A Touch of Tabasco cover

A Touch of Tabasco

Rosemary Clooney · 1959

26 min · 12 tracks · jazz

A lively blend of jazz and pop, infused with vibrant Latin rhythms and Clooney's warm, expressive vocals.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Corazon de melon Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Sway — This track stands out for its infectious rhythm and Clooney's sultry delivery, becoming a signature piece that captures the essence of Latin-inspired pop.
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    Mack the Knife — Clooney's rendition adds a playful twist to this classic song, showcasing her ability to infuse humor and charm into a jazz standard.
  • →
    I Only Have Eyes for You — Her interpretation transforms this romantic ballad into a lush, emotive experience, highlighting Clooney's vocal prowess and emotional depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album blends vocal and instrumental jazz elements effectively but lacks standout compositions.

What we noticed

  • Tracks like 'Mack the Knife' and 'Sway' showcase a strong rhythmic drive, while others like 'Magic Is the Moonlight' lean into a more relaxed tempo.
  • The arrangement often includes lush orchestration that complements Clooney's vocals, creating a rich soundscape throughout.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • short bursts of playful charm
  • lighthearted tunes for gatherings
  • nostalgic moments of romance
  • quick, catchy melodies to sing
  • energetic rhythms for lively moods

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer longer, complex compositions
  • want deep emotional narratives

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — Solid entry but not widely recognized as a standout in her catalog.
Themes
Latin-infused jazz· 1950s pop charm· sultry nightlife
Career context
In 1959, Rosemary Clooney was emerging from a successful career in music and film, having solidified her status as a beloved vocalist. This album followed her significant commercial success in the 1950s, showcasing her versatility and ability to embrace diverse musical styles, particularly Latin influences.
Stylistic neighbors
Ella Fitzgerald· Nat King Cole· Sarah Vaughan

Tracklist

  • 1 Corazon de melon Start here 2:01
  • 2 Like a Woman 2:01
  • 3 I Only Have Eyes for You 2:07
  • 4 Magic Is the Moonlight 2:36
  • 5 In a Little Spanish Town 2:04
  • 6 Sway 2:37
  • 7 Mack the Knife 1:59
  • 8 Bali Ha'i 2:25
  • 9 You Do Something to Me 1:33
  • 10 Cu-Cu-Rru-Cu-Cu Paloma 2:31
  • 11 I Got Plenty o' Nuttin' 2:13
  • 12 Adios 2:18

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata