Nice to Be Around cover

Nice to Be Around

Rosemary Clooney · 1977

44 min · 10 tracks · jazz

A lush blend of jazz and pop, showcasing Clooney's warm vocals over sophisticated arrangements.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    You Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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    50 Ways to Leave Your Lover — Clooney's interpretation infuses a classic pop hit with her signature jazz style, bringing emotional depth to Simon's lyrics while appealing to a broader audience.
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    Send in the Clowns — This track showcases Clooney’s vocal prowess and ability to convey complex emotions through nuanced phrasing, turning Sondheim's poignant lyrics into a reflective ballad.
  • →
    Nice to Be Around — The title track encapsulates the album's theme of warmth and connection, highlighted by Clooney's smooth delivery and the rich instrumental backdrop that enhances its charm.

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

Clooney's warm vocals and rich arrangements create a solid yet familiar jazz-pop blend.

What we noticed

  • The album features lush orchestration with strings and brass that complement Clooney's vocals throughout.
  • Tracks like '50 Ways to Leave Your Lover' incorporate rhythmic shifts that add a pop sensibility to the jazz arrangements.
  • Several songs, including 'Send in the Clowns', utilize a slow tempo and extended vocal phrasing, allowing for emotional expression.
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 melodic journey throughout
  • heartfelt vocals for cozy evenings
  • for reflective solo moments
  • warm background for intimate gatherings

Maybe skip if you

  • seek fast-paced listening experiences
  • prefer standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album marked Clooney's return after a hiatus, re-establishing her popularity.
Themes
1970s jazz revival· intimate vocal storytelling· nostalgic warmth
Career context
Released in 1977, Nice to Be Around marked a significant moment in Rosemary Clooney's career, as it was her first album after a long hiatus from recording. At this point, Clooney was re-establishing herself in the music industry following her successful career in the 1950s and 1960s, transitioning into a more contemporary sound while still rooted in jazz influences.
Stylistic neighbors
Ella Fitzgerald· Nat King Cole· Sarah Vaughan

Tracklist

  • 1 You Start here 4:15
  • 2 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover 4:28
  • 3 Send in the Clowns 3:47
  • 4 Music 4:40
  • 5 Thank You Baby 4:29
  • 6 All by Myself 5:10
  • 7 My Little Town 3:55
  • 8 The Hungry Years 4:26
  • 9 I Won't Last a Day Without You 5:20
  • 10 Nice to Be Around 4:23

What to play next

Here's to My Lady
Listen next

Here's to My Lady

1978

Continues the lush jazz-pop sound with warm vocals and sophisticated arrangements.
Look My Way
Go back to

Look My Way

1976

Sets the stage with a similar jazz-pop feel, leading into 'Nice to Be Around'.
Full Rosemary Clooney discography Artists like Rosemary Clooney
jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata