Nitro Burnin' Funny Daddy cover

Nitro Burnin' Funny Daddy

Brian Setzer · 2003

49 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock

A lively blend of rockabilly energy and swing rhythms, infused with playful lyrics and brassy instrumentation.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Sixty Years — This track opens the album with a vibrant mix of swinging rhythms and storytelling, setting the tone for Setzer's nostalgic yet fresh approach.
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    Don't Trust a Woman (In a Black Cadillac) — With its catchy chorus and playful narrative, this song encapsulates Setzer's knack for blending humor with rockabilly flair.
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    Rat Pack Boogie — This track pays homage to the golden age of jazz and swing while incorporating Setzer's signature guitar work, highlighting his versatility as an artist.
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    Drink Whiskey and Shut Up — The track combines raw energy with a rebellious spirit, showcasing Setzer's ability to craft anthemic tunes that resonate with audiences.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and energetic performances but lacks full cohesion across its length.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album maintains a brisk tempo with upbeat tracks, while the second half introduces slower ballads that create a contrast.
  • Several tracks feature prominent brass sections that enhance the swing feel, particularly in 'Rat Pack Boogie' and 'Drink Whiskey and Shut Up'.
  • The lyrics often employ playful storytelling, as seen in 'Don't Trust a Woman (In a Black Cadillac)', which adds to the album's lively character.
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
5/10

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 focused listening
  • energetic storytelling with flair
  • for social gatherings
  • vibrant tracks for uplifting moods

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant gratification
  • prefer standalone singles only

Where this album fits

Career context
Nitro Burnin' Funny Daddy marked Brian Setzer's return to a solo career after his success with the Stray Cats. Released in 2003, it followed his previous album, Vavoom! (1998), showcasing his continued dedication to reviving classic genres while maintaining a contemporary edge.

Tracklist

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

Disc 1

  • 1 Sixty Years 4:42
  • 2 Don't Trust a Woman (In a Black Cadillac) 3:46
  • 3 When the Bells Don't Chime 3:07
  • 4 That Someone Just Ain't You 3:55
  • 5 Rat Pack Boogie 4:21
  • 6 Ring, Ring, Ring 2:47
  • 7 Drink Whiskey and Shut Up 4:25
  • 8 Smokin' 'n Burnin' 4:25
  • 9 Wild Wind 3:16
  • 10 St. Jude 4:28
  • 11 To Be Loved 2:22
  • 12 When the Bells Don't Chime (Banjo mix) 3:07

Disc 2

  • 1 Luck Be a Lady 4:20

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata