It's All Over but the Swingin' cover

It's All Over but the Swingin'

Sammy Davis Jr. · 1957

43 min · 12 tracks · blues

A vibrant blend of swing and jazz, showcasing Sammy Davis Jr.'s dynamic vocal prowess over lush arrangements.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Guess I’ll Hang My Tears Out to Dry Start here — This track opens the album with a poignant delivery that captures the essence of heartbreak, highlighting Davis's ability to convey deep emotion through his voice.
  • →
    I Cover the Waterfront — Davis's interpretation of this classic showcases his skillful phrasing and nuanced emotional expression, making it a standout moment on the album.
  • →
    Someone to Watch Over Me — In this track, Davis’s smooth vocals beautifully blend with the orchestral arrangement, illustrating his talent for transforming standards into personal statements.
  • →
    I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face — This song features a reflective performance that underscores Davis's capacity for subtlety and intimacy in his vocal delivery, making it memorable and impactful.

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 blends swing and jazz with strong arrangements, showcasing Davis's vocal talent but lacks impact.

What we noticed

  • The album features lush orchestral arrangements that complement Davis's vocal delivery, with strings and horns prominently used throughout.
  • Each track showcases a different emotional nuance, with some songs emphasizing a swing feel while others adopt a more laid-back jazz approach.
  • The first half of the album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces slower ballads that create a contrasting dynamic.
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
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

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

  • steady pacing for reflective moments
  • heartfelt ballads for emotional connection
  • sophisticated sound for dinner parties
  • intimate listening with close friends
  • melancholic themes for rainy days

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy dance tracks
  • prefer instant gratification over depth

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album marked a key transition in Davis's career, solidifying his solo reputation.
Career context
It's All Over but the Swingin' was released in 1957, marking a significant moment in Sammy Davis Jr.'s career as he transitioned from being primarily known as a member of the Rat Pack to establishing himself as a solo artist. This album followed his successful stint on Broadway and television appearances, allowing him to showcase his versatility beyond just acting.
Stylistic neighbors
Frank Sinatra· Nat King Cole· Tony Bennett

Tracklist

  • 1 Guess I’ll Hang My Tears Out to Dry Start here 4:43
  • 2 But Not for Me 3:24
  • 3 Where’s That Rainbow 3:27
  • 4 I Cover the Waterfront 3:19
  • 5 Don’t Blame Me 2:52
  • 6 Better Luck Next Time 2:43
  • 7 Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Gal 4:53
  • 8 It Never Entered My Mind 4:05
  • 9 Someone to Watch Over Me 3:23
  • 10 I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face 2:47
  • 11 Spring Is Here 4:03
  • 12 I Can’t Get Started 3:29

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata