Politely!
Keely Smith · 1958
35 min · 12 tracks · jazz
A seamless blend of classic jazz standards and smooth vocals, creating an intimate atmosphere perfect for late-night listening.
Top tracks — play these first
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Cocktails for Two — This track exemplifies Smith's ability to convey playful charm, featuring a whimsical arrangement that complements her lush vocal delivery.
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I'll Never Smile Again — A standout for its emotional depth, this song allows Smith to showcase her expressive capabilities, transforming a classic into a poignant experience.
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On the Sunny Side of the Street — The upbeat tempo and joyful lyrics highlight Smith's ability to infuse energy into the performance, making it a delightful representation of her style.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases Smith's vocal skills and maintains a cohesive flow, making it a solid representation of her work.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent tempo throughout, with most tracks maintaining a relaxed swing feel.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- elegant backdrop for gatherings
- sophisticated evening relaxation
- nostalgic charm of yesteryear
- intimate moments of connection
- playful yet polished vibe
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy excitement
- prefer modern, upbeat sounds
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1958, Politely! marked Keely Smith's return to the studio after her successful collaboration with Louis Prima. At this point in her career, Smith was solidifying her reputation as a leading female vocalist in jazz, following her breakthrough in the 1950s that established her distinct style.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Ella Fitzgerald· Sarah Vaughan· Nancy Wilson
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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I'll Never Smile Again
In a pivotal moment, Smith shifts from a contemplative tone to an emphatic declaration about love's impact on happiness.
This transition heightens the emotional stakes, marking a moment of vulnerability that contrasts with earlier sentiments in the song.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Sweet and Lovely 3:48
- 2 Cocktails for Two 2:57
- 3 The Song Is You 3:14
- 4 I'll Get By (As long as I Have You) 2:13
- 5 Lullaby of the Leaves 2:21
- 6 On the Sunny Side of the Street 3:02
- 7 I Can't Get Started 3:28
- 8 I'll Never Smile Again 3:09
- 9 S'Posin' 2:43
- 10 East of the Sun (And West of the Moon) 3:28
- 11 All the Way 3:06
- 12 I Never Knew 1:50
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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