Is Goin' Latin a good place to start with Ramsey Lewis?

Yes, Goin' Latin is recommended as a starting point for new Ramsey Lewis listeners. A vibrant fusion of Latin rhythms and jazz sensibilities, inviting listeners to a sun-soaked musical celebration. Released in 1967, Goin' Latin was Ramsey Lewis's fifth studio album and followed his breakthrough success with the hit 'The In Crowd'. At this point in his career, Lewis had established himself as a pioneering force in jazz, incorporating contemporary styles and popular influences into his work. This album further solidified his reputation as an innovator within the jazz genre.

Who is Goin' Latin for?

Goin' Latin works well if you're into danceable rhythms for celebration, steady pacing for social gatherings and vibrant melodies inviting movement.

How many songs are on Goin' Latin?

Goin' Latin has 11 tracks, running approximately 36 minutes.

Goin' Latin

Ramsey Lewis · 1967

36 min · 11 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of Latin rhythms and jazz sensibilities, inviting listeners to a sun-soaked musical celebration.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Summer Samba — This track exemplifies the album's seamless blend of smooth jazz and bossa nova, featuring lush melodies that transport listeners to a tropical paradise.
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Hey, Mrs. Jones Start here — With its catchy hooks and engaging rhythm, this track showcases Lewis's ability to infuse narrative elements within a jazz framework, making it memorable.
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Spanish Grease — The energetic percussion and vibrant horns in this piece highlight Lewis's mastery over Latin jazz while maintaining an infectious groove that drives the album forward.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album effectively blends Latin rhythms with jazz elements, showcasing strong arrangements and performances.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of syncopated rhythms and layered percussion, characteristic of Latin music, throughout its tracks.
Each track maintains a lively tempo, with several pieces incorporating call-and-response patterns between the piano and brass instruments.
The arrangements often include extended solos, allowing for improvisation while still adhering to the rhythmic structure of Latin jazz.

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: 6/10

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

danceable rhythms for celebration
steady pacing for social gatherings
vibrant melodies inviting movement
for sunny afternoons

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced listening experiences
seek deep, introspective journeys

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album followed his hit 'The In Crowd', solidifying his recognition.
Themes: tropical paradise· bossa nova rhythms
Career context: Released in 1967, Goin' Latin was Ramsey Lewis's fifth studio album and followed his breakthrough success with the hit 'The In Crowd'. At this point in his career, Lewis had established himself as a pioneering force in jazz, incorporating contemporary styles and popular influences into his work. This album further solidified his reputation as an innovator within the jazz genre.
Stylistic neighbors: Herbie Hancock· Chick Corea· George Benson