Is Go West, Man! a good place to start with Quincy Jones?

Yes, Go West, Man! is recommended as a starting point for new Quincy Jones listeners. A vibrant blend of jazz and rhythm and blues, infused with lively arrangements and engaging melodies that invite movement. Released in 1957, Go West, Man! was Quincy Jones' fourth studio album, positioning him as a prominent arranger and bandleader. At this point in his career, he had already gained recognition for his work with big bands and was transitioning into a successful solo artist, following the release of his earlier albums such as This Is How I Feel About Jazz (1956).

Who is Go West, Man! for?

Go West, Man! works well if you're into steady mid-tempo groove, vibrant orchestral arrangements and danceable tracks for gatherings.

How many songs are on Go West, Man!?

Go West, Man! has 9 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

Released 69 years ago this October

Go West, Man!

Quincy Jones · 1957

42 min · 9 tracks · funk

A vibrant blend of jazz and rhythm and blues, infused with lively arrangements and engaging melodies that invite movement.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Dancin' Pants Start here — The opening track features an infectious rhythm that sets the tone for the album, blending energetic horn arrangements with a danceable beat.
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Be My Guest — This track highlights Jones' ability to weave together catchy melodies and intricate harmonies, making it a standout example of his arranging prowess.
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Medley: What's New / We'll Be Together Again / Time on My Hands / You Go to My Head / Laura — This medley showcases Jones' skillful transitions between classic standards, demonstrating his deep understanding of jazz composition and improvisation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album features vibrant arrangements and strong orchestration, showcasing Jones' skills as an arranger.

What we noticed

The album opens with a lively track that sets a brisk tempo, maintaining an upbeat energy through the first half before introducing slower pieces.
Several tracks feature intricate horn arrangements that weave in and out of the rhythm section, creating a dynamic interplay.

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
vibrant orchestral arrangements
danceable tracks for gatherings
evening relaxation with friends

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced music
seek standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album helped establish Quincy Jones as a prominent arranger and bandleader.
Themes: 1950s jazz scene· danceable rhythms· big band arrangements
Career context: Released in 1957, Go West, Man! was Quincy Jones' fourth studio album, positioning him as a prominent arranger and bandleader. At this point in his career, he had already gained recognition for his work with big bands and was transitioning into a successful solo artist, following the release of his earlier albums such as This Is How I Feel About Jazz (1956).
Stylistic neighbors: Herbie Hancock· Stevie Wonder· George Benson

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Tracklist

1 Dancin' Pants Start here 3:50
2 Blues Day 4:44
3 Bright Moon 5:20
4 No Bones at All 3:58
5 The Oom Is Blues 5:09
6 Be My Guest 4:30
7 Medley: What's New / We'll Be Together Again / Time on My Hands / You Go to My Head / Laura 6:20
8 London Derriere 4:06
9 Kings Road Blues 5:02