Reviews (page 7 of 14)
Joyita
Beautiful album with poignant lyrics. Probably close to a 3.76 for me, but going to go with a 4.
Quite interesting. I probably don't listen to enough Nina Simone.
6/10
"This album opens up with an old type barrelhouse blues tune... "I Love Your Lovin' Ways"... then the preaching starts... lol... "Four Women" is the kind of song, that Nina Simone became known for... a song about plight... but instead of breaking stereotypes... promotes it... even WITHIN the black "race", etc... and the big ending, "my name is peaches"... what? ok... anyway... "What More Can I Say" is what she is pretty good at, which is singing a jazz song in a unique way... her instrument, voice, is rich and very expressive... and her piano playing is great... "Lilac Wine" then starts the downer, pity party... how a woman did things she shouldn't have.... all because of you... lol... "That's All I Ask" gets back to music... and is a good jazz performance.... she is NOT a technical artist, ala Sarah Vaughan, but an emotional and artistic performer... "Break Down and Let it All Out" is back to preachin'... lol... how much rage this woman has about being... oppressed??? i don't know about you, but when someone a lot richer, and limousine'd to where she has to go, tells ME how i oppress HER... lol... i remember why i never got into her stuff back in the day... unlike Sarah Vaughan, Nancy Wilson, Cassandra Wilson, who go hard, yet refrain from the "sermons"... and editorials... "Why Keep Breaking My Heart" is comical... and just plain bad... sorry Nina fans... lol... the title track "Wild Is The Wind" is a nearly seven minute aural waterboarding... where she tries to prove she can get you to sleep faster than Sominex... her playing on it, is Liberace-esque... must be said... "Black is the Color of My True Love's Hair"... is an attempt at racializing an old Appalachian folk song into a statement about the oppression of African Americans... surprise! "If I Should Lose You" is a cool vocal workout... and sounds like something i would do, jokingly, to entertain myself here in my den/studio... and the album closes with the optimistic, "Either Way I Lose"... lol... letting you know... whether you are black or white... that... due to "oppression" you cannot win... in love or life... i give this album THREE STARS... for some rich vocals and cool piano playing... i deduct two from five for the whining and complaining of this rich, limousine ridin', lobster eating... um... artist... and DO NOT TELL ME, it's a good example of Jazz in any shape or form... meh."
Nina Simone is the greatest singer of all time. That is all.
Awesome!
ovo je načelno dobro, ali glas mi nikako ne leži, na kraju me nažalost ostavilo ravnodušnim
I really love Nina Simone but there are other slumps I much prefer than this therefor this is a 3/5 on the Nina Simone music rating scale
Pereza
Oh, Nina is so fucking fantastic. Her voice conveys so much emotion that you can feel what the song is about without even listening to the lyrics. Is this Nina’s best album? Honestly I have no idea, but she deserves her place on the list, and this is fantastic.
Sehr schönes und super durch zu hörendes Album!
Wirklich sehr schön und groovy
Brilliant, I love it. I've heard of her but never listened knowingly. Very cool.
Not my fave album from her
I love Nina Simone. This is a good album, although not my favorite by her.
Great songs, don’t like her voice.
Only knew it from some samples. Poetic
Very unique voice, chill vibe. Lots of emotion in the lyrics, this one has a way of pulling you in.
Good
I like jazz. I like lounge music, blues, women who sing low key... I like it all. So this album should be a shoe in for a high rating. But it is... I guess not really? I love the instrumentals. LOVE. But maybe it is ... I guess the lead singer is somehow either working it as a professional ought and not really there behind it or maybe her voice is just not ranging enough to fit the instrumental bits.. .This could be. I have reviewed singer/ songwriter albums and have felt that if "someone else" did the singing it would have been more powerful. I am not saying her voice or this album is bad or even "not good." It is good! It IDK? just feels like there are others in the same genre that do it better maybe? (Minus the instrumentals!)
I don’t love her voice, but it kind of works. Difficult to rate as I didn’t necessarily care for it, but I understand the cultural significance.
Some stand out songs but not personally my cup of tea
Amazing voice and skills but just not the sort of album I would reach for often (if ever)
I love Nina. Such a wonderful voice. A complex person too. Her stuff isn't the type that I listen to often, but it's really quite good.
Very sweet soulful album. Surprisingly the first full Nina Simone album I've heard.
Excelente voz.
always, yes, to Nina Simone
speechless
I don't know if there is a definitive Nina Simone album, in part because of the circumstances of the industry, especially for Black artists, and for jazz artists, in the 50s and 60s, but this is probably as close as a studio album of hers gets. Everything central to her existence - her Blackness, her voice, her rage, her love, her grief - is here, and she sounds incredible throughout.
Nina Simone has a lot of albums and I won't pretend I've listened to all of them nor will I pretend to know if this is the best one. But this encapsulates Nina Simone's ability to make really compelling music across a wide range of styles and has some of her best/most notable songs, so how could I not give it a 5?
I've never heard of either Nina Simone or the album. Nina has an impressive voice. The lyrics of her songs are great. Very good music and arrangements. I don't listen to this genre and especially this kind of partly minimalistic realization very often, but I always like it from time to time. 4/5
NYC jazz bar with passion
I wasn’t in the best mood, so I found this slow and boring. In a different headspace, I probably would have found it beautiful and more enjoyable.
4/5 stars Very smooth jazzy vibes, super soulful, incredible vocals. Relaxing to listen to but powerful at the same time.
Really great album. Such range and diverse sounds.
What a wonderful voice, so much character and so unique. Great album, I had only hear Bowie’s cover of wild is the wind prior to this and I definitely prefer Nina’s version. Four women is great and Lilac wine is haunting.
Nina is the queen
Great voice,.
Oufff
Very powerful songs. Four Women (focused on the cover) might be one of the weakest songs, it sounds like something out of a musical, and it does show a lot of range but as a piece to listen to it's not giving very much.
A beautifully understated and jazzy record, with a mood that’s intense and deeply genuine from start to finish. Nina Simone’s vocal is extreme, raw, vulnerable, and utterly captivating. Every track feels like an open soul. Highlights include “Wild Is the Wind” and “Four Women,” both powerful and unforgettable. 5/5
Too slow for me
After 2 Brit bias picks worth of suffering, I get a reprieve with a Nina Simone classic! This was such a refreshing breath of fresh air this morning from the challenge. An all-time great artist here.
Incredibly unique voice. Hearing Lilac Wine just a week or so after hearing Jeff Buckley's version was a nice touch. Recognized Four Women's piano from The Story of OJ - Jay Z!!!
Beautiful voice and music although I found it quite slow overall without much variation.
Loved Four Women - the end is almost haunting. Overall really enjoyed this one. Incredibly soulful and melancholic and such a unique voice.
first listen love her
This album hit me on an emotional level I didn’t expect. Nina Simone’s voice feels like a private conversation. Intimate, soulful, and full of quiet storms. There’s something weightless and eternal in how she delivers the songs. I’ll return to this album when I need something soulful.
Okay
Interesting
Soulful. Jazzy. Chill and good AF. Excellent.
Unfamiliar with her but I enjoyed this.
The arrangements and songs were good but I really don't like Nina's voice. Very distinct sounding but kind of grating. It's ok, but not something I would revisit. 3. 1=Crap that shouldn't be here 2=I didn't like it but get why it's here 3=I thought it was ok or even like it, get why it's here, but won't revisit 4=I like it, will revisit 5=This is some of the best music I've ever heard and will continue listening to it
Good singing, toxic love lyrics, lame music, as vocal masturbation tends to be
Not my thing at all. Thought it was a dude until he said "My hips invite you"
forgettable
I'd only heard Lilac Wine but enjoyed this whole listen. would definitely put this on while working cleaning walking. good vibes
I love Nina Simone so much and oddly had never listened to this album all the way through. It's fantastic. Four women is obviously such an important song and I love the way it's intentionally slow -- almost uncomfortably slow -- to make us stop and think about what she is singing about. It's made to make us feel uncomfortable and that's why Nina Simone is so great. I also really enjoyed more the jazzy love tunes on this album.
Simone’s voice and presence are commanding. Many of the pieces are beautiful. In the end, there’s a little too much drama in the presentation, which feels a little stiff. Still I’ll likely play this again and I’m willing to bet that familiarity will soften the few edges. It’s a 4.
Holy cats, this is amazing! Her voice and piano playing, it's just.....wow.
Already listened - already love it.
Great voice and impactful lyrics - would definitely listen again
"My name is..... PEACHES!!!!!!" Listened to B4? No Tracks Already Saved on Spotify: 0 Standout Tracks: I Love Your Lovin' Ways, Four Women, What More Can I Say?, Lilac Wine, Why You Keep Breaking My Heart, Wild is the Wind (92/100)
Nina Simone is amazing, but this album is not even close to her best album. It's not even the top 2: I put a spell on you, and Pastel Blues; both are much better albums. Fortunately, I listened to them all on the same day.
It's a fine musical creation, but this type of music and the age of it doesn't really inspire me to return to it despite it being high skill
I don’t have much to say about this one. You know, I’m starting to recognize a theme. I keep getting these R&B albums I’ve never heard of, and they turn out to be boring and I can’t write a very good review about them. But, I digress, as you can tell, I really didn’t like this album. I though that at some points Nina’s voice could become grating to listen to, and it wasn’t very musically interesting outside of some cool piano on If I Should Lose You, otherwise, there isn’t anything on this album that I couldn’t find better somewhere else. Edit: After thinking it over, this is a 3, Nina doesn’t deserve a 2 even if I didn’t vibe with it.
boring as hell
"I Love Your Lovin' Ways" een verrassend lichtvoetige opener. Direct daarna volgt het spookachtige "Four Women". De rest van de plaat vind ik iets minder, het wordt soms wat te slepend allemaal.
Amazing! Rösten, låtarna, texterna! Dynamiskt och berörande. Förflyttar en till en rökig bar och släpper inte taget. Sången och fraseringarna är mästerliga, men blir aldrig duktiga. Gåshud och nära till tårar vid flera tillfällen. Begriplig legendarstatus. Kommer lyssna igen: Ja! Bästa spår: Four women och What more can I say Betyg: Daniel 9 av 10 Dawid 10 av 10
oh nowwwww we're talking, this is such a masterpiece
A high 4, maybe a 5 - what a voice.
Powerful, soulful, blues-jazz. What a voice. Sublime musicianship, true poetic lyricism. Beautifully crafted music.
I enjoyed this, but it's not the sort of thing that is typically in the rotation. Clearly the product of skilled musicians and artists.
Mellow
Seriously talented.
A nice listen
60s but feels older. like upscale old sit down jazz club performance. Once I noticed she does the warbled held notes thing, I heard it a lot and started to bug me a bit.
This might be an unpopular decision but this album got pretty grating as it went on. Something about her vocals just made me agitated. I think Nina has a lot of talent but it's just not for me. 4.5/10 (2.25/5)
My name is peaches
That really wasn't my kind of music.
Good, but I’ll probably not listen again. Just didn’t capture me
Untouchable masterpiece. Deeply human, sensual but not vulgar (just like the Canticle of Canticles), denounces real-life problems with real class. Nothing bad can be said about it for me. --- Obra-prima intocável. Profundamente humano, sensual mas não vulgar (como os Cânticos dos Cânticos), denuncia problemas da vida real com uma classe real. Nada de mau pode ser dito sobre ele para mim. 10/10
Her voice cuts through though even when the songs feel like they’re on sedatives. I need a little more pace in my life. Spins: 1 Playlist Additions: - I Love Your Lovin' Ways - Lilac Wine - Either Way I Lose
Thought I would like this a lot more than I did. Most of the songs seemed slow.
This album was phenomenal great songs great singing
Quite enjoyed this although lacking in the well known ones. Love this version of lilac wine (better than Buckley)
Such a great voice
You can't go wrong with Nina Simone. I've loved her since I first heard Sinnerman so many years ago. She has such a soulful voice and the lyrics to match. Really great at having you feel the story she's singing to you. The music on this album is really great as well. It might not be my favorite of her albums but it such a damn good album everyone should give it a listen.
Nina Simone’s vocals are faultless and other an interesting counterpoint to the lyrical content of this album. The story telling of racial equality is impactful without detracting from the enjoyment on a musical level. I love Jeff Buckley’s version of Lilac Wine and Nina’s version definitely holds its own with that.
Whilst I can appreciate Nina Simone’s talent, unfortunately I don’t like her voice - and this album has her at her warbly “best”.
I think this might be the first time during this project that an album has included a song (Wild Is The Wind) that was also covered on an album the generator already suggested to me (Station To Station by Bowie). And it was a good follow-up to yesterday's artist (Marvin Gaye) given that both were political throughout their careers - this idea some people in 2025 have that activism should be "kept out of music like it was in the past" is such nonsense. Reading about this album was really interesting, for example, Four Women being banned from some radio stations in the 60s because they considered it racist despite the fact it was intended to highlight racist attitudes, seems about as absurd as can be. She had a lovely voice, and this album is very diverse in terms of styles, but this didn't grab me as much as I thought it might. But I did enjoy the listen so: 3/5
truly good
wenardo
Sweet, introspective, raw, Nina Simone's vocals are out of the world
Genuinely embarrassed that the only song I recognised off this record was "Four Women", and only because Jay-Z (a rapper I do not like, see previous review) sampled it in 4:44. Anyways, I genuinely didn't gel with Nina's voice as much I was hoping. I think I got ahead of myself by reading global and my group reviews, which raved about this thing; so I went in with extremely high expectations. Honestly, I really didn't enjoy this one. I know how talented Nina is - and I like her other stuff. But the weird male-sounding female voice really threw me off for a lot of the songs here. Wild is the Wind is really the song that turned me off this piece. I didn't enjoy it at all. This thing had some okay songs, but for the most part I really don't think this record was for me. I'm sorry Nina, you definitely don't deserve this - but I just didn't gel with any of the songs on here.
Wow, such a powerful and soulful voice. With the intonations and vocal range used she really treats her own voice as an instrument more than most singers on this list. Far and above the highlight of this album for me, I could only wish some of the other elements were a little stronger to elevate my rating higher, the structure for a lot of these songs get into a monotony that feels like a disservice to the vocal delivery of Simone. I can’t stress enough how much she carrys this album on her back
Four Women, superb songwriting vocals that interrupted what I was doing. A pleasure. The crescendo and the end was incredible. Break Down and Let It All Out seems a bit underrated. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Incredible voice from Nina Simone, with a great band behind her. Highlights: Four Women, Lilac Wine, Break Down and Let It All Out
My only exposure to Nina Simone prior to this is that video of her talking about trying to shoot a record executive dead in front of a restaurant. That sort of stunning and brave action would warrant an extra star even if the album was dogshit but thankfully it’s really good.
The vocal delivery on this is insane. The build ups are crazy. Early on i found myself questioning whether all the tracks were going to be this magnificent and they were. Its crazy how influential this is, you can see its DNA all over the place from contemporary folk, to metal and experimental. 10/10
Reading about Nina Simone, I came across a quote by Maya Angelou regarding Ms Simone that sums up my feelings better than I ever could: "few who have met her music or glimpsed her soul react with moderation." Simone's vocals and the instrumentation here could draw blood from a stone. Simone's control over her vocals is something to be in awe of, she takes lines and elevates them in a way that just floors me. I was reading the titles of each track before a listen and thought What More Can I Say? would be the same song as performed by the Notations, was a little disappointed when it wasn't but oh my days this song absolutely floored me. There are no skips on here and the highlights absolutely levelled me, what a joy. Highlights: What More Can I Say?, That's All I Ask, Break Down and Let It All Out, Wild Is the Wind
Heard a different album from Nina before. Gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous 4/5
Dark, heavy, haunting and at the same time effortlessly beautiful. It’s an incredible record that highlights Nina’s raw skill as a musician and writer. Just a wonderful expression of emotion.
always in the mood for Nina Simone
Really great classic album
"either way i lose" great song
Nice. Bluesy singer that makes you feel the emotion in her words and voice.
my god, her voice!!! my queen, I could listen to her recite a shopping list and would not get bored and on top of that I would get emotional. love her, forever an icon!
One of the most beautiful voices I've ever heard. I'm on the verge of tears.
A very, very solid album. Remarkable performance throughout - and a clear inspiration for so many artists who came after her. My first time listening to it through, but I’m hooked. Brilliant.
She was an incredible piano player. A person who loved Bach. A brilliant woman.
Quality album, listening to Nina puts me in a great mood.
Que presencia y que bien suena el álbum. Muy buena muestra de lo que fue Nina, con la voz, con el piano y dejando el alma.
Most of the songs don't even do that much for me, but I find Lilac Wine and Wild is the Wind so incredibly beautiful that I want to give it 5. Her voice is so unique and fitting to all her songs, wow.
Having a Nina Simone album on a list of albums to listen to before you die makes sense, given her powerful voice and wide influence on jazz, soul, and R&B. I remember analyzing her original composition "Four Women" back in college, as the song explored the various livelihoods and struggles of black women in American society in the 1960s. I appreciate the album with that track made it onto the list, but how does the rest of Wild Is the Wind hold up? Well, Nina ran the gamut of covers and renditions with her commanding voice and elegant piano play, reasonably backed by the session musicians. Some truly transformative takes stand tall in her catalog, including "What More Can I Say", "Lilac Wine", "Break Down and Let It All Out", and especially the slow and drawn-out delivery of the title track. Honestly, my only complaint is that it is evident this album is a compilation of recordings from previous sessions, lacking cohesive flow from one track to the next. The pacing and tone were uneven in places, which made the listening experience feel a tad disjointed. Still, it is a solid collection of songs from a generational voice, one who had such reach beyond the arts.
So everyone at work probably thinks I’m going through a break up or something after hearing me listen to this. A lot of bummer songs on here, and I didn’t really care for her voice at times.
Not my favorite Nina Simone album.
Beautiful! I had always wanted to listen to Nina but never got around to it, this is why I am part of this.
Haunting minimalist arrangements and powerful vocals.
Beautiful
Though one for me to rate because I love her voice but none of the songs jumped out and grabbed me.
The lyrics to Four Women are incredible. Nina is an extremely talented singer but the album isn't really my vibe. I think the beat is too slow and it feels too emotional for me.
Jaw-dropping.
Nina Simone’s voice is great in this and backing instrumentals are all lovely. I don’t know but I just didn’t click with it. I think objectively it’s a really good album but subjectively, it was okay you know?
Her voice gives each word such depth, it really adds to the emotional weight of this album. Perfect for a heavy heart, regardless of what it is heavy with.
Minimalist, but in a good way that leaves a mark on you.
I see the appeal. Not for me.
a bit over the top, but okay.
nina can SANG
Excellent album 4.5 stars.
Just an incredible voice and enjoyed this album more than some of the past compilations I've listened too
Nina is my favourite soul singer, might not technically have the voice of the other greats but only Billie Holiday matches her for raw emotion. Not a fan of the first track otherwise this would 5 stars
An interesting collection of (mostly) cover versions. I enjoyed her delivery on these.
love her but not for me. Bit slow, can admire the voice though!
I liked the songs and the music but I don’t like Nina Simone’s voice
Just a powerful album - singing, songwriting, playing
What an amazing voice Nina Simone has. She effortlessly navigates between genres and never fails to inspire. I loved the jaunty “why keep on breaking my heart” and “lilac wine”.
Lovely music and a first-class voice. Nice album to be exposed to.
A voice and words that command respect. Beautiful.
The community here really loves this album. What am I missing, David Bowie???
Timeless and essential. Simone’s voice is so powerful even down through the years and over a recording - anytime I listen to this album I think how incredibly spellbinding it must have been to hear her live. Easy easy five stars.
Nice early morning album to enjoy with coffee.
This one took me off-guard. Not the type of music I listen to often, but I loved the charged vocals and raw feeling behind the lyrics.
Et bah écoute, c’était vraiment une belle surprise. C’est beau, touchant et on se fait pas chier.
An incredible voice - it grabs you straight away and keeps your attention for the entire album. A high 3 for me.
Powerful stuff. The ambiance on this is unlike anything else, with an intense, almost excorciating vocal performance playing off (usually) barebones instrumentals. The signature blend comes in track 2 with Four Women and its striking, looping piano melody - famously sampled in Jay Zs The Story of OJ (and by extension one of the best diss tracks ever in The Story of Addidon by Pusha T). How could so much sugary shitbop be getting worldwide attention at the same time Nina Simone is putting out stuff like this?
Few listening experiences on this list so far have stopped me in my tracks and actually demanded me to stop what I’m doing and listen. This is the first I’ve really heard of Nina Simone, and it kind of floored me. The clear highlight here is Wild is the Wind. I was familiar with the Bowie version, but I never realised his was a cover. How shocked I was to discover the original version of a song I loved - and to also find it vastly superior! Simone has a stunning voice; unnerving at times in its power, but always gorgeous. This isn’t the kind of music I’d listen to if I’m trying to relax or zone out. But if I’m feeling especially broody one night, this album will be my first port of call. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This. This is what I want. A jazz record that gives you a spiritual experience just from listening. The kind of record to make you stop in your tracks and marvel at its beauty.
Her voice is so deep! Whoa! Cool! That's enlightening. Didn't recognize any of these songs.
Not terrible for a slow jazz album, but I didn’t love Nina’s voice (especially because of the reverb so common in the 60s) and there was way too much vibrato.
Fav: Four Women Least Fav: If I Should Lose You
objectively this album is absolutely beautiful. i just wish it was more for me. it’s lyricism is astounding. the only song i really enjoyed was the opener. the record overall just had too much repetition and the vibrato in her voice started to irk me near the end of the albums run time. again this is absolutely very good it just couldn’t be less for me
Great album!!
Nice album. A bit the same throughout but makes it easy to listen to.
Good
Muito legal
Good Lord, I feel everything through this woman's voice.
firmly in the top 10 albums ever
Nina Simone is cool Fav Track: Either Way I Lose
A truly amazing voice that peals the layers beneath every possible emotion.
Most of this album was a bit too sombre to me, not to mention the fact that I don't really like the sound of Nina Simone's voice. Of course, her talent I duly recognise which is why I am giving the album three stars.
Njae, alltså det mest intressanta är väl variationen mellan var albumet börjar o slutar och bra sångröst men fastnar inte för materialet tyvärr.
Stor positiv överraskning! Riktigt härligt sound. En sån där artist jag bara hört talats om.
Iconic powerhouse no notes
Some bangers on there.
Was a little unsure at first but I thought a lot of the songs were very pretty. Didn't finish though.
I enjoyed this almost as much as In Utero so 4 stars
This was very pretty, Nina's voice is spectacular and she put it on display on some beautiful songs. I think it aged extremely well for an album from the 60's too, the mixing and production are still great.
Spannende Musik mit viel Atmosphäre. Man merkt das Alter der Musik, trotzdem schön zu hören. Isch schwanke zwischen 3-4/5.
Incredible. One of my favorite styles of music. I know a lot of Nina Simone’s more popular music and enjoy it but this album was new for me, and just as good as the stuff I already know and like. Very easy listen and so good.
Fantastic, love the production
I do not like vocal jazz
Discazo. Pelea por ser el segundo mejor álbum de Nina Simone (Pastel Blues siempre será insuperable). Más reflexivo que los dos anteriores, necesita escucharse bien para apreciarlo ya que quizá, de primeras, no entra tan fácil como Pastel Blues y I put a spell on you. Todo lo que hizo Nina entre mediados y finales de los 60...es para escucharlo una, y otra, y otra vez. La mejor cantante de todos los tiempos.
i am loving this. what a powerful voice! it’s quite funny this album popped up today as i am in the middle of a david bowie discography run through and he does the most amazing cover of “wild is the wind” which tops anything anyone else has ever made. so it was quite fun to see this album being named after that song, and has that cover here as well. “four women” what a strong and beautiful and gut wrenching song. “break down and let it all out” is amazing vocal wise. so cool. “lilac wine” is a wonderful cover. 5/5
It's good.
What a voice! Beautiful, and liked the experience of the album. Sunday listening for sure.
Great voice. Some songs are great. Some average.
Nina is always powerful and emotionally resonant. On tracks luke Four Women, you FEEL every emotion she conveys. Listening to this start to finish, I was also captivated by how beautiful the lowest points in Ms. Simone's vocal range are. Some personal favorites are I Love Your Loving Ways, What More Can I Say, and That's All I Ask.
Just thumpingly solid blues.
Good
++: I Love Your Lovin' Ways, What More I Can Say, Lilac Wine, Break Down and Let It All Out, Why Keep On Breaking My Heart, Wild Is the Wind, Black Is the Color of My True Lover's Hair, If I Should Lose You, Either Way I Lose +: Four Women, That's All I Ask 9,4/10
Wonderful album. Four Women incredibly powerful, Lilac Wine lovely. Nina's voice is so unique. 8/10
i mean, it's nina simone!! it's mellow and beautiful.
Nina Simone is the GOAT
The cover has it right - Four Women is unforgettable, and the stand-out track here.
A very easy 5 stars. If I had to pick my favorite voice in all of recorded music, I'd probably pick Nina Simone. She has such a powerful intensity like she could make someone stop dead in their track, to sit down and listen. And she marries this equally powerful lyrics. This album features a few of her very best songs. The bold depiction of "Four Women" fighting to be seen as people beyond their stereotypes. The hauntingly sorrowful "Lilac Wine". The dizzyingly sparse and draw out title track. And the stripped down, raw beauty of "Black is the Color of My True Love's Hair." My only complaint about Nina Simone is that of the many collections of her songs that are out there, few perfectly capture her talent as well as she deserves. To my mind, Simone always performed songs, and didn't necessarily make great albums per se. I haven't explored her very extenstive discography enough to verify that. Up until now, the best collection I'd found that the 2022 compilation "Feeling Good: Her Greatest Hits and Remixes", which is amazing. "Wild is the Wind" truly rivals that collection. It's staggering to think that these were just leftover tracks from previous sessions and yet they made just an incredible album when brought together.
Beautiful
Pretty good. Nina has a very distinguishable voice. But no song really caught my ear
# 494 ; Wild Is The Wind : 03/06/2025 They've done a pretty decent job, Ok overall, but nothing exceptional. I Love Your Lovin' Ways was the best IMO # 212 in Rolling Stones 500 Greatest Albums of all time (2020)
Full of soul and emotion. Great listen
Not my music.
very nice - liked the openness
love me some Nina Simone, this will be an easy rate. i've only heard Lilac Wine prior to today I Love Your Lovin' Ways - 3/5 Four Women - 5/5 What More Can I Say? - 5/5 Lilac Wine - 5/5 (my fav version of this song) That's All I Ask - 5/5 Break Down And Let It All Out - 4/5 Why Keep On Breaking My Heart - 3/5 Wild Is The Wind - 5/5 Black Is The Color Of My True Love's Hair - 5/5 If I Should Lose You - 5/5 Either Way I Lose - 5/5 Average score: 4.6/5 (rounding up) wow. i've already known Nina Simone was a badass vocalist and pianist, so i had a good feeling i'd enjoy this. i figured Lilac Wine would be the best track here, but i was completely taken aback by Wild Is The Wind. that was a tear jerker i was not ready for. her singing is like a key that unlocks the deepest emotions within me. very few artists have hit me like her voice did is it a perfect or cohesive release? of course not. i think that's to be expected of an album comprising of leftover recordings. but her performance on the majority of these tracks makes up for that fact tenfold *this* is a must-listen album, period.
Soulful, masterful and loveable.
Potent and emotionally resonant, Wild Is the Wind lays bare a powerful artistry while remaining eminently listenable. Nina Simone is unforgettable.
Good album. I know why I know her name. Not one I'll listen to regularly, but good for a go.
Her sixth album. Four Women is an absolutely mesmerising and haunting track. The vocals are beautiful and the lyrics haunting. Lorde and Lana Del Rey, THIS is how you do it. Dramatic, passionate, soulful, real unfiltered music sung by an intense artist with something to say. Fuck off Taylor Swift! The range of emotion and that voice is magical.
The use of instrumental swells and dynamics here is incredible. It’s just not quite consistent enough to push it to a 5/5. Four Women is an incredible song that I can’t help but hear Pusha T tell the world Drake is hiding a child over. Favorites were Four Women, What More Can I Say?, Lilac Wine, and Wild Is The Wind.
Obviously excellent. Is it my favourite Simone? No, but what a voice.
Kinda of boring. Decent voice but I think she has better stuff
3.75
always beautiful
It’s a beautiful thing. Four women is obviously the stand out but lilac wine RULES. I would listen to anything on this album if someone else put it on with no complaints. The piano playing is beautiful, whoever that may be I don’t know because there is no personnel listing. I gotta get on my high horse of “she didn’t write anything other than four women of which from what I can tell is also the only song that isn’t a cover” but they’re so beautiful covers. It seems to be a recurring thing so maybe I need to get over it.
Enjoyed this album. Nina can have such a soft but powerful voice. She has insane vocal control. Very impressive. Very beautiful. Much wow. Good 4
Excellent album. I hope there's more Nina Simone on the list. I'll probably revisit this album in it's entirety. Only song that I didn't think was a 5/5 was the opener. Overall still a 5/5 album
Not for me.
Knallbra album, rett og slett. 10/10.
361/1001
Wild Is the Wind is an overall great listen, it's elegant, powerful, and emotionally rich. The album starts off with more of a punch, drawing you in immediately, and then slowly eases into a more subdued, introspective space. That gradual fade works, though, because Nina Simone’s voice carries the entire record effortlessly. Her vocal delivery is magnetic, tender one moment, defiant the next, and it gives each track its weight. There isn’t a bad song on the album, and it’s a testament to Simone’s ability to make every lyric feel deeply personal and lived-in. A timeless, soulful listen from start to finish.
Nina, es muy especial en mis preferencias y es porque trasciende el canto puramente musical, cala en los huesos.
This was a beautiful album. She has such a beautiful voice and the piano is phenomenal. 4.5/5 - > 5/5
Excellent album. I really enjoyed her unique voice. The music is a bit jazzy but more rhythmic and engaging. Favorites: Four Women, Wild is the Wind
When even the leftover tracks are this good, you can be sure that the artist is a master of their craft. Nina's voice is unique and powerful, and that's not even talking about the excellent music that backs her up! Favorite track: on this listen, "Break Down and Let It All Out"
Yeah amazing ofc
3.5
2.5
Four women,!
That's not my taste in music, but pleasant music - brilliant voice
Fantastic album. Her voice is incredible, the arrangements are beautiful. It’s a little disjointed as an album, but I think that’s forgivable because all the songs are gorgeous and it means they’re varied and interesting. Found it very difficult to pick a favourite and least favourite. Really any of the songs could be a favourite. Fav song: Lilac Wine Least fav: I Love Your Loving Ways
LOVED THIS 10/10 first time listening to Nina and the music is so good
-wow this is beautiful uggh I should tap into Nina Simone more… I’ve only heard one other album by her but I was really impressed by the greater variety here, plus her vocal strength -it was kinda a rare case of an album that got increasingly better as I listened even if it struggled to maintain my interest at some points. very solid -Favorites are Four Women, Break Down And Let It All Out, and Black Is The Color Of My True Love’s Hair
4.2/i enjoyed that!
Not my type of music. Quite boring
There is also much to love about Nina Simone and this has some of her best, most classic tracks.
I've been quite conflicted about what score to give this album. Today, I finally made the decision to give it 5 stars rather than 4, and it comes down to the fact that Nina's voice is extremely powerful and does and excelent job in trasmiting emotions. There's some weakers tracks compare to the best ones, but I'll be damned if I call them bad songs, because they're not. Truly one of the best singers ever.
HERESY ALERT! I would like this album quite a bit better without the vocals. I get that she sings of important subjects. Fine. But her lyrics are neither poetic nor narrative, just literal and expository. Being earnest isn’t enough. I can ignore lyrics, and usually do. The main problem is that voice. A lot of ladies with gorgeous voices were singing important songs at this moment. (Abbey Lincoln comes to mind.) Nina's voice is such a mess; she sounds like a Muppet. She’s really pitchy and it doesn’t sound musical to me. Her phrasing is affected and distracting. Her “vibrato” is tremorous; I can’t stop thinking that she has palsy. And, like Barry Gibb (or Kermit the Frog) she never incorporates any chest into her voice - it goes from thin/reedy to brassy, but it's always pinched.
Wanted to like it. Music is great. Not big on the vocals. Too much tremolo, trying too hard with the voice.
Nina Simone can sing. Her countralto vocals are so powerful and wonderful. She's an incredible singer. This album was very enjoyable to me.
Trying to get back into my album a day so it was a huge relief to get this powerhouse of an artist/album. Particularly enjoyed Four Women. Lilac Wine and Wild is the Wind.
For a list that is dominated by heavy Rock, it is always good when an album like this comes up. Nina Simone's voice is beautiful as it is powerful. There is a strength to her songs that resonates and moves the soul.
It's not my thing, but wow is Four Women a powerful song. I didn't hate it. I didn't love it. My feelings for it were pretty mid, but I can definitely understand why it's included, and why Nina Simone is so beloved.
Holy smokes what a snooze fest. I couldn’t wait for the album to be over
4.5/5
One Nina Simone track is usually five stars. A whole album is a bit like a big bar of Toblerone.
lovely album. songs 2-4 had me so ready to give this album a five but not every song on here is bonafide best of the best. thats not to say they're bad by any means i made a soul playlist just to put some of these songs somewhere. wonderful
Devastating. No one had an instrument like Nina. This is such a powerful album that it’s hard to listen to some of these songs more than once in quick succession. True Art by a True Artist. Four Women is a seminal song, I cannot believe that she was able to make it and put it on a widely released album at the time (and name the alb after the track). Timeless, ever-relevant. It’s a song that hits like a nuclear bomb. Break Down And Let It All Out is maybe the best song about freaking the fuck out. Simone’s vocal range on Wild Is the Wind is absurd. She was a master poet. Her lyrics are spare but immense.
Simone's voice is haunting, dark and uncompromising. what an absolute badass.
3.6
Legendary voice. Minimalist, wonderfully done. Very chill and classy.
Surprising and beautiful.
Swooningly romantic and heartbreakingly poetic in equal measure. That voice....that fire in her delivery. The passion, the tenderness. Every song on here delivers the goods, but "Four Women," what an utter masterpiece. Must-listen #138.
Legendary Singer. Obviuosly. But average album, and dated
Loved it such soulful music
Very pleasant listen
langweilig 2
Very minimalist jazz and blues album that feels very timeless. The vocals and piano are both fantastic, but it's a bit too stripped back for me.
Dunno if I have a ton to say about this. One of those albums that while I don't think I'll playlist anything, its one of those albums that just "feels" great. "I don't need to pay attention to the lyrics to know they're great" kinda music. Side note, how the hell is Pastel Blues not on the list?
Very enjoyable music, where many songs were immidiatelly added to my favorites on spotify. I loved the voice of Nina Simone.
Hørte ikke hele
I mean it’s Nina I couldn’t not really - listened twice through (cuff meh)
I listened to this while walking Darlo before work, which was a lovely way to start the day. But probably won’t return to this. 3.5 rounded down.
Just OK.
Good
Quite enjoyable as well (perfect after some Sinatra)
I honestly don’t like her voice most of the time. Sorry for the apparent sacrilege. This is the first I’ve listened to her and found myself often wondering if this material wasn’t written for her and therefore not doing her any favors. I dunno. I don’t like Billie Holliday much either. Maybe I’m just not into warbly jazz crooners. Otherwise, the music is ok, if fairly standard for this era and about 75% of the album kept me engaged, so I definitely can understand its inclusion here, at least.
a bit haunting
Wild Is the Wind is a compilation of songs pulled from various recording sessions, and that patchwork nature is evident. The album lacks a clear sense of cohesion or structure, which makes the listening experience feel somewhat disjointed. The first two tracks start strong—bold, powerful, and emotionally charged. They set a high bar and establish a compelling tone. However, the momentum shifts quickly into slower, more introspective piano ballads. Simone’s rendition of “Wild Is the Wind” is beautiful in its own right, though I personally find David Bowie’s later cover more impactful. I listened to the album multiple times in one day, which suggests it certainly has merit. There are standout moments, but overall, the pace slows too often, veering into a territory that felt dreary to me. Favourite tracks: “I Love Your Lovin’ Ways” and “Four Women” are absolute highlights—both are fierce, loud, and captivating. A fantastic way to open an album. Least favourite track: “Black Is the Color of My True Love’s Hair” didn’t work for me. It felt overly slow, meandering, and ultimately unengaging. Album artwork: A cool, striking cover that adds to the album's mystique.
What more can I say - soft and sweet, like relaxing yet heartbreaking, yet I feel I could happily listen to this thinking of a love or sob to this alone, thinking also of a love. very short but to the point... like what more can I say Ilac wine - very somber. I don't love the way she sings in this one. Not as much of a fan of this single That's all I ask - immediately captivated, the mix of her voice with the instruments is beautiful. Break Down and Let it all out - Powerful. Why Keep on Breaking My Heart- I like how the start is just her, and it's so beautiful, calm, and sad. Then the instruments and backup vocals start so perfectly. She sounds so different in this very '50s pop, but I enjoy it
Angenehmes Album mit intensiven Blues und Beatelement.
classic
Incredible voice, incredible musicians back in my her up.
“what more can i say” was the first one i really liked, which is strange because i usually mess with jazz more than i did with this album. mid overall at best. 2/5.
Not for everyday, but in the right circumstances .. great
Lilac Wine 👌
Just not for me.
Great voice, great songs, but calling the love interest 'Daddy' is rough.
I haven't really listened to Nina Simone before so this was a revelation. The songs were beautiful and the production innovative. One of the highlights being another version of Lilac Wine. Alternatively romantic and political with each song. This is an album to be savoured.
I have adored Nina Simone for a long time, but this particular album is not my favourite. However, I enjoyed listening to it during breakfast preparation with a sunny morning behind the window.
This is lovely.
Damn that’s beautiful
Solid, not spectacular. I love Nina and the title track is great, but is probably the only memorable song.
makes me see what i wanna see and be what i want to be <3
I’m not crying you’re crying
A true delight. Enjoyed this and want to keep listening.
I love Nina Simone when she’s good, but her catalogue is super uneven. The repertoire and arrangements are not always well considered. I had never heard this album and I must say I was not missing out.
Incredible. I think it might be a 5 but probably need to listen to it more to appreciate this record to its fullest.
A few songs I thought were very good 4 women is fantastic. It isn't great front to back but overall it certainly earned it's spot.
Feels like the soundtrack to a smoky black-and-white mystery where someone is inevitably discovered slumped over a piano.
I know I’m supposed to be cultured and love this, but a lot of the songs sounded the same and I just didn’t get all that into it. No doubt the talent is there, but won’t be listening to this one again.
Haunting
Classic soul sound. Can't remember any songs once it's over, but I enjoyed the time, and wouldn't be disappointed at another
I don't remember the last time a song hit me as hard as Four Women just did. Holy shit.
Didn't get much of a chance to listen to the whole thing but I thought the songs thta I did hear were great. Nina Simone is classic and such a gem.
Feeling like in a field of flowers
Don't you know you're life itself?
Deep and soulful
Great musician. Enjoyed the album.
idk didnt have time to litsen to it its prob good i guess
Classic oldies. R&B I guess? Good album. Feels very genuine.
Good
Bop bop. Not really my style but there's a few nice melodies.
Nina always hits hard. What a voice. what musical talent. what lyrics. She's got it all and then some. I love listening to her. Her emotion shoots right through to you.
3.5?
Revolutionary in the truest sense
Great voice, but not my style.
The song “Four Women” blew me away. Nina Simone had a great voice. It is really just too bad that she wasted her talent on this album singing crappy love songs. I would have loved to hear more songs like “Four Women”.
Not for me.
What a woman, what a voice. Powerful stuff. Unfortunately a little bit repetitive in the second half, but has bangers that hit me in the heart. 4 stars.
Makes me feel sophiaticated
A gem like this is why I like this project. Never would have chosen to listen to this otherwise, but what a lovely, soulful journey. 5/5