Reviews (page 6 of 14)
**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.
Love it! 4/5
132/1001 :: Nina Simone - Wild is the Wind Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ❌ Rating: 5 Listen before you die: I don’t think so Starts strong and fades into something delicate. She picks it back up again with Why Keep Breaking my Heart but overall while beautiful I found this album a little too slow for my liking.
I though he voice was great, and the four women song was pretty interesting, but the rest of the album was just kind of ok
this album made me feel like i was too underdressed to be listening to it. 4/5
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.
A classic for sure
Emotional, soulful, soaring, elegiac. A beautiful album.
Hated everything about this.
The skill of the singer and the music i not in doubt, but it was just to "jaz" for me.
Really enjoyable album. The first two tracks are very danceable amd the second one has interesting lyrics. Wild is the wind though is one of the best songs ive heard(controversially i prefer Bowie's version though but her vocals are killer!). Overall a great combination off jazz and blues.
Powerful and haunting
Exquisite. Iconic. Important.
Excellent leftovers.
wild is the colour of my true love's hair
3/10
Hmmmmm. Hrrrrrmmmmm. Nina Simone is a vaguely familiar name, though I've never heard of this album before. I've no clue what to expect from this cover, either. It's common for jazz albums to have a face on the cover and a minimal, bold colour palette, so I'm hedging my bets on that. It's also common for jazz albums to have a bunch of needless branding and tat on the cover, so I think I've got a winning prediction on my hands. Jazz, fuck yeah. Finally, a victory on my hands. Anyways, this is fine. Just a perfectly okay jazz album with vocals. Simone is an interesting vocalist. Her style of singing is quite distinctive, though I don't think it's well-matched with the music. Admittedly, she also kind of sounds like a man at a few points. The instrumentals are delicate and intimate, which I appreciate. They fade into the background a little, but I don't think there's anything inherently wrong with that. "What More Can I Say?" is nice. I like a subdued piano number. Simone's vocals aren't all that bad on this one, either. "Wild is the Wind" has a nice, relaxing sound. Nothing on the rest of the album really sticks out to me, truth be told. Book time. A whole lotta nothin in there. Wikipedia says that this album had a very moderate critical response, though that's also about it. Hmm. Nina's a prolific artist, though it doesn't seem like she has an album where she truly crushes it (something which is also mentioned in the book). I guess I can let this album slide for the fact that I think Simone is worthy of immortalisation as an artist and I only have a few albums to replace the duds with, but I'd probably snub this one under better circumstances. I begrudgingly cosign this inclusion.
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.
break down, either way
Lots of passion in these tracks a real gem for sure
Listens: 3 Standout Tracks: Four Women, Lilac Wine, Wild Is The Wind I thoroughly enjoyed this. Lovely singing, thought-provoking lyrics, and excellent piano and other instruments. Nice to put on and cook dinner to.
Thank you, after the horrifying experience of yesterday (Meatloaf) gladly an album that has my full appreciation. Not being into vocal jazz, I have always made an exemption for Nina (Simone) and Billie (Holiday), and although I won't rate this album as her best, that would be "Pastel Blues", it's definitely a close call. The power of "Four Women", the tenderness of "What More Can I Say", the intensity of "Wild Is The Wind" and of course the way she plays the piano, this album shows all that Nina Simone was capable of. 4/5
Nicht wirklich meins, aber nicht schlecht gemacht. 2 1/2 und ich runde auf.
Often beautiful but not always interesting. 3.5
Some ok tracks. She has a pretty good voice. Felt like the album needed more pace especially with first track to get me goin.
Solid listen. Would like to revisit on a summer evening with a glass of wine. Super cool that Nina Simone cover covered a David Bowie song.
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
2.5 - Meh
Gorgeous and well produced.
Like this
Nina is good
A very good album.
I don’t like vocal jazz, but this is far from the worst example. Vocal jazz basically removes everything I like about jazz—complex, eclectic instrumentation—in favor of a more relaxed, vocal-forward sound. And since I don’t care about vocals most of the time, I just don’t enjoy it. This album, despite the fact that she really likes stretching out syllables, which is probably the single-most annoying vocal technique for me, occasionally makes it work (most noticeably in Four Women) while also having some more energetic songs I generally enjoy a lot more than the laid-back ones. This album is fine. It’s very far from my taste, but it’s decently enjoyable.
nice to know where music started, she has an incrediblle voice and incredible what she sings about
Moody in a moving way. Not whiney.
Powerful
Ik vind de stem van Nina niet heel fijn om naar te luisteren. Het album zelf bevat vooral rustige nummers met een paar waar je echt de emotie kan proeven, zoals bij four women. Elk nummer heeft zo weer zijn eigen set instrumenten dat het wel interessant houdt. Ik vind het laatste nummer (either way I lose you) het leukst.
I just couldn’t connect with this one at all
Rating: 3.1 Very easy listening. I imagine if you took a morning dump while listening to this you would hear the birds singing, see the ray of sunlight shining through the window, and receive a call with good news or something.
Not my kind of thing, still a great voice
Never heard before and didn't recognise any of the songs but so good to hear her genius and sadness of her pain.
I'm guessing there will be other Nina Simone on the list. I think it is important that she be on here but I don't know enough to say what albums. This one was alright it's got a bunch of staple covers on it which are probably less important than Old Jim Crow and Mississipi Goddam
I love Nina Simone and several of her songs, but some of the sings on this particular album seemed a little theatrical or show tuney and that's not for me.
Phenomenal vocals, perfect length. Very very good.
Really good album. Her voice is exceptional alone, but in combination with her expressive and skillful piano playing it’s really outstanding.
★★★½
i wanna be in love 7/10
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.
Haunting and poignant. Nina Simone gives a lesson in both technique and performance. It's an album that's hard to write about, as nothing could even come close to describing what a wonder this album is. This is an album I know I'll keep coming back to.
Great artistic piece, beautiful melodies and haunting vocals. Good for a somber mood and to have on in the background
Nina actually wrote this album after having had dinner at Len Houmous’ house when he served his famous or rather quite infamous Houmous Bean Cassoulet 3.5 6/11 Break Down And Let It All Out
She can be a bit of an acquired taste, but her voice, paired with her piano, brings out highly distinctive emotions in these songs about love and loss.
Beautiful
Loved Four Women
A few different genres on this one which was nice. Wind is the wind and black is the colour of my true loves hair were my favourites.
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!
mega schöni musig. aber iri stimm gfallt mer nöd ganz: ich find schön dass si pur isch, aber ich find s vibrato mängisch mega weird. s album sehr variabel, am schluss ischs mer chli z ruhig. s letzte lied macht aber wieder en gebührende abschluss;)
This was really beautiful, no notes
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.
Not a jazz fan and didn’t find her voice particularly impressive. Piano playing skills on point though.
Great voice. Great singer! I'd heard the name, but never heard the music. Big miss! The production is, for the most part, better than most from this time. Really solid recording. The first bit I didn't like was "Break Down And Let It All Out" as it's too repetitious and her voice strays into annoying to me, People seem to like the title track, but it's the one that annoys me the most. It's filled with the things singers do to show off their range and tricks - instead of serving the song. (See: Mariah Carey and her ilk) Some of it is nice, lounge-y, but then gets into histrionics. I've heard "Lilac Wine" by Jeff Buckley (quick shoutout to JB. If you haven't listened to him, you should!) Turns out he's pretty faithful to this version. Both are good. Overall, I think this is a great album for people to be exposed to. I will put a couple of these in the rotation for mellow times. Let's call it a 4. Good but not astounding.
This was fine, but more something I respected rather than enjoyed.
Toisinaan hyvää, joskus kamalaa ja välillä mitään sanomatonta. Tykkään enemmän Simonen cover-biiseistä kuin näistä omista.
Yllättyin positiivisesti siihen kuinka vibailin tähän. Välillä kuiten vähän tylsää. Hyvää leipomistaustamusiikkia.
Best Track - "I Love Your Lovin' Ways"
Canções, em sua maioria, intimistas e melancólicas fazem deste, um álbum bonito, pelas interpretações que soam honestas, na voz personalíssima de Nina Simone. Algo raro no cenário da soul music.
Early EMO! Hate the voice. Very depressing.
In Kansas, yes.
Simone has an extreme range vocally. Powerful and sweet at various times. Not an album to put on while doing something else.
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.
Not my favourite album of hers, but very soulful and emotional.
Such a voice, a siren without peer.
Tremendous. Repeat listens, and the title track more than that.
Sung by her, every song becomes a stirring epic. One of the best to ever do it. What more is there to say?
Beutifully hartowing at some points
Liked the album, great jazzy songs
Man this album transported me somewhere else. Beautiful voice, and instrumentals. Very close to a 5 but it's not something I could listen to again and again. Great album though. Also Sapphronia is not a name Nina Simone
A nice combination of genres from a woman who sure can sing. Great piano and lyrics come together to make a great setting.
Nina is great, but I don't have much desire to seek out her music. Enjoyable when im listening to it, but I don't think much about her otherwise.
Nina’s got one of those voices that is impossible to ignore. She goes in so many unexpected ways with these songs. I love Lilac Wine.
Not bad, nice voice. Pleasant background music. 3/5
I never understood why everyone is so crazy about Nina Simone. I get it now.
Very good. Jazzy blues with piano. 4.25 stars
Nina! Simone! "Ain't Got No, I Got Life!" c
Out of my regular wheelhouse, though it needn’t be. I enjoyed this. Superb voice. It wasn’t what I expected, but then I’m not really sure what I expected. It’s quite sparse and her voice leads proceedings, the end result being quite solemn at times. A good listen following a difficult week of overrated pap.
Soothing. 7/10
Mm, Nina Simone's voice is so haunting. Great voice for soul. I love sad women singing about love. It's very relatable. Oh, also the infamous sample from Jay Z's Story of OJ.
Gorgeous. I was unfortunately unfamiliar with her work outside of a few singles. Easy to see why she is one of the greats. Highlights include "what more can I say" "breakdown and let it all out" and the crushingly beautiful "either way I lose"
Very slow. A poppy favorite artist.
Vey good.
Beautiful voice. Good lyrics. Music
3- Stars (7/15)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1001 ALBUMS- # Wild is Simone 🎤. A collection of throwaway tracks compiled together that most artists wish their ‘A’ game were half as good as. Feeling like a singular, cohesive statement, the album showcases Simone’s unmatched ability to move seamlessly between classical, jazz, blues, folk, and soul, all while maintaining her signature gravity and fierce independence. Simone’s voice is the core of this album — rich, nuanced, sometimes trembling with vulnerability, other times thundering with defiance. Her phrasing is never ordinary. She stretches and compresses time, bends notes, and imbues every line with meaning. Nowhere is this more evident than on the title track. 🎧 Classic Track: Wild Is The Wind 🎧 Deep Cut Gem: Either Way I Lose 🎧 Personal Favorite: Four Women 🎧 Memorable Standout: Lilac Wine Simone merges diverse musical traditions in this album: Jazz phrasing and harmonics, Classical piano structure and timing, Folk and blues storytelling with Soulful, gospel-tinged emotional delivery. Each track feels like a world of its own — she doesn’t just perform songs; she inhabits them. The arrangements are mostly sparse, centering her piano and voice, allowing for intimate emotional expression. Simone was a trained classical pianist, and it shows. Her arrangements are sophisticated, often minimalist, and emotionally exacting. Piano lines are meditative or stormy as needed. The instrumentation is often sparse — just bass, guitar, drums — leaving space for her voice and piano to dominate. 🖼️ Album Artwork: Soulful silhouette If you’re looking to understand Nina Simone’s genius, Wild Is the Wind is essential listening. It’s not just an album — it’s an emotional landscape, timeless in its pain, beauty, and resistance.
A voice like no other. Some songs pretty similar to others, but not bad. Fav: Four Women
Been a real testing week in the T1001. I had two of the worst album's mankind has ever heard and I finish the week with Nina, who I know is outside my wheelhouse of appreciation. She has a really cool, smokey, relaxing voice. I've tried her in the past after reading articles about her. Thing is, I just can't sit around and listen to this, it doesn't float my boat. I do appreciate her artistry and her unique voice. Impressive listen counts with "Lilac Wine" at 25M and "Wild Is The Wind & Black Is The Color..." at around 12-15M. The first song, "Lilac Wine" is really nice, but super slow & mellow. "Either Way I Lose" was pretty cool. I didn't really enjoy any of the other songs enough to comment on them. I could likely put this on and fade off on the couch, but I wouldn't play it for enjoyment. Just not my thing & a super-dated sound. 3 stars
General takeaway: So, having just gotten done with Dusty Springfield's two albums, I'm starting to think that maybe women in the 60s weren't often performing their own/original material? Even though I'm not a huge fan of the "American Idol" feel of that, I'll try to be less judgy on this point going forward. Album-specific takeaway: Before today, the only song I'd ever heard by Nina Simone was 'My Baby Just Cares for Me' from the "Peter's Friends" soundtrack (a very good album, by the way, which, incidentally, is more "must hear" than most of the albums on this list - but I digress). None of the songs on this album feel as polished at that song - which I guess makes sense if this album is just a collection of leftovers. This, once again, has me completely questioning the author's decision to include this album over what are, no doubt, much stronger options from a fairly legendary artist's library. Yet another missed opportunity to hear some actual "must hear" material.
I would like to be objective with this, but I can’t. She is certainly talented. But it still sounds like nails on a chalkboard to me.
The storytelling and Simone’s voice are just stunning. Her vocals are so powerful yet seem effortless and almost casual. The songs are so simple in scope but every word pulls a lot of weight. Such an intentional album, I love it.
I love her voice
Day First listen- Wow, I didn't expect it to stir so many emotions. Her voice and the instruments effortlessly touched my heart especially the track wild is the wind. Loveee the piano throughout the album, sublime. (4/5)
The incomparable Nina Simone. I could listen to hear sing the phone book, if phone books still existed.
I like
Eclectic mix of great tunes. Very chill
A unique voice and moving songwriting.
Beautiful voice. Minimal accompaniment. Old timey good fun. 7.0
Nina has a powerful voice, sometimes with a flutter, sometimes more crooning, but it always fills up the space. Several nice arrangements on this album. Notable tracks include What More Can I Say, Lilac Wine, That’s All I Ask, Wild is the Wind, If I Should Lose You.
I know a little bit about Nina Simone’s “Mississippi Goddam” from a book I read, but I’ve never listened to any of her music before. Jazz and soul albums have been a bit of a mixed bag for me, so I could either love or hate this album. However, seeing these user reviews, I’m leaning more towards this album being right up my alley. I didn’t fall in love with Nina Simone on this album, but I thought Wild is the Wind was really good. The best thing about this album was the vocals, which were absolutely incredible over the course of the album. Nina Simone’s voice managed to convey so many emotions on these songs. Her tone was so serious and stern, but also incredibly beautiful. The instrumentation was mostly pretty sparse on this album, but it didn’t bother me too much, because Nina’s vocals were the best musical element on the album. The only thing I didn’t like about this album was that everything hinged on the vocals. When there were songs where the vocals weren’t as captivating as other songs, I found myself losing interest. Thankfully, that only happened on three or so songs though. On top of that, this just isn’t the type of album I’d naturally gravitate towards, and even though I thought the vocals were really good, I only found a small handful of songs truly captivating. As for the songs that I really enjoyed, “Four Women,” “Lilac Wine,” “What More Can I Say,” and “Break Down and Let It All Out” were the cream of the crop on this album. I loved the way that Nina’s vocals built to a powerful crescendo on “What More Can I Say,” and the vocals on the chorus of “Break Down and Let It All Out” was just full of raw power. The best of these songs though was “Four Women,” and of course it’s the only song on here that Nina wrote. The lyrics are incredibly powerful, and I loved how vivid the figurative imagery in them was. The vocals were top notch, and the piano and percussion sounded great too. Wild is the Wind wasn’t perfect, but it was great to listen to, and it definitely deserves a place on this list.
What a strong voice.
First track was not bad but the album got progressively less enjoyable after that. Sounds like the house band in the cocktail lounge at the Holiday Inn Hoboken circa 1960.
My brain defaults to 4 because the aura around Nina Simone, but if I strip that away this just feels like average lounge music.
Nina is a legend and this collection of songs is grand and beautiful
One of the most iconic vocalists in history, but also an outspoken and grounded character whose presence carried into her music. Four Women stands as a striking example of her storytelling, a dramatic piece that escalates with purpose until its unforgettable ending. Lilac Wine is the opposite in tone, fragile and haunting, capable of giving goosebumps with every listen. Nina Simone’s music is timeless—these songs could be released in 2025 and still resonate with the same impact. 10/10.
if it’s your thing that’s cool, but it’s really not for me. i can understand why it’s liked, but it’s really not my style
7/10
Very good album, albeit compared to After Hours and some others, i felt like it feels a bit short, thus the 4.
A decent album that was nice to have on in the background most of the way through. There was some weird clipping in the penultimate track which didn't help things but nothing too stellar from this for me but equally nothing terribly offensive either.
76/1089 Nina’s voice and presence is so captivating, and made this a really nice and interesting listen. it’ll take more listens for it to potentially click with me because it’s not my preferred genre etc but i look forward to returning to it. 61/100 faves: Wild is the Wind, Why Keep On Breaking My Heart
This took me by surprise, I knew Nina Simone was talented, but I didn't expect to be so moved by this. On Wild Is The Wind, Nina Simone sounds like the warmest ghost in the jazz house. She is so human, but her presence manages to feel otherworldly and hypnotic and haunting at times. Her voice helps too, deep and intriguing. Her raw talent shows here as well, her control comes through across this record, and she hits some breathtaking runs. Also, at some point I realized the jazz piano here is also sublime: turns out, that's her too. And she wrote these arrangements (and one of the compositions) herself. Of all the records I have heard during this project that are largely interpretations, this may be my favorite. Nina Simone is just that good, she cannot be mistaken for anyone else, and I don't think anyone else could sing these like her. Check out the title track to hear what I mean. I was kind of in awe of this and I really wasn't expecting it, this is unbelievably good.
Entirely possible I was just ready to listen to some swoony vocal jazz music and this album landed on my lap at the right time, but I thoroughly enjoyed this from start to finish. I know that Nina Simone is often cited as one of the greats, but it's possible she doesn't get enough credit as is. I also think the musical instrumentation is pretty amazing, the piano arrangements were more complex than I expected, a song in their own. The social impact this album, and Nina Simone's career in general had on the USA and beyond are the deciding factor that this album warrants special status amongst the best.
My introduction to Nina Simone was through Warren Ellis' absolutely wonderful book "Nina Simone's Gum". The book is an exploration of the symbolism we can place in something through Ellis' life and his relationship with found objects. The focus is on a piece of gum that Nina Simone left on her piano following a performance as part of a festival organized by Nick Cave. After the show, in a state of awe, Ellis snuck onto the stage, wrapped the gum in Nina's stage towel, dropped it in a Tower Records bag, and then kept it there for 20 years as a sacred totem. Listening to Wild is the Wind now, I absolutely get the state the Warren must have been in following Nina's performance. Such powerful, captivating singing and piano playing! The two live tracks (Wild is the Wind and Black is the Colour of my True Love's Hair) and Four Women were the standout tracks for me. What a wonderful album!
Sigh, I really wanted to like this because her voice is so AMAZING--nice and low with a big chunky vibrato. But the tunes were mostly so dull. Lots of those piano parts that sound like they were written by harpists, and lots of those percussion parts where they just go WISKY WISKY WISKY with the brushes the whole time. SNOOZE.
What a good surprise. I like Nina, very much, but have never heard of this album. Very tight, BEAUTIFUL production, especially for the time, and all of which makes her great. Musicality, lyricism, and storytelling, all there. Liked it very much, and will re-listen in the future.
Having never consciously explored her music, this was a real treat. A bit out of my world back in the day. I really enjoyed every song on this LP.
Soulful and melancholy album, but really rather beautiful
Always have heard the name but never sat and listened. Was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this. What an enigmatic and interesting vocal performance. There were times when I went to skip a song but I couldn't bring myself to do it. When I thought a song was not resonating with me, I still couldn't turn it off. Very captivating. Will be adding some Nina Simone to the record collection soon.
Four Women is incredible. LOVE her version of Lilac Wine. Very stripped back and mournful. Love the power of Break Down And Let It All Out. I like the schmaltz of Why Keep On Breaking My Heart. If I Should Lose You is beautifully wistful.
i really really really want to like nina simone's music. i really do. i'm not sure why but a lot of it does not jump out at me. i love her voice and wish i liked the more sultry ballads she does a lot more. it's less her and more the song choice, i think. that being said, i liked this well enough. better than average, but didn't blow me away.
High 4, cool to hear a big Jeff Buckley inspiration/some tracks he covered. Very enjoyable
A little uneven, but the highs really hit, with beautiful piano chords and unbelievably dynamic vocal performances
Beginning of album and end are excellent, the middle lost me a bit. Four Women was my favourite.
Not my fav of her albums but still so good
Some haunting melodies. Somewhat odd lyrics. Raw and emotional. Lounge singer style. Very well executed, but not my favorite style. 5/10.
Very chilled, good album
Amazing. One of the best singing voices of all time and incredibly political songs. Such a strong and important performer. Might need to finally deep dive her whole discography. The Story of OJ sample and the Lilac Wine cover were fun to hear too
Very close to a five, just a few weak songs here and there. Nina Simone is such a powerful voice and storyteller in her music. Great experience.
Depth in voice and meaning. She's a woman with a story to tell and she didn't hold back
Equally beautiful and haunting, it feels like it covers the full range of emotions in a brisk 40 minutes. She sounds great, the piano sounds great, it’s perfect
I fully appreciate that Nina Simone is a legend and for good reason but this album gives me the heeby-jeebies and not the fun kind.
Striking. I don’t know if I would intentionally seek this out, but it was impressive.
Beautiful, anything Nina is worth checking out.
A little gloomy, but decent.
great story telling
Good album
Not super hot on this one. I do yearn for more unique voices like this though. Imagine bad guy with something other than just the boiler plate norm. That would be sick but its not what it is. Nina just excuses clas and style though. And in a different way than some tiny 90lbs bimbo of the time. She's so damn cool. But the music itself is only OK. Its decent but nothing to write home about. Didn't grab me like Billie holiday. And that might be a dumb comparison but in my limited knowledge its close enough. But worth listening to for sure.
Classic, but not an album you could listen to everyday.
Some of the truest vocals I’ve ever heard
Nina Simone is one of those artistes who is just naturally gifted and just exudes class. This album is raw, eerie, sad and harrowing. Obviously 5*
This is a masterpiece - 10/10 record
good voice but pedestrian
Some blues, some guitar, some piano accompanying a skilled, quality vocalist mostly singing jazz, so two of my least favorite things - jazz vocals and piano.
nina simone macht rock n roll uuh ye. so e spezielli stimm. sehr fragil. four women isch seeehr cool vier verschiedeni fraueporträts. booooh de schlussss. yeeess. super super schön. what more can i say au suuper schön mega minimalistisch und denn de schluss rieesig. lilac wine geile name. cooli chords wow nina. meeeega schöns lied. suuper ruhig. thats all that i ask mega schöns blöser arrangment. break down and let it all out chli simpler grader. why keep on breaking my heart irgendwie sochli mexikanische schlager type? uuuh ihres vibrato isch suuuper. wild is the wind seehr langsam, klavier super schön macht uhuere viel am schluss. aber het mi etz nöd begeisteret. allgemein zweiti hälfti vom album bitz weniger füür drin. aber immerno guet. either way i lose isch super mit de tüüfe stimm wo d bassline dopplet. mega cool. und sie singt scho fantastisch und au meeega speziell. oke wooow mega song. glaub scho es vieri.
no es cools album amene verregnete morge four women isch chli meh "abgange" und jz simmer wieder bide schön ruhige klavier ballade sehr sön ah und mega cooli stimm! uf break down and let it out gaht sie CRAZY und gad NOMAL weild is de weind isch krass, s klavier macht sache die nächste zwei lieder sind sehr ruhig und intim ich lieb de dom-dom-dom-dom guy hmm 3 oder 4, iwie scho sehr öppis speziells, s klavier und d stimm isch fast scho haunting chan mi immernanig entscheide und loses drum nomal han vorher four women scho gern gha aber BOUM
Powerful voice and some iconic mid-60s songs.
She has a compelling voice with a lot of emotion, however somehow this album falls kind of flat
Tough go me to rate this one as I really like nina and some of the songs in here are amazing … 😻 n the other hand there’s a few that do nothing for me … I’m glad to have gone and picked some favs through this for sure
Powerful songwriting. Amazing voice.
Incredible vocal performance demonstrating total control over her voice, even as she pushes beyond comfort - dynamic, richly expressive, subtle when it needs to be, explosively dramatic when it needs to be. The music is ecclecctic, some schmaltzy ballads, some folk standards, but the best bits are the bluesy big band jazz tacks with lush arrangements led by her piano and fleshed out with a mini orchestra for a classic soul sound.
Nina Simone is such a badass. This isn't something I typically reach for, but I'll never ask to turn it off. Her voice is simply inimitable.
If God has a voice, it's that of Nina Simone.
I didn't like this much.
1. I Love Your Lovin' Ways - 7 Great blues track. A distinct 60s vibe on the instrumentals, Simone's vocals elevate this track so well. Very enjoyable opening track. 2. Four Women - 4 I'm not a big fan of this track lyrically. The piano on it is a great sound, complemented well by a solid bass. Overall, the track is just too stale. 3. What More Can I Say? - 6 Song builds very well. Simone's vocals go up and down in octave flawlessly while helping the tracking build and ease with great enjoyment. 4. Lilac Wine - 8 Piano is superb on this track and guides it brilliantly. The tone and lyrics are superb. They are a little weak in the opening but build into an absolutely beautiful arrangement. Excellent track. 5. That's All I Ask - 8 Another solid jazz track. Simone's vocals are superb on it as are all the supporting instrumentals. Lyrcially it's very strong and really enjoyable. 6. Break Down And Let It All Out - 7 Another very enjoyable track. A little repetitive at times, the tone and pace are very fun and Simone's vocals are so enjoyable you will find yourself moving to this track even if you never intended to. 7. Why Keep On Breaking My Heart - 5 Definitely a track that feels like it's a little more stuck in its era. Simone sounds solid on the track but the background vocals and more tropical vibe of the instrumentals make it very apparent the song has aged quite a bit. 8. Wild Is The Wind - 5 Track goes on for too long I feel and Simone's vocals need more help in the second half of the track. They're way too isolated and not as enjoyable as on the rest of the album. Really makes the track feel more like a lullaby than anything else. 9. Black Is The Color Of My True Love's Hair - 2 The song is just too repetitive. Doesn't really go anywhere. 10. If I Should Lose You - 3 Again Simone's vocals are too isolated and drawn out where they don't need to be. Piano at the outro is brilliant. 11. Either Way I Lose - 5 An alright conclusion. Much better blues/jazz song with better sounding vocals and instrumentals that compliment Simone the whole way. Lyrically this track is brilliant. Piano and sax combo at the end is superb. Average Rating: 5.45 Adjusted to 5-Point Scale: 2.73 Rounded Up: 3 Stars
Wonderful album, was already a fave so I don't have anything much more to say about it
sample find in the wild, good vibes
ALWAYS LOVE NINA. NOT MY FAVORITE, BUT MAYBE IT SPARKS INTREST FOR THE UNINITIATED.
Moving, but not for me. 3.
so very good!! didn’t realize nina simone sounded like that
A reluctant 4 only because it's not something I'd have to be in the mood to put on. But if you are in the mood, boy is it a rewarding listen, and the more attention you give it the more impressive it gets.
Not my style
Just kind of slow and boring. 1/5 stars.
Great album to relax to. Will definitely listen again.
Me pareció un muy buen álbum, descubrí que Nina Simone compuso canciones que hoy en día escucho a través de otros artistas, me sorprendió su estética y su pasión en las palabras, graciass!
This was very good but for some reason it doesn't hit with me the same as some other albums in this era and genre. I like Nina's voice, and the songwriting is beautifully done, but I think the music just doesn't totally appeal to me for some reason. She's still getting 4 stars though, she's a powerful presence.
Oh yeah, the iconic Miss Simone. This early record hints at her coming socially-conscious greatness. Still, that voice and presentation commands and transcends the fairly stock material about love with its thrills and its pain. “Four Women,” the one song that presages what was to come in her catalog, is the showstopper here.
One could argue that it is impossible to truly know who was the greatest singer to ever live, history is simply too long. One could also argue that it is Nine Simone, and they would be right.
An amazing album that transports so much soul of the singer and the player Nina Simone and the musicians that accompany her. It's romantic, but also dark and brooding with a deep political undertone about politics and power that even govern all the way into the private lives of people. The only fault I can find with the album is the short excursion into latin music (track 6 "Why Keep on Breaking My Heart") that feels displaced on this album. Still, I rank it 5 stars!
I respect the artist, but also the majority of the album is a bit too slow and minimal for my personal taste.
Beautiful album. Beautiful voice.
Tunnelmallista ja hienoa tulkintaa.
Ihan lepposta!
Love her voice! Album starts funkier than I expected then settles into what I was expecting, more sultry piano type jazz
mi sono innamorata, completamente
I could listen to Nina's emotional voice swells every day for the rest of my life and never grow tired of it. Add some gorgeous and varied instrumentals in the mix and you've got a truly unforgettable classic album.
A wonderful showcase of Nina Simone’s range, 'Wild Is the Wind' is a strong, powerful, heartfelt, primal, raw, evocative, and deeply emotional album. Simone blends jazz, soul, folk, and classical influences with remarkable control and depth. You feel every note she plays and sings. An incredible album, simmering with a quiet, aching intensity, that stays with you long after it's finished.
10/10 no notes
Great album. Loved her voice and knew quite some songs apparently (though mostly as covers). Definitely will listen to this again when I’m in the mood for it.
