Reviews (page 13 of 14)
Can't knock the queen
It’s fine! Ella is great. I’ve just heard these songs 1000x times. Gershwin is fine but Ella sounds better on other artists.
Inigualable, simplemente una de las mejores cantantes de todos los tiempos
I liked it all the way through but this is needlessly long tbh, really took out some of the enjoyment when it's 3h20 or so. A decent record
very pretty
Kinda like an old school movie soundtrack. I'm a fan of vintage things, this was nice.
An incredible voice, some pretty great compositions - but I wasn't feeling very Gershwin when I listened.
This was a good album. I was familar with several of the songs. She can definitely sing. I don't have a desire to listen to the full album again though. It is better than a 3 but not really a 4. I will round down.
Great voice, cheesy music
Just pretty straight up decent
Generally delightful, but difficult to rate.
Love her voice but songs are too sweat for me
4.5/5 very nice 50s jazz
Listens: 1 Enjoyed: yes 4 tracks in and I'm listening to 'Lets call the whole thing off' before I'm hooked and stop questioning if I can do 3 hours. There's something so relaxing within this music. Ella's voice is insane and the majority of the writing is fantastic
4.0/5 The Gershwin’s write smart, playful and inventive lyrics. This is not my favorite collection of Ella songs, but her voice is a knockout. Standout Track: Nice Work if You Can Get It is a classic but Fascinating Rhythm was a hit for me that I was unfamiliar with
Dude! I was so happy with myself for catching up and actually listening to this album on the day it came out. Nope - apparently I'm still behind. But what's to say - this is good stuff. Reminds me of Christmas and Meg Ryan, as these albums tend to do, but no complaints here.
Nice, beautiful, pleasant music.
She has a great voice, and the songs are pleasant. 3 hours is a lot though
Très doux à mes oreilles
l’automne peut démarrer
Beautiful voice but I'm simply not interested in this style of music.
Loved this , not what I usually would listen to but really enjoyed it ♥️
Such a good album. Ella Fitzgerald is a relatable queen in her quest for true love. Standout tracks: I Got Rhythm, Nice Work If You Can Get It, The Man I Love, A Foggy Day, 'S Wonderful
Have always been well aware of who Ella Fitzgerald is, but never really listens to her music. It’s quite chilled and relaxed, but still up-tempo and relatable, from an era when life appeared to be a lot simpler. Enjoyable, but maybe not something that I would seek out to listen to again.
nothing amazing, but vibes
Ella is one of the greatest to do it, so this is obviously an amazing album. Beautiful vocal performances
This is very long. Like really long. The Spotify link on this website goes to "The Very Best of the Gershwin Songbook" but the real album is a box set with 59 songs spanning more than 3 hours. So, it's a lot. But on to the music. Ella Fitzgerald obviously was an amazingly talented singer. Her voice on these songs is silky smooth and on point. But the songs are anachronistic and dated. Ira Gershwin's lyrics make me cringe. But this was recorded over 60 years ago, so hard to expect anything else. Just not something I enjoy for 3+ hours. 3 stars.
Great
Good singer. Not really my thing though
Didn’t listen to all of this but I love Ella
Not my jam but beautiful music, nonetheless
Great voice, boring songs. It all blends together in a kinf of unpleasant way in the end.
Great voice, but boring generic jazz that get you exhausted pretty fast. "Who could ask for anything more?"
Ella enhnace the quality of this album. Great voice but other than that nothing much to say..
Ella Fitzgerald's voice and singing is soulful and certainly legendary, I enjoyed it very much. However, her backing music/band is very common and generic easy listening jazz, which made the overall record a little boring. Without Ella, it would have been an album I don't care about.
Jazz vocal de primer nivell, amb una de les veus femenines més increïbles que ha donat la història de la música i el repertori de dos dels grans compositors de la primera meitat de segle. Més de 3 hores de temes que ens porten a un temps i espais pretèrits, i a la vegada tan atemporals com els seus protagonistes
I had a very busy workday today, no time for 6 discs / 3.15 hours of listening. I only listened to 2.5 songs before I started up a day of onerous meetings and tasks. I could feel the old world classy vibes; Ella obviously has one of the most legendary and iconic voices ever recorded. The Gershwin songs vacillate between corny show tune earnestness and delightful unforgettable standards from a bygone era. It’s a perfect meeting of undeniable talent between singer and songwriters. But it’s too bloody long by a mile. I don’t know who could sit through an entire unbroken listen of these records. Not I, certainly not I.
With 3 hours of music, it's inevitably a mixed bag. The constant being Ella's unimpeachable legendary voice, and the jazz orchestra always on point. I'm more than happy to stick some Ella on from time to time. Some of the songs though. Treat me Rough? Clenched teeth emoji. But the gems are worth wading through this. Love is Here To Stay. Embraceable You. Boy What Love has done. I'd pick more out if I were in a better mood. You kind of still should listen to the whole thing, as it's a historical document. It'll keep you warm in the winter.
Ella Fitzgerald is the greatest jazz vocalist. Gershwin also happens to be my favorite composer so this album (or box set) was quite a treat. While it is over 3 hours long, it was absolutely wonderful. This is one of those bodies of work that should be preserved for future generations
Reminds me of Christmas
What a great voice and good songs
Ella is of course gorgeous. However I'm not interested really in 3h of Gershwin songs! No matter who is singing them. Is this really an "album" that should be on the list? Ella has more interesting albums and surely something more curated would be better for Gershwin. I mean it's like someone decided they needed Ella to sing all the Gershwin songs just for the record. So. A bit dull to be honest. Definitely overkill.
Love this one.
My first ever album in this project and a real joy. Beautiful singing and some songs I'd not heard before. Would listen again with parents. Best song: They Can't Take That Away From Me
Something about these totally overdone arrangements and her generally super straightforward phrasing just bores me to death. To me this is pop not jazz and utterly missing any of the spark that makes jazz worth listening to.
Good voice, I enjoyed Fascinating Rhythm. Overall this album keeps reminding me of her far-to-often-replayed christmas albums though. Not quite what I wanted in September.
The queen. five stars.
One of the greatest singers performing songs from one of the greatest songwriters. What could possibly be wrong.
I LOVE the Gershwins and I LOVE Ella and her amazing voice...but dang! Three plus hours is a long album ask even for music I enjoy, especially with the same singer and same song type
This was good and Ella Fitzgerald has a great voice but a little more variety would have made this album better. Still a good listen.
Ella is a legend. But this album is very fairly dimensional which makes it less exciting.
Amazing vocals and great easy going music, lots of covers, but those are the best ones.
What a trip. A delight to listen to .. so many songs though! Most memorable: Jsut Another Rhumba
That is a _lot_ of Ella Fitzgerald. She has a lovely voice so it wasn't exactly a trial, though I dare say my concentration wandered towards the end there. Fave track - I've been making my way through some massive history of jazz boxsets called "That Devillin' Tune" so I've heard quite a few different versions of "Nice Work If You Can Get It" and Ella's version is absolutely sublime. I also enjoyed all the deliberate mispronunciations in "Just Another Rhumba". 🤣
A classic album that I haven't listened to since probably college ('03)... it feels like home- all warm and cozy with my favorite soft blanket. The Ella and Gershwin(s) combo is legendary and an inspiration.
I don’t like this kind of music
A well-done if somewhat blandly uniform vocal-driven LP. Would’ve liked to see more variation from Fitzgerald on this one, as she mainly stays in the lower registers instead of really using her set of pipes.
Great album, classic style with a timeless feeling
Pure class
Eso que dicen de que un clásico es algo que no se puede hacer mejor.
I ain’t listening to a 3+ hour long album
Beautiful voice. Reminded me of Fallout. Didn't know about her vast discography. I really enjoyed becoming familiar with Ella.
Fantastic songs and such a beautiful voice. She lives up to the height as one of the greatest jazz singers
good singer, kind of old school though
Unbelievable
Luke's mom turned me on to Ella and I have become a fan. Her voice is beautiful (so is Luke's mom!!) and her songs seem to take you back in time. Think she would have been a wonderful experience to see live. Nothing to dislike from beginning to end. Favorites Someone to watch over me, Embraceable you and Love is here to stay. But I really did enjoy all songs. Solid 4. Would and will listen to again!! Probably with Luke's beautiful momma.
Lmao shout out musical from sophomore year of high school 1 Gershwin is already not one of my favorite musical composers. I don’t think much of his stuff has aged particularly well. I do, however, like everything I’ve heard from Ella Fitzgerald (which is pretty much just from Fallout 3). I love Ella’s voice and backing orchestra but this is still so damn boring. I’m happy I didn’t listen to the 3.5 hour long version holy shit. I personally think that’s on Gershwin, though. All the outdated talk of “waiting around for the man I love” and shit like that was a lot at times. I wish the music saved it more here but sadly there were only very brief moments that I found interesting. I know there’s stuff I like out there so I’m not going to give up Ella so soon, but this one is not for me. Favorites: I Got Rhythm
4 I haven't listened to much Ella Fitzgerald before, but clearly I need to listen to more - she has an incredible voice, and her music oozes oldies charm. This record makes me want to host a cocktail party just so I can put it on... and also play Fallout. An incredibly pleasant listen. Probably wouldn't enter a regular rotation with me, but will definitely be played again. Favorite songs: I Got Rhythm, The Man I Love, Love is Here to Stay
Hugljúf gæsahúð, drottning.
Tranquilo y muy Oldie.
Gershwin musicals just don't do much for my listening enjoyment, but I think Ella Fitzgerald got a lot out of them. 2.5/5 (mixed)
Fine! Probably won’t be repeat listening any time soon.
Wasn’t in the mood
Loved the album. Not really my music but nice to listen to!
Ella Fitzgerald is special to me. It reminds me of my grandmother. This is a very dear to my heart. I am so elated this is the first album that was recommended to me. Let's see how much I like it 8/10 solid album
Started by listening to the ‘Very Best’ and then spent the weekend listening to all three hours of the full songbook. Really wonderful - great to spend so much time with her voice. I haven’t listened to a ton of Ella so I enjoyed the deep dive. She has such a soothing voice. But there’s also a playfulness and a flirtatiousness about some of her performances (“Fascinating Rhythm”). A lot of these lyrics are fun and funny, and she knows how to bring out the jokes with a wink and a smile. But when the songs call for it, she brings a mature seductiveness to her singing (“Oh, Lady Be Good,” “Someone To Watch Over Me”). Man, these songs are so good. Great clean, classic pop songwriting. And the lyrics have a wonderful wit and humor. And the big band behind her?! Incredible. I love that full orchestra sound. A lot of gems but these were ones that stood out to me (including some stellar versions of absolute classics): “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off,” “Oh, Lady Be Good,” “Nice Work If You Can Get It,” “Things Are Looking Up,” “They All Laughed” (I love this song so much), “My Cousin in Milwaukee,” “He Loves and She Loves,” “Treat Me Rough,” “Slap That Bass,” “Isn’t it a Pity,” “They Can’t Take That Away From Me” (at our wedding, we danced to the version with Louis Armstrong for our first dance so the song has a special place in my heart - this version is a little different, cool to hear), “Funny Face,” “I Got Rhythm” (oooh the scatting in this! 💃)
Just absolutely beautiful. Probably my favorite or one of my favorite jazz vocalists. My favorite moments: Track 2 - "Oh, Lady Be Good" - the crazy emotional chord at the end of the song right at 3:46, under the lyric "to". All of "Love is Here to Stay" All of "But Not For Me". Not a bad song on the album. Easy 5/5
A classic :)
ELLA :]]]]]
Fijn om naar te luisteren
High 3, pleasant but nothing hype going on lyrically. Fun sounds, makes for good background music and worth repeating there
This album is an affront to the list. I have no problem with Ella Fitzgerald recording hours worth of music for a comprehensive album to serve as a sort of reference guide or encyclopedia. To that extent, Fitzgerald had left behind a lot of work for us the appreciate, with an amazing soothing voice and top-tier performances from her backing band to boot. I have no problem with this. My problem is that amongst all the other albums on this list that average, say, 50 minutes, this is 3 hours. No one is listening to this in one sitting, that's absurd. This is a clear outlier amongst the rest of the albums here, so I can't imagine actually listening to the whole thing for sanity's sake. Well I'm going to listen to the whole thing anyway. Not in one sitting, of course, but I'm tackling it disc by disc per the spotify tracklist. Splitting it up like this makes it a lot more digestible. I'm going to do it all in one day, and I'm off work so I have the leisure time to dedicate to this effort. DISC 1 (early morning) - A lot of lovely gallivanting love songs. The strings soar quite nicely. It does include a rhumba near the end but it's pretty consistent throughout. DISC 2 (morning) - More longing on this side, but includes a ragtime tribute which is a treat. It picks up near the back half for some more fun songs, with a bit of swing in the beat. Nice and steady. DISC 3 (noon) - Bit of a mixed bag in terms of theming. Goes to show how disorganized the tracklist is. Great songs performed perfectly, though. DISC 4 (late evening) - Things start to slow down here, which tracks with my drink of gin and tonic. Treat Me Rough shows a change of pace here and is a standout for the album (she has a lot of fun, you can tell). DISC 5 (early night) - Songs have started to blur into each other. I cannot remember much other than it was a pleasant listen. The end is in sight. DISC 6 (night) - These are just cheeky little instrumentals from George Gershwin. Very cute. OVERALL THOUGHTS - As a collection of songs, this album is splendid. Ella Fitzgerald is a fantastic singer, we all knew that already, and the Gershwin compositions are excellent. As a contemporary album for listening to in one sitting, it's horrid. The tracklist is distinctly disorganized, the runtime is much too long, and the product makes it clear that it has no place amongst the other albums on this list. For shame, authors of 1001.
real american folk song is amazing
Great voice. Love the songs with Louis Armstrong quite the contrast in voices. Lyrics can be pretty boring sometimes.
Ella Fitzgerald – The Very Best of the Gershwin Songbook Another 50s album! This time the “Queen of Jazz” - I Got Rhythm – Yes, Ella, you do. You also have a really nice voice. The swing drums are good. Brass section is nice. The lyrics are uplifting. I’m not a fan of the scat portion, though. On the whole, it’s a bop. - Oh, Lady Be Good – A real downer after I Got Rhythm was so peppy. Not really a fan of this one. The slow pace and drawn out quavers aren’t my thing. - Nice Work If You Can Get It – It’s meh. - The Man I Love – It’s a love song. Shocker. It’s sweet, but not my thing. - Love is Here to Stay – Another love song. It’s also sweet. Sounds like a tune from the romantic scene in a 50s movie. - But Not For Me – A sadder love song. Strings and keys get more focus on this one. It’s a nice instrumental section, albeit pretty simple. There’s some parts I’m not a fan of, the lyric “Hi-Ho, alas, and also lackaday” in particular. - A Foggy Day – Sadness. It’s also an American singing about London, so it just doesn’t quite feel right. - Someone to Watch Over Me – Searching for a lost love. - Fascinating Rhythm – Begins with a nifty shuffle rhythm and some sick bass. I don’t like the chorus though. So yeah, this one gets bonus for a different tone and dynamics than the others, but ’t's still pretty mixed. - Embraceable You – The longest song on here and another low tempo love song. - They Can’t Take That Away from Me – Another low tempo love song. Yep. - ‘S Wonderful – Annnnnd we finish on with another low tempo love song. The gimmick here is cutting a bunch of words short (devotion becomes “devosh” for instance). I don’t really like it. The concept of just re-interpreting older “Great American” songs isn’t something we really see today outside of Christmas music. Not all of the songs appeal to me. In fact, most don’t. The original songbook was apparently 72 songs. If these are the best, then I probably wouldn’t like most of the others. In particular, the fact that the musicianship is mostly on the low-key side to let the vocals shine means that there’s really only one thing to latch on to: the singing. While she is undoubtedly an excellent singer, it’s a style of singing that gets a bit old when most of the songs are so similar (low tempo, sad or sentimental, with lots of drawn out words and quavers). Rather than a cohesive album, this is really a set of tracks that Ella interpreted. It’s hard to evaluate as an album compared to, for example, Nevermind which is a cohesive body of work written by the band. She’s a great singer, and oftentimes, the musicianship is quite good, but many of the songs just don’t appeal to me. This is one where I get why it would be significant since it’s a Black woman bringing songs written by urban Jewish writers to a White Protestant audience. However, it’s just not one I like to listen to. 2/5. It’s not truly bad, but I can’t imagine there’s more than 1 song on here that I’d ever seek out to listen to again. It’s simply a style that I’m not into. More variety in tone and concepts would have helped. Top Tracks: - I Got Rhythm – The most fun track and the only one I’ll probably go back and listen to. - Love is Here to Stay – Of all the samey low-tempo love songs, this is the best.
Ella Fitzgerald has an amazing voice, it's a little slow for me, and not really my thing, but her voice is incredible.
Buena música pero no me la pondría para escucharla. Suena como a música antigua de dibujitos tipo Tom y Jerry.
Precioso :) Un masaje para el cerebro.
Very nice voice, not engaging enough to be blown away by it 70 years later but to still be enjoyable in that sense is a hell of an achievement
Excellent tracks! Ella is a master of her craft.
I listened to the 12-song version. The original album has 59 tracks, which seems to go against the spirit of this project - appreciating an album as a cohesive piece of art. Nobody buys the Gershwin songbook to sit down and listen to it for three and a half hours straight. Anyway, I have a deep appreciation for both Ella Fitzgerald and the Gershwins, and this was a great listen. Best track: 'S Wonderful
after listening to the shortened version of this album, i knew i had to listen to the full version, despite its length at four (!) hours (!!!). the time i had to devote to this album was absolutely worth it. it was beautiful from start to finish. some credit goes to both gershwins for their songs that remain classics to this day. some credit goes to nelson riddle for his excellent arranging. and a lot of credit goes to fitzgerald. her voice! i cannot begin to describe it. she brought so much emotion to each and every recording so all pack quite a punch. (unsurprisingly, fitzgerald won a grammy for "but not for me.") i adore jazz and i enjoy gershwins' songs, so of course this album was going to be super enjoyable for me. but i wasn't prepared for how amazing ella fitzgerald sounded. her voice is what makes this album a classic.
Ella's voice is so incredibly warm, so incredibly smooth, and so incredibly timeless. There is something incredibly comforting, nostalgic, and transportive about this album. Ella takes these songbook classics and exudes nothing if not pure elegance. In my opinion, she is among the best of the best of what vocal jazz has to offer. On one hand, I can't believe this is the only songbook collection by Ella on this project (that I know of), but on the other, I can't imagine it getting much better than this, anyway. While I continue not to be a big jazz fan, I must say that if I am going to hear jazz and come even close to appreciating it, this album and the voice of Ella Fitzgerald sets the bar.
This voice is very impressive
Very similar to Frank Sinatra but her lyrics are so clear and crisp. Plus her ability to scat and play around the background music is so amazing.
There is nothing not to like about this collection. Ella Fitzgerald is always on point.
Felt like Christmas
<3 Ella Zeer mooie liedjes, ik miste wel wat samengang in het album. Van sommige liedjes vond ik de versie met Louis beter, mogelijks omdat ik die gewoon ben.
I mean, what can you say about Gershwin that hasn't been said a million times before. His songs are timeless classics and to listen to an album of them sung by Ella Fitzgerald is a huge treat for the ears.
What a voice! All the songs sound about a hundred years old, which is fair enough, because they are. Very catchy, very enjoyable, very good
I couldn't help but love this. Ella's voice is so smooth, and the music itself was so lush. I have to admit that melodically, this wouldn't normally be my thing. However, Ella's vocal delivery sold me and I was happily whisked away to another time and place.
🌹
It’s Ella Fitzgerald
Such a beautiful voice and arrangements. Very nice background music. Just not something I would gravitate to if I want to listen to something.
An incredible voice and performer, glad I got to listen to this whole album.
I think if you choose to listen to the "best-of" version you're really not missing much. 59 songs is just too much, and not necessary to convey the feeling of the album which ends up all blending together with the length that it takes. Ella has a great voice, there's no question there, but these old-time music standby's that you've heard plenty of times just aren't that interesting to me musically. It was on the background, it was pleasant enough, but didn't strike up any strong feelings or enjoyment it was just sort of there.
I haven't heard most of these songs before, but it's hard for classic jazz fare to be bad. However, some of the songs feel musical-y, which isn't always for me. The alternate version (to me) of "But Not For Me" is very nice.
Gorgeous! My dad’s a fan, listened to it years ago.
very lovely and cute songs. I love Ella, such a powerful and amazing woman.
De va lit… e för långt
69 love songs? More like 59 love songs. Pertaining to this being more of a box-set than an album, it’s massive size makes listening front-to-back an absolute trek. The kicker is that it’s a trek through wonderful versions of timeless tunes Ps. To all the slackers who only listened to best-of version: Your loss
Trevligt att lyssna på!
My god, it just keeps going. Look, Ella has a great voice and all but the songs are not exactly thrilling and there's *three hours* of this. The one good thing is that this will make great background ambience for a D&D game if the players go to a lounge bar or something
Ganz coole Stimme
Ella is a beast. Just a straight up great singer and an easy album to listen to
Pretty cool show tunes. The singing really didn’t stand out but I guess I haven’t heard the originals. Good background cafe music.
Good but about 2.5hrs too long!
"Ella Fitzgerald Sings the George and Ira Gershwin Song Book" is a collection 59 songs written and composed by George and Ira Gershwin, sung by Ella Fitzgerald and music performed by the Nelson Riddle Orchestra. It is one of eight albums in the "Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Complete American Songbook" series which was recorded between 1956 and 1964 after Ella signed with Verve Records. The songs were written by the Gershwin Brothers between 1924 and 1937 with Ira changing the lyrics on some of the songs especially for Ella. This is quite the listen. Obviously when named "The Queen of Jazz," you'd expect pretty much perfection and that her vocals are. Since these songs were mostly written for musicals and film scores, they switch between big-band loud sounding, kind of fun and playful, and slow and romantic.The first song with lyrics on the album is "Sam and Delilah" originally from the 1931 musical "Girl Crazy" and sung by Ethel Merman. This song starts out slow and sultry and turns more big band loud sounding. Ella glides us threw with her incredible voice and especially her pacing. She reminded me of Frank Sinatra in the way they both know how to play with the timing and music. "But Not For Me" is also from "Girl Crazy" and is soft and slow-paced with strings. Great vocals and, oh, it won the 1960 Grammy for best female performance. Another great song for showcasing her silky smooth voice is "Oh, Lady Be Good," originally from the Broadway musical of the same name. This album is a lot of music. All of it is worth listening to, showcasing an incredible vocal talent. For some reason, I feel like watching a musical or going to the theater. Well, maybe sometime soon.
Fantastic. Easy listening from an elegant female singer that invented du wap.
Perfect. Classic in the best possible way.
Ella is the greatest!
What a beautiful album
Comme le disait Stevie : « And with a voice like Ella's ringing out There's no way the band could lose ». C’est vrai que c’est solide et les arrangement sont superbes. Pas de révolution ici, juste un bn album
Il faut effectivement avoir écouté au moins un album d’Ella. Pas sûr que j’aurais mis celui-ci par contre, même s’il combine une grande voix à un grand compositeur. Pour moi, l’album Ella wishes you a swinging Christmas est plus incontournable. Sinon l’album Ella and Louis est un album que je préfère à ce Songbook. Il y a aussi Porgy and Bess qui contient probablement la pièce la plus connue d’Ella qui est Summertime. Donc ce Songbook s’écoute bien, mais ce n’est pas son meilleur album.
I love Ella’s voice - this should go without saying - but I particularly like the way she pronounces (or sings) her ‘r’s. There’s something lov-er-ly about it. That being said - I just don’t think I’m a Gershwin fan.
Great songs, great voice. Can’t go wrong
I mean... come on... Classic songs by Ella Fitzgerald, easy to listen to over and over.
Genre: Vocal Jazz 4/5 Nobody can do it quite like Ella. In what is essentially a 3-hour onslaught, Ella Fitzgerald flexes her vocal muscles on 46 different standards, all composed by the late great Gershwin brothers (George and Ira), and manages to stay entertaining throughout the entire length of the album. Themes of romance and passion flirt with themes of floor dancing and music-loving, as us listeners embark on a near-completete look into the Gershwin catalogue, beautifully performed by the backing bands at hand, as well as the incomporable Ella. While there aren't any true standouts or knockout punches, the entire setlist unfolds in front of us with true orchestral perfection. Ella's mezzo-soprano takes us on emotional journeys on nearly every cut here in a full showcase of vocal prowess. It's quite hard to imagine perfectly performing this many songs, vocally or instrumentally, but they all do the damn thing. No studio manipulation, just raw musicality, and it's pretty impressive considering the length of the final product just how entertaining it all is. This might not be an album you listen to front-to-back, but, personally, any of these tunes fit perfectly on any calm, relaxing evening in. Ella's voice effortlessly carries you away as you listen, providing you a brief glimpse into a bygone era, while also providing listeners a top-notch auditory experience. Good shit.
Classically beautiful but not the sort of thing I'd listen to regularly.
It's hard to imagine Ella Fitzgerald putting out a bad album because of how exquisite her instrument was, and this album certainly meets her usual standard. I'm not a huge fan of this type of music, but she is undeniable as a vocalist. Well worth the listen 4/5
Hard to lift the slow ballad style songs like this out of background music. Incredible performance, consistent and emotional, but can’t say I’ll listen to it much more.
She is the voice, good singer and good quiet songs.
I’m usually not used to Jazz and pre-70s music but this album is the great exception! the sound and vocals make me feel in heaven… it’s relaxing yet so fun to listen to I’LL DEFO LISTEN TO IT AGAIN
not exactly my cup of tea.
Not the Ella I wanted.
Very good
These "black singer doing other people's songs" albums from the 50s and 60s were alright at first but they're just wearing thin now. Plus, I'm getting musical vibes from this, and musicals are the lowest form of entertainment. 2/5.
Beautiful
Ella Fitzgerald infusing her magic into dozens of songs from the Great American Songbook? Yes, please. I don't want to write anything more about her lest I diminish her greatness even in the slightest way. Love you, Lady Ella.
Beautiful voice, easy listening album.
Classic songs, not sure I love this treatment of them. But Ella is a treasure so I'm more inclined to listen to her other stuff
Purely because lush strings and jazz vocals are not my thing, but I can appreciate how brilliantly it is done here.
Cet album d'une durée de plus de trois heures est apparemment synthétisé sur Spotify puisque la version de la plateforme ne fait qu'une quarantaine de minutes. J'ai donc appelé Daniel Ek sur son portable. Le Suédois a tenté de me calmer et m'a assuré que Robert avait de toute façon validé mon écoute. Voilà qui est réglé.
Je suis venu à bout des 3h d'album à l'inverse de mon camarade d'écoute robplumière qui a lui lâchement fui le défi imposé par Robert. Une preuve de plus de son infériorité la plus totale, Robert saura j'en suis sûr me recompenser.
Such a fantastic voice.... She really brought these beautiful songs to life
Under the arrangement of the masterful Nelson Riddle, and sung by the OD (original diva) Ella Fitzgerald, 'The Gershwin Songbook' flourishes. There’s a little bit of everything here: the wistful tune of ‘But Not For Me,’ the playful innocence of ‘Nice Work If You Can Get It,’ the stylish blues of ‘Love Is Here To Stay,’ the big band boom and creative polyrhythmic meter of ‘Fascinating Rhythm,’ with Ms. Fitzgerald effortlessly maneuvering all the required syncopation (she can do this in her sleep, folks), and even introducing us to a little lingo from the 1950’s in the lyric ‘I’m always shaking just like a flivver!’ A flivver is a cheap car (or plane) in a bad condition, like the AMC Gremlin I used to drive in high school, which shook at any speed over 50 mph. Apparently, the Gershwins were inspired by the energy of Manhattan in their composition of ‘Fascinating Rhythm.’ Most of the songs, though, are about romantic love- dreaming about it, longing for it, the joy of discovering it, the sorrow of losing it. Love is ‘the best work of all, if you can get it.’ (‘Nice Work If You Can Get It’) ‘And you can get it if you try… and if you can get it, won’t you tell me how?!’ Ella Fitzgerald is known and revered for her ability to scat up a storm, but we are mostly treated on The Gershwin Songbook to her silky, smooth as buttermilk vocals, perfectly suited to the intimate mood of these songs. However, we also get mirthful Ella on ‘They All Laughed’ (at our love), ‘But, ho, ho, ho! Who’s got the last laugh now?!’ and even seductress Ella on ‘Lorelei,’ where she sings ‘I’m treacherous. I just can’t hold myself in check. I’m lecherous. I want to bite my initials on a sailor’s neck.’ No need to fear, though. Ella’s bite is more of a delicious nibble than a devouring nosh. Nelson Riddle’s orchestral arrangements throughout are simply exquisite. From the gorgeously plaintive rise of the final verse and conclusion of ‘The Man I Love’ to the bluesy horn work on ‘Love Is Here To Stay,’ or just something as simple, yet effective, as the playful fluttering of a flute on ‘Nice Work If You Can Get It,’ Riddle manages to capture whatever lyrical mood the Gershwin’s are putting down, and shows the expert restraint that compliments and enhances rather than interferes with the performance of the song. 'The Gershwin Songbook' is a wonderfully ambitious collaborative exercise. It was a joy to listen to, but also left me a bit sorrowful. For I was born in the summer of 1959, six months before its release, and these songs clearly reveal the cultural loss of innocence that has transpired in my lifetime. Not to get too maudlin, but I fear that we might never again hear lyrics like these: ‘Someday he’ll come along, the man I love. And he’ll be big and strong, the man I love… Maybe I shall meet him Sunday, maybe Monday, maybe not. Still, I’m sure to meet him one day. Maybe Tuesday will be my good news day. He’ll build a little home that’s meant for two from which I’ll never roam. Who would, would you? And so, all else above, I’m dreaming of the man I love.’
What a great listen. Ella is a Queen and this is just one of her crowning achievements. I choose to listen to the full three hour version rather than the best of and it was well worth it. Great album!
That was even better than I expected. Nobody does the standards better than Ella. Not Frank, not Bing. Nobody. That voice is so warm, so smooth, so perfect. If you want to be picky, some of the lyrics don't fit my feminist leanings. But Someone To Watch Over Me is a song with astounding longing, just pouring from the singer's heart. The secret is in the delivery - straight. No warbles, no melisma, no screeching out high notes, just honouring the melody.
I don't particularly care for jazz vocals, but if you must listen to it, this is it.
Overdose de sucre Prefs: Sam and Delilah, Let's Call the Whole Thing Off, Nice Work If You Can Get It, Just Another Rhumba, By Strauss, The Real American Folk Song (is a Rag), Who Cares?, They All Laughed, Strike Up The Band, Aren't You Kind of Glad We Did?, He Loves and She Loves, Slap That Bass, Fascinating Rhythm, I Got Rhythm Moins pref: ????
'SWonderful
Pure, unadulterated joy. One of the most important recordings of the twentieth century. The playful lyrics and tunes of the Gershwins, the impeccable artistry of Ella Fitzgerald and the classy arrangements of Nelson Riddle come together - this is sheer indulgence.
Ok so I started listening to the full 3 hour shebang rather than the best of that this site suggests. That's not a great start when you have a lot of catching up to do... I LOVE Ella and I listen to her music often. I mean what a babe what a voice, so much fun word play in these tunes. I love Nice work if you can get it lol it's such a funny song. Then on the other hand I hate Oh, Lady be Good. It's just too pathetic and out-dated and it pisses me off. Basically Ella Fitzgerald is a babe and a legend but this ain't my fave album.
I enjoyed the more upbeat ones of this album, found some of the slow ones a little dull but perhaps you have to be in the mood for this. I listened to this first thing on my birthday having just had my train cancelled and having to get a bus instead. I appreciated what this is though and enjoyed the strings
I appreciate the album but I just didn't find it interesting. And I can't stand 'Let's Call the Whole Thing Off'
Fav songs: I got rhythm, nice work if you can get it, love is here to stay
Just lovely
Ella Fitzgerald's American Sonbook album are something special, and the Gershwin one is the best of the bunch. Nelson Riddle's lush, yet melancholic orchestration paired with Ella's remarkable voice make for an unmissable album. 4/5
Nice songs, but none that I saved.
Damn that was the best 195 minute album I’ve ever heard 10/10
She's a legend... but I'd only ever listened to one or two songs by her. Incredible voice is undeniable. Not my genre of choice, however. Listened to 'The Very Best Of', not the huge version. They are all enjoyable songs to listen to. Her voice is spectacular and carried me through the songs easily with no complaints. Songs could be quite repetitive. Overall: wonderful voice, good songs. Not something I'd listen to again, though. Favs: I Got Rhythm, Embraceable You, Someone To Watch Over Me Initial rating: 4/5
Undoubtedly a good piece of work. It is very long and extensive. It is hard to listen to so many songs all at once. 3/5.
Not 100% sure I listened to the right album. Not to worry as that was a couple of hours of exquisite jazz sing by an angel.
Tym razem ciezkie sie wylosowalo, najdluzszy pick jakiego widziala lista, bo bite 196 minut muzyki na 73 kawalkach, nazwa samego albumu zdradza jego zawartosc Gershwiny byli popularnym duetem kompozytorsko lirycznym klasycznego jazzu, wiec tworczosc Iry i Geogrga Gershwinow spiewa pani Ella Fitzgerald, ktora najbardziej kojarze z kolabow Armstrongowych, ale jakos nigdy nie bylem zafascynowany sama pania Ella zeby zglebiac dyskografie, bo wokalny jazz, zwlaszcza w tak klasycznym wydaniu jak z owego songbooka nie nalezy do moich ulubionych odmian jazzu, no ale dzieki pickowi troche sie go nasluchalem, ale swojej opini nie zmienilem, uslyszalem to czego sie spodziewalem, klasycznych benczmarkow zagranych przez potezna konduktorska orkiestre, ktora stanowi tlo dla czarujacego wokalu pani Fitzgerald, jesli ktos jest fanem to z pewnoscia utonie w takim orgormie materialu, jesli kogos boli, badz nudzi wokalny jazz zlotej ery, to bedzie spal lub plakal, ale jak dla mnie takie brzmienie kojarzy sie praktycznie wylacznie z kinem, wiec dziwne uczucie ma czlowiek gdy slyszy cos takiego przez trzy godziny, bo przed oczyma same przewijaja sie czarno biale obrazy zakochanych i umierajacych dobrych gangsterow, Songbook Gershwiny zaliczony, a wokal pani Fitzgerald wypalony w pamieci
I can tell its great but not for me
Quite lovely vocal jazz. Songs are fun, if standards, I am really on a 3.5 but it is Friday.
Great stuff. Could see how it wouldn't be for everyone as it obviously leans in a jazz and showtimes sort of direction but I thought it was great
good singer
One of those that I thought I'd like, asi think you're supposed to, but I didn't
Great Album, one of the best to enjoy in a good evening or a good night
I like Ella Fitzgerald as much as the next man but three hours night be pushing it.
Only listened to the greatest hits from the Gershwin Song book as per the Spotify link, Great voice and great songs can see me revisiting this.
I sang a surprising number of these songs in high school choir. Of course, Ella sings the heck out of them.
I could not stop listening to this even though some of the songs are kind of dated. Just love that voice.
bad, made me angry, lame.
Very smooth and relaxing
Technically lovely. Wouldnt listen again.
I enjoyed it for what it is. Probably not something I would ever choose to listen on my own. Was a little disappointed that there was little to no scatting or even upbeat jazz song (which I guess should be expected for Gershwin). 2.5/5
actually rather liked it
There are some good songs here but my oh my this was the longest album ever. This was seriously more of a triple album. I was pretty interested in the beginning so it is good. Just something I won’t revisit. 4.6/10
Great singer, recognized some of the songs. I don't totally get the hype around Gershwin but that's okay!
One the most iconic mood-setting voices. I feel like I’m in a black and white Hollywood movie right now
Beautiful album!
I get why she’s the best. Voice like honey. Such lovely movement through changes. She a real G.
no jazz
Beautiful voice, relaxing
I'm not sure about this album, is this the George and Ira Gershwin? By the way, I don't like so much Gershwin, I think she has sung much better songs.
Wonderful album. Didn't have my favourites from Ella but I love jazz and love Ella. Relaxing, good to have on white you're working. Favourite songs: Oh, Lady Be Good, Embraceable You, 'S Wonderful
OH MY GOD! I've been waiting for an Ella album! Not too lie, I did not have her on my playlist until a bit more than 4 years ago, starting with Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered, and would not have thought that'd be the start of my love for jazz! Love her so so much. And I got this album on a cold rainy working day which was a great reward!
Oh wow. There aren't many folks I'd like to spend 3.25 hours with. But Ella Fitzgerald, Nelson Riddle, Ira Gershwin, and George Gershwin... This was a magic time, and I'd have gladly spent more time with them. I can't imagine a more perfect combination. This was a lovely day to spend with these masters. I'd do it all again.
The 3+ hours was a lot of time to work into today for just one listen, but it sure was worth it.
Lucky I like a Gershwin tune (how about you?) because this was a lot of them. Ira's rhymes don't hurt either --- here's one of my favorites: "The only work that really brings enjoyment Is the kind that is for girl and boy meant" With Ella's smooth and silky voice and Nelson Riddle's lush arrangements, this was pure delight from start to finish.
Ella Fitzgerald. Nelson Riddle. Gershwin tunes. A perfect way to spend the day! Among the best things I every listened to.
Beautiful voice
"I never knew how good our songs were until I heard Ella Fitzgerald sing them". - Ira Gershwin This collection features my favorite era of American music and one of the tops of the genre - Ella Fitzgerald. While it's her name on the album, it's a veritable who's who of greats that made this collection possible. Aside of Ella being the highlight vocalizing the amazing words of the brothers Gershwin, this would not be possible at all without Nelson Riddle's orchestration. I've struggled to get through some of the selections on this list that are only one disc. The whopping six discs of music on this selection wasn't enough for me. I could've gone for more Ella Fitzgerald.
Ella's voice is enchanting, and the songs compliment her voice beautifully. This album felt like a comfy dream that I didn't want to wake up from. Will definitely be listening to this album again.
The warmth, love and just beauty of Ella’s voice is amazing. This album warmed my soul through and through. Loved it!
Iconic, and probably should be a 5-star album for that reason alone. But just this side of too sleepy for me.
Classic songs, great voice. The verses on these things are just terrible though! The verse on S'Wonderful made my entire body cringe.
It's pretty good, but not my cup of tea.
Fine, I guess. Great singer, but I don’t really like Gershwin
Nice
This is some kind of protest vote, and for a few reasons. 1) By all means, slap a 5/5 on your review, but know this: I see you. I know it sounds high-brow and classical and you feel helpless in its presence. "Aw gee, I mean... shit... it's so prestigious." I get it. But I also see you. Grow a spine. 2) Where are the other compilations in this book? Why have I got to listen to Little Richard and James Brown and Buddy Holly studio albums, and pretend they're representative of the best those acts could produce, when I could be listening to far superior comps? I don't accept this as the exception. 3) It's over three hours. That's only allowable for 'Star Time'.
Uma deliciosa viagem ouvir esse álbum! Melhor música: S'Wonderful Bônus: Someone to Watch over me e Love is here to stay
You can't go wrong with Ella Fitzgerald. However, this actually isn't an album
Butter.
Her voice is flawless and it's all very nice, but it's also very dated and not really my thing
Didn't listen to the full 4+ hour version, just the best of version. Her voice is beautiful, this is a very warming/comforting album.
Best of only, I'm not spending 3 hours. I can appreciate it but it's not for me. 3
E.xellent
I've only heard individual tracks from Ella Fitzgerald before. I enjoyed listening to the album, but I didn't come away with any new favorite tracks. Perhaps if I was more into musicals, I might like the album more. With so many tracks, I don't imagine listening to the album again.
These weren't the Gershwin songs I'm most familiar with, but they're good and she's great.
Nice voice. Boring songs.
Ella, how's your fella? Does he keep you in his cellar? Ella, how's your man? Is he still fisting his nan? Ella, how's your boy? Fucking children with their toys? A little bit of spit never harmed anyone you know. Would you like me to cook you a beef Wellington, Susan? Well, would you? Answer me!
An album that in many ways embodies that time when Bort had spunk all over his face.
Big band songs about love. Good.
I'm not sure if I have the right album, since there seem to be about 9 "Gershwin Songbooks"... Assuming I've got the right one, there's a bit of scat, blues, jazz, and classically great sounds and technically sound (no pun intended) music being played. And let's be honest, even if I had gotten the album incorrect, it would sound good nonetheless. Would be good for a rainy day when you want something level, even, smooth to nestle your head on a pillow to.
Stellar and smooth. Ella has such an amazing voice and though the 5 discs on Apple Music was quite a bit to wade through, it was all enjoyable.
Oh Ella, my favourite jazz singer of all time. i would listen to her sing the phone book. But this is not the phone book, but a major volume of the great American songbook. A massive project to record a huge number of the Gershwin's greatest output, with beautiful orchestrations, that create a lush bed for Ella's incomparable voice. Truth be told, I prefer her 1950 Gershwin album; her voice is a little brighter and the orchestrations a little less cheesy. But this really is a major work of popular song of the 20th century.
Heard a few songs by her before and liked them, this made me like her even more
Great combination of classic, jazz and pop music. Probably the most complex pop music ever made.
nope
Talented artist….. my parents enjoyed her songs
Prohibitively long. Damn, I really spent all day listening to this. It's certainly not bad, but it's just jazzy/pop standards that Fitzgerald is singing. She's got a fantastic voice, warm and familiar, but three hours of standards isn't necessary to convey that. Granted this is 1959, still in the early days of albums, and there was clearly an accomplishment in play here with the "song book" thing. But it doesn't really work as an album. I respect what was done here, and apparently she did this for a bunch of songwriters' books, but there really ought to be a condensed album for a list like this. The music is honestly really great, and my low rating is a reflection of this outmoded format, which felt like a chore. I bet if I did the "best of" for this, I'd rate it at least a 4. Favorite tracks: Treat Me Rough, Let's Call the Whole Thing Off, Bidin' My Time (no kidding), I've Got a Crush on You. Album art: The one on this site says "the very best of" the Gershwin book, I think that makes more sense. I listened to the whole book. It has a better, abstract art-style cover, but yeah. Long album folks. 2.5/5
Another example of something I acknowledge is great and performed well, but is simply not my style. I can appreciate the talent here, though. Her voice is wonderful and the songs are pleasant.
classic music by a great singer
I liked it. Even though it was 3+ hours long I did not felt the time. I enjoyed the album. Ella's voice is a blessing to hear.
Meh
It’s nice, but too long
A lovely listening experience :) What a voice!
Beautiful voice. Not my style. Couldn’t keep me interested on a busy Monday. Maybe I’ll revisit later.
No words to describe this voice
No deja de ser un disco de covers pero si es Ella por Gershwin todo trasciende hasta convertirse en una obra maestra absoluta. Jazz orquestal preciosista y precioso que junto a ese swing vocal que le da la Fitzgerald convierten en oro cualquier tema de los grabados en estas sesiones. Lo escuchas hoy y sigue sonando nuevo, joven. Para dejarte llevar. Increíble.
First lady! Queen of Jazz jne. Onhan tää musa tosi väkevää ja sympaattista. Yhdistyy mun päässä aika paljon Nat King Colen tuotantoon ja varmaan siitä syystä kuulostaa niin armottavan jouluisalta. En pidä joulusta joten hetkitellen nostaa karvat pystyyn. Mut siis itse musa on suht jees tunnelmallista Ellan jazzii. Musasta siis antaisin varmaan 3/5... Kiinnostavampaa kun musiikillinen sisältö on oikeastaan se että miksi typistetty kokoelma vuodelta 2007 on listattu tähän listaan??? Täähän on siis levy joka on julkaistu 1958 alunperin viitenä vinyylilevyjä jotka muodostaa yhdessä "Ella sings Greshwin songbookin". Kyseinen EsG songbook taas on osa taas kahdeksanosaista "The Complete Ella Fitzgerald Song Books" -sarjaa jota tehtiin putkeen joku vähän alle kymmenen vuotta. Miks tää on olennaista on se että tää kyseinen julkaisusarja yleensä listataan täkeiden jazz-julkaisujen listalle. Tää tuntuu musta tosi oudolta pintaraapaisulta. Toki ei tällästä 1001 projektia varten kerään voi laittaa kuuntelee julkasuu joka kestää 15 tuntia. Mitenhän tän arvostelis... 2/5
Varsin nautinnollista. Vähän ehkä biisien aiheet toistaa itteään mutta se lienee Gershwinin syy.
Ainoita laulajia, jotka vois varmaan laulaa vaikka niitä joululauluja ja kuuntelisin. Lumoava ääni. Tässä ehkä vähän "turhat" orkesterisovitukset. Oon tykänny vielä enemmän, kun Ella on jonkun pienen bändin tai vaan pianistin kanssa.
Tykkään kyllä tästä bassoäänestä mut ei iske samalla tavalla ku muut jazz-standardien tulkinnat. 3/5
Ella is always a classic!
Chassis! Super Stimmung, Stimme, Arrangement! Top!
What’s to say? Mastery on top of mastery. Within its genre (if that’s the word) it couldn’t really get any better.
Great album nothing more nothing less
Disney music. Very good and very well done but my brain can really only hear it as disney music
Compilation albums should not be included in the list I think ..but I guess it is a bit of a grey area (thinking of for example "Singles Going Steady" or "Substance"). I can see that this is quality music but it all just sounds very boring to me.
I don't really like to see compilations on this list, but anything by Ella Fitzgerald is always welcome. One of the most pleasant and crystal clear voices of all time. This 45 minutes of heavenly music makes me want to seek out the complete Gershwin songbook.
The songs on this album are great for lounge/ background music. It transports one to a place of stillness and calm. Its like a warm blanket on a cold day
Finding out that today's album was from the great Ella Fitzgerald, I started listening with high expectations. She met all of them, and took me through this story of someone longing for love. I listened to the "best of" edition of this album, not having time for all 55 tracks of the original album, but I will definitely have to give it a full listen soon.
Standouts - Love Is Here To Stay; But Not For Me Very mellow jazz Great singing
Was unclear what to actual listen to, as the title, wikipedia and cover are all different.
Jazz. Bueno aunque aburrido.
Ella . Gershwin. Music doesn't get much more perfect than this. Ella's voice is otherworldly. My only complaint I would love to hear these songs arranged for a small combo. Note. My rating is for a vinyl copy I have if Volume 1, not the full 3 volume box set 5 stars
Classic. What a voice, magical!
Op de juiste momenten kan ik dit dus echt prachtig vinden, maar ik denk nooit bewust: Ik zal Ella eens opzetten!
Heel rustgevend, maar ik merk dat ik niet eens bewust luister. Achtergrondmuziekje.
Deze muziek past goed bij de tijd van het jaar, vind ik.
Jazz club
- Fascinating Rythm - Let's Call The Whole Thing Off
Listen, the music here is objectively very good. But this collection asks you to listen to waaaaaaaay too much of it.
it is not easy to find the definitive version of this album
Elegantly composed music, sung by an exquisite singer
Ella is an absolute legend. Not every song hit, but her talent more than makes up for that.
Nice Big Band with great vocals.
mixed bag because I enjoy Ella Fitzgerald but do not care for show tunes
I mean. It’s Ella. Of course it’s brilliant.
Very pleasant. She definitely has a fantastic voice. The instrumentation plays a suitable compliment without taking away the focus from her voice.
Better than I was expecting. She had a lovely voice. 3*
Objectively good. Won't listen again.
Fantastic, soulful voice
Not bad, but pretty generic. I’ve said this before, but I feel like most albums from this time sounds the same.
Absolutely stunning voice, one of the best singers of all time, and she makes it sound effortless. Favorite Track: I Got Rhythm Relisten: Yes
I love Ella. I love Gershwin. What more is there to say?
Ella is the queen.
A beautiful voice and a bunch of standards. However it lacks the raucousness and excitement of Ella at her best, and sticks in a nice easy jazz mode most of the way through. By no means bad, but too polite for my tastes, sadly.
Lovely stuff
Really liked it! Lovely voice.
Amazing
Ella Fitzgerald's voice is completely unmatched. She has such a wide range that she freely travels. And yet nothing is overdone, her voice works right along side the music. The instrumental is wonderful as well, the violins help give a very whimsical sound. The songs are very relaxing and pleasant, its hard to be in a bad mood listening to this album. Each individual instrument (and Ella) would sound great even isolated from the rest of the song. When its all brought together it feels like everything just harmonizes. As much as I like this artist, its just not something I could listen to on my personal playlists. The style is just not something id listen to at any time in the real world and it can't fit with the other artists I listen to. Its not just unique, but its out of place outside of its era. 8/10 Incredible talent from everyone involved but its as much as I could give for an album I wont listen to in my own time.
11/19/2021 Today's Album: "The Gershwin Songbook" by Ella Fitzgerald - This album must have been revolutionary at the time, given the bright brass band instrumentation in the background and that it was released before even the 1960s. However, this album ends up sounding really dated to me. There really isn't anything in here that you wouldn't find in some broadway musical and the more I listen, the more it sounds like this album inspired so much of musical music today. It literally sounds like the most boring musical I've ever heard because of that reason and although that is by no fault of the album, the fact that this sound has been polished and perfected to the point it has on Broadway, it makes it very hard to listen to this and not have my ears glaze over. The best moments on this album are the parts that sound most like that Ray Charles album we heard earlier. This album has merit, but it absolutely is not my thing. Score: 4/10 sounds nice but not my thing Highlights: But Not For Me, 'S Wonderful
Holy fuck I forgot how much of a voice Ella's GAT. And the music in the background, with all the knowledge of music I've got, is just a lot of fun to listen to. This album definitely feels like it belongs in the 1950s.
Classic
0:00:30 (01) Wow this is Tom and Jerry-ish 0:01:30 (01) This is surprisingly listenable for me. Not a fan of jazz but I have a big hope that I'll enjoy this one. 0:07:23 (02) That was pretty good. Only 72 songs left... 0:10:40 (02) *yawns* 0:12:20 (02) Since the 4th disc is just a bunch of alternate takes, I will skip that. Only 57 tracks then, let's hope that we will reach track 57. 0:14:20 (03) Wow vocals! Love that voice, that type of singing always take me to the '50s despite the fact that I wasn't even born during those times. 0:22:53 (05) I wonder why this literal compilation album is chosen for the list. Not that it's bad, it's just H U G E. It has an expected fair share of "eh" tracks, like this one. 0:26:32 (06) Lmao the '50s have at least a couple of weird pop songs too. 0:30:51 (07) That voice does better in the ballads. The pop-ish songs are not my jam. 0:33:18 (08) Just kidding. This one is ballad is it's boring. 0:36:05 (09) I'm considering giving up rn. But let's hold on for a bit. 0:37:35 (09) My favorite Beatles album, "Revolver" is considered one of the best and most influential albums of all time. And it's only 35 minutes long. I mean, I'm just thinking that if this is a rock album, then today's listen is finished now. 0:41:45 (10) I mean hiphop albums are usually 70-ish minutes. And that's why they're usually challenging as a listen for me. Oh wait, I'm still listening to an album right now? Lmao I almost forgot. 0:44:21 (11) It's incredible to think that I'm barely 25% into the album as of now. 0:45:11 (11) Love this track and its instrumental break though. 0:52:15 (13) Wonderful track indeed. Woke me up at the moment. 0:57:47 (14) *yaaaaaawwwnnn* "The Wall" is another album that I love. It's 81 plus minutes long. At this time, Pink is probably going Nazi already. 1:00:00 (15) Achievement unlocked: BOOMER MUSIC OVERDOSE (Listen to non-stop '50s pop-jazz music for an hour) 1:04:06 (16) Should I take a break after disc 1 or is it cheating? 1:09:22 (18) Wow, ragtime aint it? Pretty neat way to end a disc. 1:13:36 (19) Yes, "who cares" indeed. Who cares if this is their "very best" or "most influential". Who cares if I didn't finish this album and rated it anyway? 1:26:28 (23) I figuuuuuured ouuuuuutt thaat lissteniiiing to someoneeeee singiiiiiiiing liiiike thiiiiiisssss maakess me sleeeeepppyy.... 1:37:14 (26) This one's pretty good. 1:42:25 (28) Is this really an album one should listen to before they die? I mean three hours of old music is a unique experience. But is it worth it? Does it provide a whole new way to experience music? Is it a good experience? 1:44:20 (29) The 21st Century Fox theme plays and I thought, maybe Is should put an end on this self imposed torture. So now I will raise the white flag and end this madness... 1:46:22 (29) [Game over]; Mission: Listen to it from cover to cover [Failed]; Mission: At least listen to the first three discs [Failed]; Mission: Appreciate the music despite the ridiculous length of this album [Failed]; Mission: At least appreciate Ella Fitzgerald's beautiful voice [Accomplished].
Good listening.
Soft calm, ballet music? She just sings and it doesn't bother.
The first song was pretty good, but it got worse. It is definitely not bad, in fact the singing is very beautiful, but it's just not my cup of tea. Truthfully, it feels outdated.
Classic, good for working or just relax
Oh, what a beautiful jazz, perfect any day of the week.
Una voce incredibile. Atmosfera sognante e rilassata. Grande tecnica e grandissimo amore per la musica. Riesce a far visualizzare un'epoca.
I understand why it’s on the list.
Not sure if it’s the exact version as there were 3 on Apple Music. Love Ella and her phrasing, My One and Only is great.
bretty gud
There's technically nothing wrong with this album, but it didn't interest me at all. It's good background noise for movies and bars/restaurants, or even for classy house parties, but not enough to desire a listen by itself. I will give it props for making smooth music and Fitzgerald's vocals was pleasant.
3/5
Oh maaaan that was silky smooth. What a voice. I loved the choice of songs, and the direct & uncluttered way she phrases the melodies.
Simple easy to listen
Great collection.... but no WOW
не ну чот не готов я был к ней, хотя вроде и слуху причтно, но чот не слушаю я таких вот ребят
I very likely wouldn’t have listened to this if not for this project, but it was wonderful.
Don't really have a lot to say, Ella Fitzgerald is a legend, but back to back the songs blend together, especially for a novice like me. So nothing really stands out, but it's so nice to listen to. What to give to listen to her in a speakeasy
ella's probably has one of the greatest voices ever. her tone is impeccable.
A really lovely chilled start to the day. Can imagine this album would be perfect to listen to with a cup of coffee on the patio on a Summer's morning. :-)
Jazzy chill background music