What makes Hey...Let Yourself Go! by Nelson Riddle & His Orchestra notable?

This album is notable for its critical acclaim, receiving praise for its sophisticated arrangements and orchestration that set a standard for future big band records. The album's influence can be seen in the way it helped shape the sound of vocal jazz and popular music arrangements in the late 1950s. Released in 1957, Hey...Let Yourself Go! marked a significant point in Nelson Riddle's career as he was establishing himself as a preeminent arranger and conductor. This album came shortly after his successful collaborations with Frank Sinatra, showcasing Riddle's ability to breathe new life into traditional pop standards while solidifying his reputation in the industry.

How many songs are on Hey...Let Yourself Go!?

Hey...Let Yourself Go! has 12 tracks, running approximately 34 minutes.

Hey...Let Yourself Go!

Nelson Riddle & His Orchestra · 1957

34 min · 12 tracks

A vibrant orchestral celebration of classic standards, blending lush arrangements with Nelson Riddle's signature sophistication.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Let's Face the Music and Dance — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its upbeat tempo and Riddle's lush orchestration, encapsulating the spirit of classic American songbook standards.
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You and the Night and Music — The arrangement beautifully showcases intricate string work while conveying a sense of romantic longing, illustrating Riddle's mastery in creating emotional depth through orchestration.
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I Get Along Without You Very Well — This track stands out for its melancholic yet elegant arrangement, allowing the listener to feel both nostalgia and resilience, highlighting Riddle's skillful contrast between mood and melody.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

87 /100

Summit

Higher than 99% of albums we've rated

The album showcases sophisticated orchestration and cohesive arrangements, marking it as a significant work in Riddle's career.

What we noticed

The album features lush orchestral arrangements that emphasize strings and brass, creating a rich soundscape throughout.
Each track maintains a consistent mid-tempo feel, with the majority featuring smooth transitions between songs.
Several tracks feature prominent woodwind solos that add a distinct character to the overall sound.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 9/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Let's Face the Music and Dance 2:33
2 You Are My Lucky Star 2:37
3 You and the Night and Music 3:37
4 Younger Than Springtime 3:28
5 You Leave Me Breathless 2:42
6 You're an Old Smoothie 2:24
7 Then I'll Be Happy 2:29
8 I Get Along Without You Very Well 3:12
9 I Can't Escape From You 3:05
10 Have You Got Any Castles Baby? 1:52
11 Darn That Dream 3:41
12 Let Yourself Go 3:11

What to play next

Listen next

Sing a Song with Riddle

1959

Go back to

C’mon… Get Happy!

1957

Full Nelson Riddle & His Orchestra discography Artists like Nelson Riddle & His Orchestra

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata