New Tricks cover

New Tricks

Bing Crosby · 1957

30 min · 12 tracks · country music

A collection of warm, nostalgic ballads that blend traditional pop with jazz-inflected arrangements.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Georgia On My Mind — This track exemplifies Crosby's ability to convey deep emotion through his vocal delivery, transforming a classic into a heartfelt interpretation that resonated with listeners.
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    I'm Confessin' (That I Love You) — Crosby's rendition captures a playful yet sincere tone, showcasing his range and ability to infuse nostalgia into the performance.
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    When I Take My Sugar To Tea Start here — With its upbeat tempo and charming lyrics, this track highlights Crosby's knack for blending humor and romance in a way that feels timeless.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

Crosby's smooth vocals and orchestral arrangements create a nostalgic atmosphere, though the material feels conventional.

What we noticed

  • The album features lush orchestral arrangements that complement Crosby's baritone voice, particularly evident in tracks like 'Georgia On My Mind.'
  • Several songs incorporate jazz-inflected harmonies and chord progressions, enhancing the traditional pop sound.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

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

  • nostalgic charm for quiet evenings
  • steady pacing for relaxed listening
  • warm vocals for cozy moments
  • short tracks for easy enjoyment

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking fast-paced excitement
  • prefer modern production styles

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Represents Crosby's evolution in sound during his late career.
Themes
nostalgic ballads· jazz-inflected arrangements· mid-century romance
Moods
Nostalgic· Chill
Career context
By the time 'New Tricks' was released in 1957, Bing Crosby was already an established icon of American music, known for his smooth baritone voice and numerous hit records. This album followed his successful career peak in the 1940s and 1950s, showcasing his enduring popularity as he transitioned into a more mature sound while embracing jazz influences.
Stylistic neighbors
Frank Sinatra· Nat King Cole· Dean Martin

Tracklist

  • 1 When I Take My Sugar To Tea Start here 2:56
  • 2 On The Alamo 2:54
  • 3 I'm Confessin' (That I Love You) 3:42
  • 4 Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea 2:01
  • 5 Georgia On My Mind 3:21
  • 6 Chicago 2:03
  • 7 You're Driving Me Crazy (What Did I Do) 2:55
  • 8 Avalon 1:42
  • 9 Chinatown, My Chinatown 1:39
  • 10 If I Could Be With You (One Hour Tonight) 2:18
  • 11 Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise 3:22
  • 12 Alabamy Bound 1:54

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata