguarded. Her voice is so unique and moving, the emotions of every song are so masterfully and uniquely laid out.

Vibes: 5/5 Instruments: 4/5 Production: 4/5 Emotional Value: 5/5 Storytelling/Lyrics: 5/5 Stand Outs: Wild is the Wind, Four Women Overall Rating: 4.6

Powerful

Never heard before and didn't recognise any of the songs but so good to hear her genius and sadness of her pain.

What a talent, what a voice and this album does not even has her best work. What an indictment to this list, by the way, that this is the only Simone album on here. She deserves so much more.

Beautiful

Loved Four Women

Third classic jazz/soul album in a row after aretha franklin and otis redding :) Favorite track: four women other picks: lilac wine, wild is the wind, black is the color of my true love’s hair

A lovely album to start the day with - Nina Simone's voice is clear and strong. Cuts to your core. Lilac Wine is songwriting excellence, the song knows when to allow you to sit with the previous verse, letting Simone's vocals hang in the air. Takes you on an experience.

I was in the middle of Black Is the Color of My True Love’s Hair when I knew this was a five star album. I realized I knew of Nina Simone but hadn’t really listened to her, and her voice absolutely blew me away. Just some of the held notes absolutely sold me on her artistry and this album’s merit. I got the same feeling listening to this as I have listening to Bing Crosby: I’d listen just for the voice.

You just can't beat that voice!

5 Love Nina Simone’s voice, it is so powerful. The “bosa nova” beat with her voice is so rich, the rolling drums, coupled with the trill of her voice is a wake up call. She imagines a world full of cups of espresso, gentle winds, and the newness of spring buds emerging from a long frozen winter.

Such a beautiful and personal album. The storytelling is amazing, the instrumentation is perfect, and the singing the entire time is so soulful and powerful. Great album and one that people who really like/want to become more immersed in older music, this is a must listen.

Such a voice, a siren without peer.

Tremendous. Repeat listens, and the title track more than that.