What makes Chances Are It Swings by Shorty Rogers notable?

This album is significant for its commercial success, reaching number 14 on the Billboard Jazz Albums chart. Additionally, it contributed to the popularization of cool jazz in the late 1950s, influencing a variety of artists who sought to blend sophisticated arrangements with accessible melodies. Released in 1959, Chances Are It Swings marked Shorty Rogers' transition from the West Coast jazz scene to broader mainstream appeal. This album followed his earlier works with the Shorty Rogers and His Giants, showcasing his ability to craft intricate arrangements while incorporating pop sensibilities.

How many songs are on Chances Are It Swings?

Chances Are It Swings has 12 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

Chances Are It Swings

Shorty Rogers · 1959

40 min · 12 tracks · jazz

A lush blend of cool jazz harmonies and orchestral arrangements that evoke a breezy, romantic atmosphere.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Chances Are — The opening track sets the tone with its smooth melodies and romantic lyrics, establishing the album's theme of love and longing.
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It's Not for Me to Say — This song features lush orchestration that complements the poignant vocal delivery, highlighting Rogers' skill in marrying jazz with popular music elements.
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Everybody Loves a Lover — A standout track that showcases a catchy melody and an upbeat rhythm, reflecting the album’s playful yet sophisticated charm.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album blends orchestral elements with cool jazz, creating a cohesive and engaging listening experience.

What we noticed

The album features lush orchestral arrangements that complement the cool jazz instrumentation, creating a rich soundscape.
Each track typically maintains a relaxed tempo, with smooth transitions between pieces that enhance the overall flow.

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

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Chances Are 3:21
2 No Such Luck 2:20
3 It's Not for Me to Say 4:40
4 Lilac Chiffon 4:04
5 I Just Don't Know 4:30
6 Who Needs You 2:59
7 Everybody Loves a Lover 3:53
8 Come to Me 2:49
9 My Very Good Friend in the Looking Glass 3:34
10 You Know How It Is 3:24
11 A Very Special Love 2:00
12 Teacher, Teacher 2:38

What to play next

Listen next

The Wizard of Oz and Other Harold Arlen Songs

1959

Go back to

Portrait of Shorty

1958

Full Shorty Rogers discography Artists like Shorty Rogers

cool jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata