Is Broadway a good place to start with Johnny Mathis?

Yes, Broadway is recommended as a starting point for new Johnny Mathis listeners. Orchestral arrangements and smooth vocals bring Broadway's theatrical charm to life, transforming iconic show tunes into easy listening classics. Released in 1964, 'Broadway' showcases Johnny Mathis at a pivotal moment in his career, following the commercial success of his earlier albums. By this time, he had already established himself as a pop sensation with hits like 'Chances Are', making this album a strategic move to tap into the burgeoning popularity of Broadway musicals.

Broadway works well if you're into steady pacing for relaxed afternoons, romantic flair for cozy evenings and sing-along moments with friends.

How many songs are on Broadway?

Broadway has 12 tracks, running approximately 37 minutes.

Broadway

Johnny Mathis · 1964

37 min · 12 tracks · pop music

Orchestral arrangements and smooth vocals bring Broadway's theatrical charm to life, transforming iconic show tunes into easy listening classics.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Ain’t It de Truth (From the B’way Musical, “Jamaica”) Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Hello, Dolly! — Mathis's rendition transforms this upbeat anthem into a smooth, romantic ballad that highlights his vocal range and emotional delivery.
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Don’t Rain on My Parade — His interpretation captures the defiance and determination inherent in the original, showcasing Mathis’s ability to convey complex emotions through song.
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Manhattan — With lush orchestration, this track exemplifies Mathis's skill in turning nostalgic lyrics into a dreamy homage to the city, resonating with listeners beyond the stage.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

51 /100

Foothills

Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

The album effectively blends Broadway standards with pop sensibilities, showcasing Mathis's vocal talent within a rich orchestral context.

What we noticed

The album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, with only slight variations in energy across the twelve tracks.
Mathis's interpretations often include subtle phrasing changes and emotional nuances that differentiate his renditions from the original show tunes.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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

steady pacing for relaxed afternoons
romantic flair for cozy evenings
sing-along moments with friends
nostalgic echoes of classic musicals

Maybe skip if you

prefer modern, upbeat tempos
seek experimental soundscapes

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Showcases Broadway standards, enhancing crossover appeal and recognition in the 1960s.
Themes: Broadway show tunes· romantic nostalgia· theatrical exuberance
Career context: Released in 1964, 'Broadway' showcases Johnny Mathis at a pivotal moment in his career, following the commercial success of his earlier albums. By this time, he had already established himself as a pop sensation with hits like 'Chances Are', making this album a strategic move to tap into the burgeoning popularity of Broadway musicals.
Stylistic neighbors: Perry Como· Frank Sinatra· Nat King Cole

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Tracklist

1 Ain’t It de Truth (From the B’way Musical, “Jamaica”) Start here 3:43
2 Get Out of Town (From the B’way Musical, “Leave It to Me!”) 3:12
3 Independent (From the B’way Musical, “Bells Are Ringing”) 2:50
4 Hello, Dolly! (From the B’way Musical, “Hello, Dolly!”) 3:25
5 Manhattan (From the B’way Musical, “The Garrick Gaieties”) 3:38
6 Once in a Lifetime (From the B’way Musical, “Subways Are for Sleeping”) 2:20
7 You’d Better Love Me (From the B’way Musical, “High Spirits”) 3:10
8 Don’t Rain on My Parade (From the B’way Musical, “Funny Girl”) 2:53
9 Of Thee I Sing (From the B’way Musical, “Of Thee I Sing”) 3:08
10 When I’m Not Near the Girl I Love (From the B’way Musical, “Finian’s Rainbow”) 2:46
11 Ridin’ High (From the B’way Musical, “Red, Hot and Blue”) 3:16
12 She Loves Me (From the B’way Musical, “She Loves Me”) 2:44