Como Swings cover

Como Swings

Perry Como · 1959

35 min · 12 tracks · pop music

Smooth orchestral arrangements intertwine with Como's warm baritone, creating a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere throughout the album.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    St. Louis Blues Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    I've Got You Under My Skin — This track showcases Como's smooth vocal delivery paired with lush orchestration, making it a definitive rendition of this classic standard.
  • →
    Route 66 — Como's interpretation of this iconic road song captures the essence of Americana while highlighting his ability to blend storytelling with melody.
  • →
    Mood Indigo — This version of the Duke Ellington classic emphasizes Como's emotive phrasing and ability to convey deep sentiment through simplicity.

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

Como's warm vocals and orchestral arrangements create a solid pop standard album, though it doesn't stand out significantly in its genre.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent orchestral arrangement across tracks, with strings and brass complementing Como's vocals.
  • Each song typically follows a verse-chorus structure, allowing for a smooth transition between the melodic lines.
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 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

  • easygoing background ambiance
  • short, engaging listening sessions
  • warm, nostalgic vibes
  • smooth, comforting melodies

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Showcased Como's transition to a respected recording artist, gaining commercial success.
Themes
1950s romantic nostalgia· jazz-inflected pop standards· smooth orchestral arrangements
Moods
Nostalgic· Chill
Career context
Released in 1959, Como Swings marked Perry Como's transition into more upbeat, swing-influenced pop music after his successful ballad-centric career. This album followed his commercial peak in the late 1950s, showcasing Como's versatility as he embraced a vibrant sound that appealed to both older and younger audiences.
Stylistic neighbors
Frank Sinatra· Dean Martin· Nat King Cole

Tracklist

  • 1 St. Louis Blues Start here 3:01
  • 2 I've Got You Under My Skin 2:15
  • 3 Route 66 3:54
  • 4 Dear Hearts And Gentle People 2:52
  • 5 Mood Indigo 3:15
  • 6 Donkey Serenade 2:46
  • 7 To Know You Is To Love You 2:20
  • 8 You Came A Long Way From St. Louis 3:10
  • 9 Honey, Honey 2:04
  • 10 Let A Smile Be Your Umbrella (On A Rainy Day) 3:06
  • 11 Linda 2:49
  • 12 Begin The Beguine 3:30

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata