The Gershwin Songbook

Listening to this in its entirety reminded me you can have too much ice cream.

It would be great, if it was 1 or 2 discs max. I listened to it fully over 2 days

Ella Fitzgerald. The Gershwins. Nelson Riddle. It doesn't get any better than this. I get the comments about the 3 hour length, but for me, this was sublime.

Music for walking, but my walk did not extend to three plus hours. A beguiling voice delivering engaging lyrics.

i mean it's just a collection of vocal jazz, nothing much I can say about it. SUPER long but doable one disc at a time.

59 tracks, 3h 14m long. Ella's voice is incredible, but this was way too much. It took me days to actually listen to the whole thing. The last 'disc' wasn't even her singing, just some instrumental tracks.

First things first: Technical Foul. This is a 5-disc compilation. So I listened to Sam and Delilah, Lets Call the Whole Thing Off, Oh, Lady Be Good, Nice Work if You Can Get It, How Long has this been Goin' On, Slap that Bass, Someone to Watch Over Me, Clap Yo' Hands, They Can't Take that Away from Me, Embraceable You, Fascinating Rhythm, and I Got Rhythm--certainly one disc's worth. Ella, Ira and George. C'mon!! The record speaks for itself. I've listened to a lot of Ella, but not this one. Truly elegant stuff.

Very sweet! But with 6 disks I couldn’t get through it all in one day.

Giving this a one on principle. No shade on Ella Fitzgerald, she is a fantastic singer and this music was actually pretty fantastic, but telling me I have to listen to a 3 and 1/4 hour compilation before I die is a fucking joke. Listen to the first disc, it’s great, then move on with your life.

I only listened to a good portion because it’s so long, but very good!

Amazing!!!!!

Love love love

Iconic songs by an iconic voice

Da oldies can still be da goodies

Great voice. Great composition.

7.5/10

wow! a standing ovation. i could have this on loop for almost any mood or occasion, her voice is incredible

Shortest 3+ hours of music. So good.

Understand it's importance in history. The sound of the recordings and her voice is excellent. Album is not for me

A box-set isn't an album. Should be removed. Sidenote: Not a fan of live albums being included either. Live albums are just slightly worse greatest hits albums.

Too long

This was simply too many songs. Some were good but overall I just lost interest.

That was a long album. I can’t think of a better inclusion if the list’s intention is to curate a historical record of recorded music. But in terms of raw enjoyment, I did not finish the full three hours. Maybe half? At some point, as happens with all too-long projects, everything blended together.

So exhausting to listen to the full album (and I did it, from waking up until lunchtime). The first side of the album is magnificent, a worthy 4 stars (it could be a 4.2/3 grade), but the last 2.5 hours are too much (repetitive, boring, grueling, and too long). Ella is a one-of-a-kind artist with a unique voice, and her other work (for example, her songs with Louis Armstrong) is distinctive and special, but this could be 1, maybe 2 sides album, and it would be one of the best in history. If it were possible, I would give it a 2.5 rating, but I will round it up out of respect for the artist.

I listened to all the songs >500k listens. 3hrs? Nah. Timeless voice, she could sing the phone book and it would sound great. Makes me want it to be Xmas and watch 50s movies. 4/5.

old lady too many songs

even older style music than the other old-timey stuff appreciate that these are good renditions 3h15m is a lot tho also again, not really what I would listen to without a specific vibe/goal/etc rating not represenative, DNF, too many songs 💀

more for my dad than me.

Nothing against Ella Fitzgerald, this gets a 1 for including a 3 hr compilation album of the same old music.

Ella had an amazing voice. One of the best I've ever heard, but this style just isn't for me. Also, 3+ hours is overkill for this list. I'm already trying to make it through 1089 albums. It doesn't make it any easier when one of them is basically 5-6 normal albums long.

I listened vaguely to some of the songs but it's all pretty same old style American crap and there's nothing impressive musically or vocally. I don't think Ella has anything outstanding about her vocal quality to carry these boring songs.

I tried to finish this I really did but there is only so much time in the day, which is a shame because the music is fantastic, beautifuly sung and played, but this isn't the album by her that should be on the list. It's a collection if songs that last three hours, that's too long 4 for the music 2 for the actual album listening experience

(10/10) It's arguably one of the best vocalists of all time singing old-timey feel good music! Just throw it on shuffle and let your cares melt away

Obviously her voice is beautiful, but I couldn’t make it past potato potahto

Objectively it’s not bad. I liked it way more than I thought I would, as I despise show tunes. Only listened to the first 35 minutes or so because that run time is insane. 2.5⭐️ rounding down because no way I’m gonna spend 3 hours on this.

I will copy my review for Bjork's album "Vulnicura"... Okay....we get it. I understand this is important, essential, even.....but after the first couple of songs, you're pretty much know what you're in for, for the next 3 hours. I would be remiss to give this a 2...and it's definitely not a 1.

This album is massive, over three hours. But it turns out 195 minutes are simply not enough!

Only her talent and charm make this three-hour dirge of homogeneous traditional pop slightly bearable. There HAS to be a better Fitzgerald album from this period than this.

Great, but as others have said it's just too damn long. Compilations shouldn't be in clouded in this list

Seth - will not listen Logan - 2.5/5

no me escuche todo pero me gusta

very chill study music

She sings very well. Very swingy and big band. I couldn't listen to over 3 hours of it. Made it 25/59 songs. 2.5/5

If a great album is a complete meal, this is a gigantic bowl of whipped cream. It's the best whipped cream - like cream straight from a cow that grazes in the sunshine on organic sweet grass. But as sweet and easy as it is, it leaves you feeling unsatisfied, and maybe, even, a bit queezy. Such a voice. Such a waste that she used it to make such watered-down, inoffensive, unchallenging, uninteresting music. I don't blame Ella for her choices. She was, like Nat King Cole, a really important bridge for the black-curious masses (read: white suburbanites) of the day; and I can't imagine the challenges and indignations she faced. But I think, historically, we can and should, now, focus more attention on those of her contemporaries who leaned into their art more than towards popular interest. Give me Billie Holiday, Dinah Washington, or Sarah Vaughan (who made her own share of whipped cream pies, but also did some amazing small group sessions) over this any day.

6 disks!!!!!

Sure, it's a long album, but it's hard to argue with the pure singing ability of Ella Fitzgerald. And giving her a raft full of Gershwin songs to perform is just piling quality on quality. Will I listen to this whole album straight through again? Probably not. But is it five stars? Yeah, it is.

I think this is what magnetic fields 69 love songs is aspiring to. Too long to listen to the entire thing, but great timeless songs, perfectly executed

Diabolical 3 hour, 6 disk album. Look Ella Fitzgerald is a fantastic singer, but 3 hours is too much. Fave track: 'S Wonderful

It's a beautiful compilation with beautiful arrangements. And of course, Ella Fitzgerald is rightfully recognised as having one of the most beautiful voices of all time. Obviously, it's a lot to get through - but I don't think should detract when it comes to score. Did I listen to this in its entirety? No, no I did not. 4/5

5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Yeah, I'm not listening to this 3x like I have for all of the other albums in this collection. Enjoyable. Didn't love it, Didn't hate it. Not likely to just spin this up on my own later. Glad it is preserved.

gran álbum

Wasn't ready for a six album box set so I skipped around. Many of these I know just because Gershwin has so many "standards". I do like this music and she was huge for the period. Will I put this on for a road trip? no. Dinner party? maybe. Giving it 4 stars for respect

The album was a bit lengthy and repetitive, but it was a good album. It sounds like the type of Jazz that I would listen to. I think it is an important album in music history, however

Feels weird to qualify my review and rating, but this is the legend, Ella Fitzgerald. This is a tremendous achievement for her and the Gershwins. It’s also 3+ hours of beautiful if slight songs that don’t do much for me. This isn’t an album I’d choose to listen to on my own, but if it played, I’d appreciate her greatness. If not for this project I’d never have attempted this album. It is objectively great. Subjectively it’s not for me.

Her voice is beautiful, but the songs are so boring. Maybe it's just that I'm not a jazz fan. Also why is it so long?

Braba d+ gênia pqp

A six disc, three hour entry on the list. Ok. It doesn't get old or run long though. It's a testament to the range of song Gershwin could write, though I suspect if I wrote some mediocre songs Ella would elevate them. Such a voice.

love ella fitzgerald but holy exhausting who thought a 3 hour runtime was a good idea

Just no. I drowned in the sea of strings and was unable to finish this snoozer.

Ridiculously long anything over an hour is too much for an album. What I heard I did like some classic songs on here and her voice is great but may word too long to listen to in its entirity

Samt through the whole thing, which was an experience for sure. I hope the music won't play in my dream tonight. Not because it's bad, just because I don't want my dream to be a musical/opera.

Ik vond dit oprecht een fijne plaat.

DNF...

Not my kind of music at all and therefore way, way too long for me to play all the way through. Gave it a go, but managed about four tracks.

Not my thingbreally.

This was a long listen, but a good one. I really love a vocalist with a big band, and this album showcases some of the best to ever do it.

4 hours of listening just to rate to 3/5 feels a waste

Great vocals and arrangements as to be expected. But I have to admit I sampled the highlights amongst this monstrous 195 minute compilation that had no business being on this list. A halfhearted 3/5 given to shoo this away. Sorry Ella.

3+ hours? C’mon already. I gave it just over one. It definitely has the ability to transport you to a different time and era I’ve only really seen in movies. Close your eyes and it’ll take you back to late 1970s overnights at grandmas house, a fire is one and some black and white likely Christmas movie on the television. I loved that aspect of this journey. But other than that I honestly wouldn’t put this on regularly. Ella Fitzgerald is talented. Gershwin is accomplished. But 3 hours of anything is too much. Some other feelings to express but already done so well by other reviewers - go read those. 3/5 for nostalgia and quality sake.

72 songs? I don’t think so. I listened to about a dozen songs and came away thinking fantastic voice. Some great songwriting and adore Someone to Watch Over Me and Oh Lady Be Good, but too jazzy in a lot of places for me to go the distance.

Great songs, fantastic voice. Not my usual kind of music, but still great.

Wonderful stuff – I love Ella Fitzgerald but this was too much Ella in one sitting for me. 59 tracks! Heard it before? ❌ Listen again? ❌ Rating out of ten? 6️⃣

09/21 Good music but the album itself is WAY too long!

I’ve heard most of these songs at one time or another. Mostly sung by my Dad whilst he was shaving in the bathroom every morning. He would have liked this album. But for me it provides great memories of him. By chance and not the norm when listening to albums on this list, I streamed the album from Apple Music over my hifi rig. It was a high res quality lossless stream and it sounded amazing. Don’t know if the original 1959 recording was released that good or if it has been remastered. It made the task of “listening to the whole three and a quarter hours” that bit more pleasant. Last sentence I’m being a bit economical with the truth. 3/5 21/9/26

Not for me. And about 3 hours longer than necessary

I mean - it’s just too long isn’t it….

I listened to what I think was 2LPs worth of this. Enjoyed it but I'm not listening to all 3h24m

New to me and not for me I’m afraid - surely even the most ardent Fitzgerald/Gershwin fan might get weary before the three hour mark!???? One star. Tom.

when i started listening i was like "oh this is lovely!" but after three hours of corny showtunes i think me and ella fitzgerald need a break

Snoozefest

There are albums you could listen to all day, and albums that take a day to listen to. And this is an album you take a day to listen that you could listen to all day. Joyous-and the first appearance of some classical crossover after nearly a year!

A marathon packed with great songs delivered by a beautiful voice. A star deduction for length!

Like the Sistine Chapel ceiling. I might not want it in my gaff, but I can't help but admire the genius that made it. 4*

Ella's voice carries the same impact some 60 odd years later. I did not listen to the three hour nonsense, thankfully I went with a compilation instead and that made for a much better listen. I'm sure the entire thing is a masterpiece, but I gather you would have to be in the right place and mindset for it. Not much else to say, beautiful voice, great jazz accompaniment, its like I'm wandering the Wasteland in Fallout.

Start with the Best Of that other commenters have recommended. If you enjoy that then dive into this 3 hour behemoth. It’s very pleasant, very enjoyable at times and sometimes downright goofy. It’s just way too long to recommend. Put it on as background music and go about your entire day. But to sit down and just listen to these beautifully arranged songs that all kind of sound the same after a while is a fools task.

Well I wrote reviews for more than half the tracks that were witty, cunning, and downright sensational but forgot to save it. Essentially, it described this album as an example of Ella Fitzgerald's vocal capability and how she defined love ballads. Covering this quantity of songs in an album would give a low rating since the experience to listen to all of it would be overbearing. But since this an Ella Fitzgerald album, I will give it a higher score. Not 5 stars though. If it was the Very Best album version that has a portion of these songs, I would give it a 5. But it is not.

Although a loong listen this was surprisingly fun. It did make me travel back to the 50s and made me a bit sad I can't see a show like this live. A bit samey, sure, but some faves too - I especially liked Slap That Bass. The weirdest aspects were the very intense climaxes, just to go on to another song, and another song... and another song. Last disc didn't really fit and I did miss Ella, but it had it's own charm and was short enough not to overstay it's welcome. All in all, pretty great, just not my type of music.

For what it was, I give it a solid 4! Easy listening for studying, great vocals carry this album. (I listened to a shortened version)*

Loved it. She’s the goat. Sooo many songs tho

I mean, I am bias because I love Ella Fitzgerald but I think everyone would agree with that sentiment. Her voice is so soothing and genuinely a comfort for myself. It was a three hour album, but I could listen to her on repeat for days at a time. I don't care that the songs may sound the same because they're all so beautiful. Tough not to get this one to five but it's very different from the other albums; this is one album that I just wanna put on and low cortisol-max.

Call the whole thing off really frustrated me. I find it extremely unrealistic anyone calls their parents “mater and pater”. I just don’t like it. If you were to replace the lyrics of any given song with another song of hers, nothing about the feel of the song would change. The emotion of the music isn’t tied to the sound and it makes it feel purposeless. Feels like jazz slop. Not to say she isn’t talented, I certainly like her voice, but it just feels like slop. especially with such a long list of songs for three hours? This “album” doesn’t feel like a thoughtfully crafted piece of art, rather a slog of senseless jazzy noise

Extremely great. Perfect voice and the songs match her vibe entirely. I may have a bias as I associate these songs particularly with my grandmother. It doesn’t get 5 stars because it’s more of a compilation than an album

I lived through the Lawrence Welk era and don’t enjoy reliving it.

I powered through like 3/4ths of this so that's something.

Ella Fitzgerald is amazing, but there is no way I’m listening to six albums in a row of her music.

That voice! Incomparable. Listening to the album was a chore because of the songs but that doesn’t change how exceptional it is.

I get it: Fitzgerald can sing. But that doesn't mean that I have to enjoy listening to what basically is three hours of the same song.

3시간 다 듣진못했는데 개쌉좋은 앨점이란건 알겠음 끝까지 다 들었다면 무조건 5점 줬을거같은데 아직 이 앨범에대해 완벽히 아는게 아니라 5점을 주기가 좀 그렇지

Beautifully arranged and performed. Not my cup of tea.

top nigga