Lady of the Night cover

Lady of the Night

Donna Summer

Album 1974

About this album

Sound: "A blend of sultry disco rhythms and emotive R&B vocals that set the stage for Summer's evolution as a pop icon."

Where they were

Released in 1974, 'Lady of the Night' marked Donna Summer's debut album, introducing her unique sound to the music landscape. At this point, she was transitioning from being a backing vocalist to a solo artist, having recently signed with Casablanca Records, setting the foundation for her future stardom.

Why it matters

'Lady of the Night' is significant for establishing Donna Summer's career trajectory within the disco genre. While it did not achieve massive commercial success initially, its release laid the groundwork for her subsequent breakthrough with 'Love to Love You Baby' later that year, leading to her becoming a defining voice of disco music.

Essential tracks

  • "Lady of the Night" — The title track encapsulates the album's sultry themes, showcasing Summer's powerful vocal delivery and establishing her persona as a disco diva.
  • "Born to Die" — This track highlights Summer's ability to convey deep emotion through her vocals, blending pop sensibilities with poignant lyrical content.
  • "Wounded" — 'Wounded' stands out for its introspective lyrics and soulful melody, offering a glimpse into Summer's diverse musical range beyond disco.

Release Date

February 1, 1974

Artist Origin

United States

Tracklist

  1. 1 Lady of the Night 3:59
  2. 2 Born to Die 3:22
  3. 3 Friends 3:29
  4. 4 Domino 3:15
  5. 5 The Hostage 4:19
  6. 6 Wounded 2:43
  7. 7 Little Miss Fit 3:06
  8. 8 Let’s Work Together Now 3:56
  9. 9 Sing Along (Sad Song) 3:17