I Gotta Right to Swing cover

I Gotta Right to Swing

Sammy Davis Jr. · 1960

29 min · 11 tracks · blues

A vibrant blend of swing, jazz, and blues that showcases Davis's charismatic vocal delivery and effortless charm.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Lady Is a Tramp Start here — This track exemplifies Davis’s smooth vocal style and playful interpretation, making it a standout highlight of the album that resonates with classic jazz standards.
  • →
    I Gotta Right to Sing the Blues — With its emotional depth, this song allows Davis to showcase his rich baritone while addressing themes of heartache, embodying the blues tradition.
  • →
    There Is No Greater Love — Davis delivers a heartfelt rendition that highlights his ability to infuse personal emotion into a timeless love ballad, making it memorable and impactful.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong vocal performances and engaging arrangements, though it follows familiar jazz and blues structures.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a lively track that sets a swinging tempo, followed by several tracks that maintain a consistent mid-tempo groove.
  • Davis's vocal delivery often features playful phrasing and dynamic shifts, particularly in the way he emphasizes certain syllables.
  • Several tracks incorporate call-and-response elements between Davis's vocals and the instrumental sections, enhancing the interactive feel of the music.
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
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • early energy for lively moments
  • swinging rhythms for upbeat vibes
  • sing-along participation with friends
  • short bursts of joyful sound

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking lengthy introspective pieces
  • prefer modern production styles

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — Celebrates the swing era and showcases Davis's charm, loved by dedicated fans.
Career context
By the time 'I Gotta Right to Swing' was released in 1960, Sammy Davis Jr. had already established himself as a multi-talented performer through his work with the Rat Pack and various Broadway productions. This album followed his notable appearances in films like 'Ocean's 11' (1960), further solidifying his status as a household name and showcasing his wide-ranging appeal across different entertainment mediums.
Stylistic neighbors
Frank Sinatra· Nat King Cole· Tony Bennett

Tracklist

  • 1 The Lady Is a Tramp Start here 4:20
  • 2 I Gotta Right to Sing the Blues 3:12
  • 3 Get on the Right Track Baby 2:48
  • 4 Do Nothin' 'til You Hear From Me 3:18
  • 5 I Got a Woman 4:30
  • 6 There Is No Greater Love 2:31
  • 7 Gee, Baby, Ain't I Good to You 3:50
  • 8 This Little Girl of Mine 1:57
  • 9 Till Then
  • 10 Face to Face
  • 11 Mess Around 2:46

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata