What does Dancing in the Street sound like?

A vibrant fusion of jazz rhythms and pop melodies energizes every track on this lively album. Rooted in jazz fusion and jazz-funk. Start with "Dancing in the Street".

Is Dancing in the Street a good place to start with Ramsey Lewis?

Yes, Dancing in the Street is recommended as a starting point for new Ramsey Lewis listeners. A vibrant fusion of jazz rhythms and pop melodies energizes every track on this lively album. Released in 1967, 'Dancing in the Street' is Ramsey Lewis's follow-up to his successful album 'The In Crowd,' which had solidified his presence in the jazz scene. At this point, he was transitioning from purely jazz into more pop-oriented territories, showcasing a blend of styles that appealed to a wider audience.

Who is Dancing in the Street for?

Dancing in the Street works well if you're into steady mid-tempo groove enjoyment, for social gatherings and danceable rhythms with melodic richness.

How many songs are on Dancing in the Street?

Dancing in the Street has 8 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Dancing in the Street

Ramsey Lewis

39 min · 8 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of jazz rhythms and pop melodies energizes every track on this lively album.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Dancing in the Street Start here — The album's title track reinterprets the Motown classic with an upbeat jazz-infused arrangement that captures the spirit of celebration and movement.
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Mood for Mendes — This track showcases Lewis's ability to blend Brazilian influences with smooth jazz, featuring intricate piano work and rhythmic complexity that highlights his versatility as a pianist.
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Medley From 'Black Orpheus': Felicidade / Manha de Carnaval / Samba de Orpheus — This medley exemplifies Lewis's skill in seamlessly integrating diverse cultural elements into jazz, creating a lush soundscape that transports listeners to another world.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album blends jazz and pop elements effectively, showcasing strong musicianship and engaging arrangements.

What we noticed

Several tracks feature intricate piano solos that showcase Ramsey Lewis's technical skill while maintaining a strong rhythmic foundation.
The medley from 'Black Orpheus' seamlessly transitions between different themes, demonstrating a cohesive arrangement across its segments.

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: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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 mid-tempo groove enjoyment
for social gatherings
danceable rhythms with melodic richness
inviting sound for sunny days

Maybe skip if you

prefer high-energy fast tracks
seek minimalist instrumental pieces

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album solidified Ramsey Lewis's presence and popularity in the jazz scene.
Themes: Motown celebration· Brazilian jazz fusion· 1960s cultural vibrancy
Career context: Released in 1967, 'Dancing in the Street' is Ramsey Lewis's follow-up to his successful album 'The In Crowd,' which had solidified his presence in the jazz scene. At this point, he was transitioning from purely jazz into more pop-oriented territories, showcasing a blend of styles that appealed to a wider audience.
Stylistic neighbors: Herbie Hancock· Chick Corea· George Benson

New to Ramsey Lewis? Find your way in →

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

What Now My Love

The narrative shifts from reflection to a poignant questioning of future possibilities, suggesting vulnerability and uncertainty after love.

This structural choice emphasizes emotional depth, allowing listeners to feel the weight of loss while pondering what comes next.

Tracklist

1 Dancing in the Street Start here 5:03
2 Mood for Mendes 2:57
3 Struttin' Lightly 4:45
4 You Don't Know Me 4:37
5 Django 4:40
6 Medley From 'Black Orpheus': Felicidade / Manha de Carnaval / Samba de Orpheus 8:23
7 What Now My Love 5:18
8 Quiet Nights (Corcovado) 3:22