#88 – I Put a Spell On You

Apple Music Rank: 88

Album: I Put a Spell On You

Artist: Nina Simone

Year: 1965

Genre: Jazz

Was I familiar with Nina Simone?  Yes. I’ve owned a few of her albums.

Had I heard I Put a Spell On You before?  No. I’ve heard a lot of Nina Simone, but I can’t say I ever heard this album from start to finish.

Thoughts on I Put a Spell On You: You can’t say the Apple 100 list didn’t cover a wide range of music. I’m only 13 albums in and I’ve already written about Eagles, Rage Against The Machine, Travis Scott, Robyn, and now Nina Simone. I mean…the rest of the people I’ve seen so far are stars, but Nina Simone is royalty. Seems wrong to see her on this list. She’s above this. The others aren’t worthy of being included alongside her.

Here’s my issue with anything involving Nina Simone: I just don’t love the sound of her voice. I expect the readers that I have to abandon me in droves for that one, but it’s just how I feel. I don’t question the quality or the content, but I can never fully get on the Nina Simone bandwagon because, to me, her voice is an acquired taste and I just haven’t gotten there. I don’t feel like I’m mature enough to get Nina Simone yet and at this point I’m not sure I ever will be. I’m aware that Nina Simone represents far more than just a voice to a lot of people. Something about her timbre and/or tone doesn’t fully work for me. Erykah Badu and Amy Winehouse are on my Mount Rushmore of female vocalists. They’re both inspired by Simone, and in the case of Badu you could make the argument that she’s my generation’s Nina Simone. She also has a voice that could be considered an acquired taste. Yet Nina Simone remains elusive to me.

All of that said, this is an album worthy of inclusion on any Top 100 list and a jarring departure from the music I’ve heard thus far. Musically it has the sound of a rat pack album from the same era. There are a few that sound corny (“Marriage is For Old Folks” comes to mind) but most of this is timeless jazz. As good as any music of this kind to come out of that era.

Favorite track: As I listened to I Put a Spell On You I stopped in my tracks and said, “Oh shit, this song is on it?” when “Feeling Good” came on. This song has been adopted by corporate America multiple times over the years (they’re probably using it to sell AirBnB or probiotic yogurt or something similar now) but there’s a reason why. It’s not only good, it’s catchy as hell. Even amongst other powerhouse songs on this album, “Feeling Good” stood out.

Will I listen to I Put a Spell On You again?  Yes

Would I buy it on vinyl? Despite me nitpicking about her voice, yes. I would buy this in a heartbeat. Perfect turntable music.

To access more expert analysis of the Apple 100 Best Albums list click here.