Rockin' the Boat cover

Rockin' the Boat

Jimmy Smith · 1963

38 min · 7 tracks · funk

A vibrant blend of jazz and soulful grooves that showcases Jimmy Smith's signature organ style and rhythmic energy.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    When My Dream Boat Comes Home — The opening track features lush organ melodies intertwined with a smooth rhythm section, setting a rich tone for the entire album.
  • →
    Pork Chop — This track stands out with its upbeat tempo and infectious groove, showcasing Smith’s improvisational prowess and energetic playing style.
  • →
    Just a Closer Walk With Thee — Smith’s interpretation of this classic hymn highlights his ability to infuse spiritual depth into jazz, creating a reflective and soulful atmosphere.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album blends energetic grooves with soulful ballads, showcasing Smith's organ mastery and improvisational skills.

What we noticed

  • Each track features extended solos, particularly from the organ, allowing for improvisation and rhythmic exploration.
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
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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 grooves for relaxed evenings
  • soulful vibes for social gatherings
  • catchy rhythms for lighthearted moments
  • engaging melodies for focused listening

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking fast-paced excitement
  • prefer short, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1963, Rockin' the Boat was Jimmy Smith's follow-up to his acclaimed album, Back at the Chicken Shack. At this point in his career, Smith had already established himself as a leading figure in jazz, particularly in the realm of soul jazz, and this album further cemented his innovative approach to the Hammond organ.
Stylistic neighbors
George Benson· Herbie Hancock· Jimmy McGriff

Tracklist

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

  • 1 When My Dream Boat Comes Home 7:29
  • 2 Pork Chop 7:39
  • 3 Matilda, Matilda! 2:59
  • 4 Can Heat 5:24
  • 5 Please Send Me Someone to Love 6:14
  • 6 Just a Closer Walk With Thee 3:48
  • 7 Trust in Me 4:56

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata