My One and Only Thrill

Released in 2009, 'My One and Only Thrill' is the second studio album by Melody Gardot and the record that solidified her as a major force in contemporary jazz. Following the success of her debut, this album saw Gardot collaborating with legendary arranger Vince Mendoza, whose orchestral touch elevated her 'bedroom jazz' origins into something grander and more cinematic. The album consists almost entirely of original compositions, showcasing Gardot's growth as a songwriter capable of blending jazz, blues, and sophisticated pop. Critics from AllMusic and BBC Music praised the record for its maturity and its ability to sustain the 'smoky' atmosphere of her debut while adding layers of harmonic complexity. The album's success was bolstered by the single 'Baby I’m a Fool,' which became a signature track. It remains a definitive example of how to modernize the torch-singer tradition without losing the raw, vulnerable core that defines Gardot's artistic identity.