About this album
Where they were
By the time 'Half the Perfect World' was released in January 2006, Madeleine Peyroux had already established herself as a notable figure in the jazz scene with her previous album, 'Careless Love' (2004), which garnered critical acclaim. This album marked her third studio release and solidified her unique style that combines classic jazz influences with contemporary sensibilities.
Why it matters
'Half the Perfect World' received widespread acclaim for its lush arrangements and Peyroux's vocal prowess, reaching number 1 on the Billboard Jazz Albums chart. It also contributed to a resurgence of interest in jazz-inflected pop music during the mid-2000s, influencing artists within both genres.
Essential tracks
- "Everybody’s Talkin’" — Peyroux's rendition of this classic is hauntingly beautiful, blending nostalgia with an effortless, soulful delivery that highlights her interpretive skills.
- "(Looking for) The Heart of Saturday Night" — This track showcases Peyroux's ability to infuse a sense of longing into her performances, making it a standout moment on the album.
- "The Summer Wind" — Her interpretation of this standard captures a wistful elegance, allowing listeners to fully appreciate her nuanced vocal phrasing and emotional depth.
- "Half the Perfect World" — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of love and loss through rich imagery and Peyroux's expressive voice, cementing its central role in the collection.
Release Date
January 1, 2006
Artist Origin
United States
Tracklist
- 1 I’m All Right 3:27
- 2 The Summer Wind 3:55
- 3 Blue Alert 4:10
- 4 Everybody’s Talkin’ 5:10
- 5 River 5:19
- 6 A Little Bit 4:02
- 7 Once in a While 4:00
- 8 (Looking for) The Heart of Saturday Night 3:27
- 9 Half the Perfect World 4:21
- 10 La Javanaise 4:11
- 11 California Rain 2:57
- 12 Smile 3:57
