Goin' Out of My Head cover

Goin' Out of My Head

Wes Montgomery · 1965

35 min · 9 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of jazz sophistication and melodic accessibility, anchored by Montgomery's signature guitar stylings.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Goin’ Out of My Head — The title track stands out for its lush arrangement and Montgomery’s emotive playing, making it a signature piece that encapsulates the album's spirit.
  • →
    End of a Love Affair — Montgomery’s nuanced phrasing and the song's poignant melody create an intimate atmosphere, showcasing his ability to convey deep emotion through instrumental storytelling.
  • →
    It Was a Very Good Year — This track highlights Montgomery’s unique interpretation of a classic pop standard, blending jazz improvisation with heartfelt expression that resonates across genres.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong compositions and skilled performances, making it a notable entry in Montgomery's discography.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of Montgomery's guitar as the lead instrument, often accompanied by a small ensemble that includes piano and bass.
  • Each track maintains a medium tempo, with several pieces incorporating syncopated rhythms that highlight the interplay between instruments.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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 pacing for relaxed evenings
  • melodic accessibility for casual listening
  • gentle decline for reflective moods
  • vibrant background for social gatherings

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy excitement
  • prefer dramatic tempo shifts

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time 'Goin' Out of My Head' was released in 1965, Wes Montgomery had already established himself as a prominent figure in jazz following his breakthrough album 'A Dynamic New Sound' in 1963. This album further showcased his innovative approach to the guitar and solidified his status as a leading jazz guitarist with a distinct voice.
Stylistic neighbors
George Benson· Pat Metheny· Jim Hall

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Goin’ Out of My Head 2:17
  • 2 O Morro 4:48
  • 3 Boss City 3:47
  • 4 Chim Chim Cheree (from Walt Disney’s “Mary Poppins”) 4:52
  • 5 Naptown Blues 3:10
  • 6 Twisted Blues 4:16
  • 7 End of a Love Affair 3:45
  • 8 It Was a Very Good Year 3:43
  • 9 Golden Earrings 5:13

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata