Ballads

Released in 2017, 'Ballads' represents a significant pivot for Paula Cole, returning to her roots as a jazz singer trained at the Berklee College of Music. While her 90s output was defined by self-produced art-pop and alternative rock, this double album is a dedicated exploration of the Great American Songbook and folk tradition. The project was crowdfunded and released independently, allowing Cole to bypass commercial pressures and deliver a 20-track collection that prioritizes mood over radio viability. The recording features jazz luminaries like bassist Kevin Kozol, emphasizing a live-in-the-room feel with minimal overdubs. Critics noted the album's 'bravery' in its starkness, particularly her willingness to tackle heavy narrative songs like Dylan's 'The Ballad of Hollis Brown' alongside romantic standards like 'Body and Soul'. It stands as a testament to her versatility and a formal reclamation of her jazz identity.