It's a nice album, very interesting singing style Nina has. Definitely not my style, and I don't see myself ever listening to this album again, but it was well done and soulful.
Magnificent music, adorable and class vocals. Couple songs I've added to playlist another part is great for easy listening during work or relax. I cannot find myself listening this album during the actual life. But It is really good. Five star to it.
❤️❤️❤️ : Wild is The Wind Four Women I Love your Lovin' Ways 🙂🙂🙂 : Why Keep on Breaking my Heart Break Down and Let It All Out
I generally know Nina Simone for her moee springy numbers, this was slower and more reflective than I was Anticipating. I think her powerful voice and thought-provoking lyrics stand out even more in such a stripped back style. Four Women and Lilac Wine were transfixing .
A true gem
I did a deep dive into Nina Simone's music a few years back after watching a documentary about her life and art. I was mesmerized by her singing and playing, as well as her life in general. I'd heard of her prior to watching it, but knew nothing other than the people I knew who were really into her were REALLY INTO HER. I was excited to get one of her albums today, and I loved it. This is not generally a style of music I care for, as I recently gave Willie Nelson's Stardust a two star rating. But her voice. And her phrasing. And how she can put her emotion into every song, giving each performance exactly what it needs to make her feel what she's feeling. I will give a 5 to anything of hers.
This album is.. chefs kiss. I will be listening to it again. So romantic, intimate, and sultry. The four women song is thought provoking and greatly challenged the thoughts on women in the 1950s. I loved every second of this album and have suggested it to multiple people.
one of my favorite albums of all time.
8.57, toimisto, koss, qobuz
Really enjoyed this one! Deep, somber, heavy sounds. Beautiful.
I enjoyed how the album started but as it progressed, it seemed that NS was getting less and less trusting of her boyfriend and his fidelity. She also increased her vibrato to 11 and it started affecting my ability to enjoy. I'm writing this subjectively while ironing in 2025, I appreciate the importance of Nina Simone in musical history but, for me, it was a strong start that ended in my relief that the album had finished.
Nice enough to listen too and great singing, but overall not really my thing
damn nina simone cooked
Insanely talented
She has one of the most mesmerising voices, lyrically the album is so strong as well, will be playing this one back a few times.
6,5/10. Me gustaría darle más nota, pero justo este álbum me cuesta más digerirlo. Los temas se me hacen algo interminables, me genera cierta sensación de agobio. Llego al final de ellos con cierto "cansancio". Aún así, la voz de Nina es algo fascinante. Te atrapa y te mece de una forma que, por un lado, contribuye un poco en ese agobio que mencionaba, pero que no por ello es menos reconfortante.
Prefer her live work, but this comes close.
Another talented artist who wrestled with mental illness. Would the talent still be there if the illness was not? Powerful voice and a poignant listen.
Her unrivaled vocals are so well complemented by her piano playing. She makes great use of dynamic range to create an intimate yet powerful album.
Nina Simone's voice is so emotive. She brings so much subtlety and elegance and heart to each song and really tells a story. I love that she's a contralto too. Four Women is such a cool song that I've never heard before. That last line, "My name is Peaches!" is fucking great. I love Lilac Wine, but had only heard a Miley Cyrus cover of it (also great). Nina's version is lovely. It reminds me of my favourite Nina Simone song called Stars. 9.5/10.
Super na samplování ale nevim no
Too much vibrato. Lilac wine was good.
80 I missed the opening track on the first listen and had to go find it afterward. In hindsight, "I love your loving ways" would have definitely brought me somewhere that I wasn't expecting for the rest of the album, because the rest was not nearly as upbeat and happy as the rest. "Four Women" and "Black is the color" definitely highlights.
Muy poderoso, lo disfruté bastante. Siento que me gustaría más si leyera las letras, eso es culpa mía.
Heard lots from Nina Simone before, but non from this album. A couple of belters, not much more to say, it's Nina Simone!
That voice, that voice. Oh so rich, so expressive and so emotive. It's a lovely timbre where, if you didn't know beforehand, could be male or female (Chris Montez is similar in that respect, but in a higher register). Anyway, Simone had the perfect voice for this kind of (mostly melancholic) jazz/blues. I'd previously heard a couple of her albums that are equally great, so you could probably pick any of her sixties albums and have a similar enjoyment. The quality of the actual recording itself makes the album sound older than it's mid sixties recording date and this increases the intimate, live, old timey feeling throughout. Although obviously a highly respected and much loved artist, it's peculiar she doesn't have a higher standing in the history of popular music.
Occasionally sublime always real now and then meh
Outstanding, a truly captivating album. The sparse accompaniment highlights her awesome voice. Top class stuff
At last. I only had to wait 1.027 albums to get some Nina. Not even her best album in my opinion. Overly romantic for my taste. Such a fine singer, composer and pianist though.
Whoah, Nina is on top of her game here! Four Women is outstanding, gave me the chills! Bravo! 😚👌
Love Nina Simone. Not sure this album really holds together well as an album (which, upon reading, makes sense because this was cobbled together from a bunch of other sessions). I assume its inclusion is primarily because it's the album "Four Women" first appears, but overall I think the album lacks a cohesion some of Simone's later (actual) albums have. Chose the opening track "I Love Your Lovin' Ways" and "Break Down And Let It All Out" from the album as favorites. The former is the opening track and is very much an R&B/soul song. The latter is more in the jazz/soul tradition with Simone doing much more with her voice as an instrument.
Absolute gem of an album with very deep sad songs of protest stuff not even permitted back then for women even more for afro-american women. This is a beautifuly delivered album with passion and a great tone marking a social critique of a very obscure era for america. Go Nina. She should be studied at every single school in the USA preferably to all white christian who are clueless
My favorite from Nina with some of her most touching songs
Incredible singer and great texts for the time.
I'm not a "vocal jazz" person, but this one hits different. One of the best of this genre for sure and a favorite of mine.
Incredible voice, incredible talent. Heartbreaking and hauntingly beautiful songs.
Wild Is The Wind is a pretty good soul album by very good vocalist Nina Simone. This album first couple songs in made me not have very high hopes but when she started with the slow sad soul music it rly got me excited and it was amazing. No song rly stood out that much other then my favourite Black Is The Color Of My True Love. Overall pretty solid album nothing to crazy won’t go back but it’s a solid 6.9
There will never be another Nina Simone. Amazing vocalist who put her heart and at times her life on the line. Her music was timely, stirring, risk taking and will never be forgotten. It is also sultry as hell.
i don't love jazz. Nice blues songs
Interesting
Pretty good - I do think I prefer some of Nina Simone's earlier stuff such as her album and pretty iconic song, "I put a spell on you". Overall, this was a pretty poetic album, lots of personal experiences and struggles embedded into it. I didn't feel the melodies were as cohesive for me as other albums or music of hers. Favourite song: Lilac Wine
Never heard of Nina Simone but I loved this album
Very chill and laid back album. Clearly a banger
9/10, its fucking Nina Simone. Her voice is incredible.
There's nothing like her voice and this album is mesmerizing. Going 4 because I've never heard it, but could get up to 5 someday.
A really wonderful and unique voice. Great listen, great vibes.
This makes my emotions all confused. I want to dislike it but I also like it. The music resonates deep in the soul.
Nicht meine Musikrichtung, dafür aber echt gut
Just a joy to listen to
The arrangements are well constructed throughout and Nina Simone's vocals are incredible. One of my top favorite albums.
Fucking hell.
Good but not really for me
This album was pretty solid. Obviously Simone’s vocals are excellent here, but this has never been a style of music I particularly like so this isn’t my favorite. But still for something I don’t love it’s pretty good
Nina Simone is fantastic. This isn't her best work. There are of course standout tracks, "Four Women" and "Lilac Wine" are timeless, "Either way I lose" clever and balanced. The rest feels patchwork, uneven. Simone seems to use the tracks as vehicles to show her vocal control and timbral range, often to the detriment of the songs them selves. The arrangements behind her are serviceable but uninspired. Don't let this album put you off Nina Simone. She is better than this, and those two or three tracks that do hit should give you a taste if you want to dig deeper.
It was alright
Прекрасная музыка для душевных посиделок, для немного задумчивого настроения. 7,5 из 10.
Some pretty interesting songs. Some slow and boring ones as well. Unique voice and approach
All Nina Simone records in the list will get a 5 stars rate, if you like jazz, soul, blues, then this record is for you to try!
I don't even need to finish the album to give it 5 stars. Nina Simone is the best voice of all time.
Good variety - enjoyed the upbeat and different nature here!
The first song is a nice opener, but after It appears a series of absolute masterpieces. 2 just hit me in the face. Incredibly powerful song . 3 is an incredibly beautiful love song, the piano liks are phenomenal. Lilac wine is dark and powerful. 5 is another beautiful ballad, sung so gently by Nina. 6 is another rhymic one, even better than 1. 7 has this different Latin feel on it. A lighter moments in the Playlist. Wild is the Wind. Something about this moment in time, when nina sung this one, while playing some of the most beautiful background piano i heard in my life, just amazes me. Every single time. Just a remarkable musical moment. And it doesn't end there- 9 is just as good. Ridiculous. 10 begins with some lovely piano and Nina's perfect voice. Another great tune. Piano Is mesmerizing. Such an incredible record. I wonder if I should give this one a big big score. Maybe I should have. But I still feel it has a weeker first and last song. Still great ones but count this 4 as a 4.9999999999 Next morning- you know what? I don't care
Maso
is this yearning
I wasn't expecting to like it very much because I knew it was jazzy, but it was all okay and some songs were pretty good - her vocals reminded me of Anohni at times.
63/100 drags on a bit, occasionally boring but pretty good at times
dost prijemny jazzovy instrumental + zaujali ma hiphopove sample
The first track is a full on blues number, which I love. The rest is soulful jazz with intense lyrics. Less my jam, but if you really listen to the lyrics (not my usual style) it’s very moving. Four women is intense/heartbreaking. I’m sure in some ways it deserves 5 stars, but I can’t quite get there overall.
Zesty piano, and a fine singing voice. Unfortunately, there were only a few songs I found myself truly enjoying. It's okay, but I don't think I'll be going back to it. Favorite Track: "I Love Your Lovin' Ways".
The thing about this album is that I really want to give it a 9 because it has MULTIPLE 10/10 songs on it (and a few 9/10s), but then there's also a lot of 7/10s...so I guess 8 is the most round number I can give it.
It's good. For me, somewhere between a 3 and a 4. I don't always like her voice which is, I realize, blasphemous to some. I'm also aware that this album was made from scraps from her previous recording sessions so it makes me want to check out some of her other work.
Glorious
Nice music to have on in the background. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would, but it isn't something that I would listen to over and over
Some absolutely stunning songs - Four Women is one I had somehow never heard and absolutely floored me both musically and thematically. For me the slowest songs are the best, her voice is truly unique and I love how unprocessed, raw and in some cases slightly imperfect it sounds. The piano playing is incredible and I don't think I'd every fully processed just how good she is. The R&B and blues-y numbers are still good but don't hit quite as hard, but still show off her versatility. Truly a one of a kind artist.
Some beautiful songs although the album felt disjointed at times. Black Is The Color is an all time favorite.
Love this album. Wild is the wind was a lot to me in my early 20s.
nice
Nina as usual, in charge and after 3 notes she has your attention - a master in every sense. She embodies the music, with her it's always an emotional affair. Lilac wine a particular favorite, although I also love Jeff Buckley's version.
First album I’ve listened to of hers. Did not like it. Is her other work better? Don’t get at all why this is must listen to. Is it because she is boldly singing about African American themes during civil rights era?
Being in the room submerged in the music would have a whole different impact than listening to this album at the airport. It’s falling a bit flat.
This certainly took over my morning. A voice that is both comfort and weapon. So many highlights but Four Women, Lilac Wine and Either Way I Lose show her range, power and most importantly - control. So just lie back and let her take the wheel.
Interesting voice on the singer. Good tunes, easy listening.
Artiste inconnue. Blues/Jazz très standard, trop basé sur le chant (je n'apprécie pas sa voix). Les instruments sont peu mis en avant, pas de chorus pour agrémenter l'ensemble, donc pas de seconde écoute pour moi. =>2/5
very moody in a good way
This is a very versatile album, lots of different styles, rock and roll blues, haunting ballads and jazzy showtunes with big orchestral features Nina Simone is a beast on the piano too, so good playing so complicated stuff and singing all the while, amazing
Very old timey, listen once and call it a day.
Nina Simone is truly one of the greatest vocalists to ever live. Her tone is rich and deep, yet sweet and pretty at the same time, with her always alluring vibrato. She is able to communicate pain in songs about love lost and the hardships of black women in America, and adoration and yearning toward her lover, all in a way that feels so real. I had never heard a full album of hers before this, and I was surprised at how eclectic it was, going from folk to rock to blues to ballads, yet it never felt disconnected. The only song on here I knew previously was Lilac Wine, due to Jeff Buckley's cover of it, and listening to this album makes me realize what a deep influence she had on his music, particularly on his vocal style. All in all, an beautiful album with a voice you can get lost in. 5/5.
le tendria que dar otra escucha, cosas que me gustaron y cosas que no, eso si tremenda voz
Ahhh, ça doit être la source d'inspiration de Geordie Greep, sans l'état de psychose permanente et parano
What a voice - amazing depth from her.
Some very repetitive songs, writing is pretty mid.
Beautiful
Great voice, sometimes strange use of it but I really enjoyed it.
I liked this album for its emotion that Nina displays her audience. Its beauty and pain in the lyrics are echoed in the voice and piano.
- her vocals soar on what more can i say? omgggg
VERY soulful, i saved a couple of songs and listened to the album almost 2 ways through, definitely a good change of pace from the last album. when heard LILAC WINE i knew it was gonna be good for the rest of the album. i love jeff buckley and through this album i found out that the song lilac wine goes deeper than jeff. not every song was my favorite but i especially enjoyed the storytelling in the song four women. definitely looking to explore more of her music. wonderfully emotional and heavy voice.
That voice.
Nina Simone has such an iconic voice. An interesting style, to where it almost sounds like she's telling stories first and the music comes second. (Not in a bad way) It really draws you into the narrative in a way other songs don't. I did immediately recognize "Wild Is The Wind" as it was heavily sampled in The Weeknd's "Given Up On Me". I didn't know that was Nina Simone so I was caught off guard on that one. I've never heard any of the other songs before, but I enjoyed most of them! (3.5/5) Favorites: - I Love Your Lovin' Ways - What More Can I Say? - Wild Is The Wind
What a powerhouse Nina Simone was — both musically and as an activist. Her voice is so distinct, with such raw emotion that make many of her songs feel like poetry set to music. She continues to have influence, as I actually first discovered some of her work through modern samples, like Jay-Z’s use of “Four Women” in “The Story of O.J.” Favorite tracks: - Four Women - What More Can I Say? - Why Keep On Breaking My Heart - Wild is the Wind
Gorgeous and smooth. What a voice. Could be an easy weekend record, a soundtrack to a dinner party or smoky bar - it really took me away.
Nice voice, no bangers
It was good, maybe just needed something more though. I reckon she’s got better. Simpsons: Yes
lovely voice, but the pace is too slow for me.
What a weird one, I love Nina Simone and this album has some great tracks on it but it doesn’t grab me as much as a lot of her other stuff.
An interesting album. I wouldn't say it is for me but it is not bad. 5.1/10
Legendary voice, and some classics here. "Lilac Wine" is a favorite.
Absolute shame I haven't listened to Nina Simone before, incredible.
Incredible voice, and a few songs that stuck with me, though I wish the engineering was a bit cleaner
A collection of melancholy romantic songs steeped with longing, punctuated by a powerful protest song. Beautiful piano playing.
Nina has always eluded me. I've tried to get into her music in the past but I haven't found the record that hits for me. This album sorta hits? I just need more time with it. It's a great record but I also feel like I need to listen to it 50 more times to fully appreciate it. The piano playing is gorgeous. The vocals are powerful. The lyrics are intense. These are songs about love and heartbreak and racism and politics. It's a lot. I think in the short term, the songs that had a fuller band grabbed me more. That includes I Love your Lovin' ways, Either way i lose, That's all i ask and why keep on breaking my heart. The ballads where it's just Nina and her piano are quite striking, but I feel like I need more time with them. I need to sit with them to fully appreciate them. Four Women hits hard. So does If I should lose you (love that piano ending). I just need more time. For now it's a 3, but I could see this growing to a 4 in time. Side note: I can hear her influence on vocalists still active today. The one that came to mind was ANOHNI.
This is not the album that I was supposed to listen to, but the lign up is upsetting me so I'm gonna listen to something that I know I'll like. Sue me. Nina Simone is a legend. Everything she touches is gold. I worship the ground she walks on. I also already know multiple songs here. Just to set the stage for what to expect from this "review". Love Your Loving Ways is a great blues song, good start to the album, reminiscent of Nina Simone's earlier times. Four Women is heartbreaking and yet beautiful. Great storytelling, love each woman revealing more ways of discrimination. This song alone brings the album to a 4/5. Loooooove the build-up in What More Can I Say. Yet another great track. Lilac Wine is a beautiful piano track. Man what a performer. She's the goat. I'm not gonna keep naming every song I like because I don't have much to say besides that I like it :) Break Down And Let It All Out is too short :( Wild is the Wind is one of the best songs of all time. Like... this is actually ridiculous. I have a lot of feelings right now And guess what. The same thing can be said about Black is The Color of my True Love's Hair. Man she really was one of a kind. If I Should Love You manages to stand out as heartbreaking in an album full of heartbreaking songs. The closing song is a less sad note to end on, at least musically. My God, this woman is the best vocalist to have ever lived. So many emotions in every note, every syllable. I have nothing of value to add to the experience of this album, as listening to it should to the trick. Queen. Bye
Bra skit
Nina Simone goes up to the limit of how visceral and passionate music can be and regularly crosses it. listen after 8 hours of standing up at work when you're finally able to give your feet a rest. will feel about as good as the best sex (not that i would know) deserves to be one of the 1001? yea but not as much as Pastel Blues!! why the snub? it has Sinnerman for goodness sakes!!