Description
Diana Krall – Wallflower – Double Vinyl Record
Released on February 3, 2015, Diana Krall’s Wallflower sees the acclaimed jazz vocalist and pianist stepping outside her traditional jazz repertoire to reinterpret a selection of classic pop, rock, and folk songs from the 1960s to the 1990s. Known for her smoky voice and jazz piano virtuosity, Krall brings her signature style to songs that have shaped popular music, infusing them with a mellow, jazz-influenced sensibility. The result is an intimate, contemplative album that blends nostalgia with Krall’s own understated elegance.
Produced by the legendary David Foster, Wallflower strips down much of the jazz improvisation Krall is known for in favor of lush, restrained arrangements that allow her voice to take center stage. The album’s title, Wallflower, alludes to the feeling of being on the periphery, observing the world from the sidelines—a theme that resonates with the introspective tone of many of the songs chosen for this collection.
By the time Wallflower was released, Diana Krall had already established herself as one of the most successful and respected jazz musicians of her generation. Albums like When I Look in Your Eyes (1999) and The Look of Love (2001) showcased her mastery of the Great American Songbook, blending jazz standards with a sultry vocal style and intricate piano work.
Wallflower marked a departure from her previous albums, with Krall focusing on pop and rock songs that had influenced her as a young listener. The album features covers of tracks by iconic artists like The Eagles, The Mamas & The Papas, Elton John, and Bob Dylan, but Krall’s jazz roots still shine through in her phrasing and emotive vocal delivery. This shift allowed her to bring a new perspective to songs that are familiar to many, revealing their subtleties through her relaxed, intimate interpretations.
Wallflower is characterized by its smooth, soft-pop production, with many of the songs featuring lush strings, gentle piano, and understated instrumentation. Foster’s polished production style complements Krall’s voice, creating a warm, mellow atmosphere throughout the album. While Krall’s piano playing is more restrained than on her jazz albums, her interpretations of these pop and rock classics retain a sense of jazz-like subtlety, with her vocals taking on a conversational, introspective quality.
David Foster’s production brings a smooth, polished sound to the album, with strings and soft percussion creating a lush backdrop for Krall’s vocals. Tracks like ‘California Dreamin’’ and ‘Don’t Dream It’s Over’ are elevated by their sweeping arrangements, which add a cinematic feel to the songs while maintaining the emotional core of Krall’s delivery.
On some tracks, Krall opts for more minimalist arrangements, allowing her voice and piano to take the lead. Songs like ‘Wallflower’ and ‘If I Take You Home Tonight’ feature gentle piano accompaniment and subtle instrumentation, emphasizing Krall’s vocal performance. This restraint gives the album a sense of intimacy and vulnerability, inviting listeners into a quieter, more reflective space.
While Krall is known for her virtuosic piano playing, Wallflower is largely a vocal-driven album, with her rich, smoky voice taking center stage. Her phrasing is relaxed and conversational, bringing a new emotional depth to familiar songs. Krall’s voice is at its most expressive here, conveying a range of emotions from longing to nostalgia with understated grace.
Lyrically, Wallflower explores themes of love, longing, and introspection, with Krall interpreting songs that reflect a sense of nostalgia and emotional depth. The songs chosen for the album often deal with universal themes of heartache, reflection, and the passage of time, making the album feel personal and resonant.
Many of the songs on Wallflower evoke a sense of nostalgia, with Krall revisiting tracks that were hits in the 1960s through the 1990s. Songs like ‘California Dreamin’’ and ‘Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word’ capture a sense of longing for the past, while Krall’s subdued interpretations make them feel reflective and introspective.
Tracks like ‘Alone Again (Naturally)’ and ‘If I Take You Home Tonight’ deal with themes of heartache and vulnerability. Krall’s intimate delivery brings out the emotional weight of these songs, allowing her voice to convey the sorrow and fragility in the lyrics.
The title track, ‘Wallflower,’ written by Bob Dylan, captures the album’s introspective tone. The song’s lyrics, about feeling like an outsider, resonate with the theme of emotional distance and observation that runs throughout the album. Krall’s gentle interpretation adds a layer of personal reflection, making it one of the most poignant tracks on the album.
Notable Tracks
‘California Dreamin’’: Krall’s version of The Mamas & The Papas classic is a slow, atmospheric take on the song, with lush strings and a relaxed tempo. Her vocal delivery is wistful, evoking the sense of longing for escape and warmth that defines the original, but with a more introspective feel.
‘Wallflower’ (featuring Blake Mills): The title track is one of the most intimate and haunting moments on the album. Written by Bob Dylan, the song’s lyrics about feeling invisible and overlooked are brought to life by Krall’s understated vocals. The soft guitar accompaniment by Blake Mills enhances the song’s delicate mood.
‘If I Take You Home Tonight’: Written by Paul McCartney, this song is a delicate, piano-driven ballad that Krall delivers with tenderness. Her voice is soft and intimate, making it feel like a quiet conversation, while the piano and strings provide a gentle, romantic backdrop.
‘Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word’: Krall’s version of the Elton John classic is a melancholic ballad that highlights her ability to convey deep emotion with subtlety. The sparse arrangement allows her voice to take center stage, capturing the sadness and regret in the lyrics.
‘Don’t Dream It’s Over’: This cover of the Crowded House hit is one of the more upbeat tracks on the album, though Krall’s version is still marked by a sense of quiet reflection. The arrangement is rich and cinematic, with strings and soft percussion giving the song a sweeping feel.
Wallflower was met with generally positive reviews, with critics praising Krall’s ability to reinterpret classic songs in her own unique style. While some long-time fans of her jazz work may have been surprised by the album’s shift toward soft-pop and orchestral arrangements, many appreciated her willingness to explore new musical territory. The album debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, making it one of Krall’s most commercially successful releases.
Wallflower also appealed to a broader audience beyond jazz listeners, thanks to its focus on well-known pop and rock songs. Krall’s ability to bring emotional depth and nuance to these familiar tracks was widely praised, and the album remains a standout in her discography for its departure from her usual jazz stylings.
Wallflower is a beautifully crafted album that highlights Diana Krall’s versatility as an artist, offering a fresh take on pop and rock classics through her jazz-influenced sensibilities. The album’s lush, polished arrangements and Krall’s emotionally resonant vocals create a sense of intimacy and reflection, making Wallflower a soothing and contemplative listen.
For fans of Diana Krall’s vocal work, as well as those who appreciate subtle, sophisticated reinterpretations of familiar songs, Wallflower offers a unique and rewarding experience. It’s an album that blends nostalgia with fresh insight, showcasing Krall’s ability to breathe new life into well-known material while staying true to her own distinctive style.
Gatefold cover. Comes with download code.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
California Dreamin’
Desperado
Superstar
Alone Again (Naturally) Featuring – Michael Bublé
Wallflower Featuring – Blake Mills
If I Take You Home Tonight
I Can’t Tell You Why
Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
Operator (That’s Not The Way It Feels)
I’m Not In Love
Feels Like Home Featuring – Bryan Adams
Don’t Dream It’s Over
