Description
Nina Simone – Feeling Good (Her Greatest Hits) – Red Vinyl Record
Nina Simone’s Feeling Good (Her Greatest Hits), released in 1994, is a compilation that celebrates the unmatched artistry and profound legacy of one of the most influential and versatile musicians of the 20th century. With tracks spanning her career, the collection captures Simone’s ability to blend jazz, blues, folk, classical, and soul into a uniquely emotive and socially resonant body of work. Songs like Feeling Good, I Put a Spell on You, and Sinnerman showcase her incredible range as a vocalist, pianist, and interpreter of both traditional and contemporary songs.
This compilation offers both longtime fans and newcomers a curated look at Simone’s work, emphasizing her ability to express deep emotional truths and tackle themes of love, pain, resilience, and social justice with unparalleled authenticity.
Nina Simone, born Eunice Kathleen Waymon in 1933, began her career as a classically trained pianist but transitioned to jazz and blues to support herself. This shift allowed her to carve a niche as a versatile artist who could transcend genres. Often referred to as the High Priestess of Soul, Simone rejected the label, seeing herself as a storyteller and truth-teller rather than a traditional soul singer.
Her music was deeply influenced by her experiences as a Black woman in America during the civil rights movement, and many of her songs became anthems for social change. Feeling Good (Her Greatest Hits) highlights both her timeless musicality and her role as a voice for the oppressed.
Simone’s music is defined by her genre-blurring approach, incorporating classical techniques into her jazz piano, and her unmistakable contralto voice, which could convey both vulnerability and power. Thematically, the songs on Feeling Good range from personal introspection and romantic longing to bold declarations of resistance and empowerment.
Track Highlights
Feeling Good
One of Simone’s most iconic songs, this track (originally from the musical The Roar of the Greasepaint – The Smell of the Crowd) captures the exhilaration of liberation and renewal. Simone’s soaring vocals and dramatic arrangement make it a timeless anthem.
I Put a Spell on You
Simone’s powerful rendition of Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’ classic transforms the song into a soulful and intense declaration of longing and control.
Sinnerman
A 10-minute tour de force, this gospel-infused track builds with relentless intensity as Simone delivers a haunting story of sin, redemption, and judgment.
Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood
Originally written for her, this song conveys deep vulnerability and the desire for understanding, delivered with aching sincerity.
To Love Somebody
Simone’s interpretation of the Bee Gees’ ballad infuses it with raw emotion and soul, turning it into a deeply personal reflection.
My Baby Just Cares for Me
A jazz standard that Simone reinvents with playful charm, this track became a surprise hit in the 1980s after being featured in a Chanel commercial.
Mississippi Goddam
A scathing critique of racial injustice, this civil rights anthem captures Simone’s frustration and anger in the wake of the 1963 murder of Medgar Evers and the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing.
The Other Woman
A heartbreaking ballad about infidelity, delivered with raw vulnerability and haunting piano accompaniment.
Wild Is the Wind
Simone’s emotive interpretation of this romantic standard showcases her ability to convey profound longing and tenderness.
Love Me or Leave Me
A jazz classic with a dazzling piano solo that highlights Simone’s classical training and improvisational skills.
Black Is the Color of My True Love’s Hair
A traditional folk song reimagined with an atmospheric arrangement that showcases Simone’s ability to transform any material into something deeply personal.
I Loves You, Porgy
From Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, Simone’s delicate and heartfelt rendition became one of her early hits and remains one of her most beloved recordings.
Feeling Good (Her Greatest Hits) was widely praised for its thoughtful curation of Nina Simone’s most impactful songs. While no single compilation can fully capture the breadth of her artistry, this collection serves as an excellent introduction to her work. Critics highlighted Simone’s ability to seamlessly move between genres and her profound emotional depth, which continues to resonate with listeners.
Simone’s music has experienced a resurgence in popularity, with her songs frequently appearing in films, TV shows, and commercials. Tracks like Feeling Good and Sinnerman have become enduring cultural touchstones, introducing new generations to her genius.
Nina Simone’s music has transcended its time, becoming synonymous with emotional truth and social activism. Songs like Mississippi Goddam and Sinnerman are as relevant today as they were in the 1960s, reflecting ongoing struggles for justice and equality. Her willingness to confront difficult truths in her music has made her a beacon for marginalized communities and a symbol of artistic courage.
Simone’s influence can be heard in the work of countless artists, including Lauryn Hill, Alicia Keys, and John Legend. Her life and music continue to inspire, with her legacy honored in documentaries, books, and tribute performances.
Feeling Good (Her Greatest Hits) is a fitting celebration of Nina Simone’s immense talent and enduring legacy. With its mix of iconic hits, poignant ballads, and powerful protest songs, the album captures the essence of what made Simone one of the most important and influential artists of her time. Whether you’re drawn to her soulful renditions of love songs or her unflinching commentary on social issues, this compilation is an essential introduction to the extraordinary world of Nina Simone.
Target Exclusive
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic sealed
Track Listing
Feeling Good
I Put A Spell On You
Black Is The Color Of My True Love’s Hair
See-Line Woman
Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood
Ne Me Quitte Pas
Work Song
Love Me Or Leave Me
Don’t Explain
Mississippi Goddam
Strange Fruit
I Loves You, Porgy
Mood Indigo
