What makes 'Round the World with Les Baxter by Les Baxter, His Chorus and Orchestra notable?

This album is significant for its role in popularizing Exotica music during the mid-20th century, influencing a generation of artists who sought to incorporate similar lush soundscapes. It features the hit 'The Poor People of Paris', which topped charts and helped define Baxter's commercial identity. Released in 1957, 'Round the World with Les Baxter marked Baxter's continued exploration of exotic sounds following his earlier success with 'Ritual of the Savage'. At this point, he was solidifying his reputation as a pioneer of the Exotica genre, blending orchestral pop and world music influences to create immersive auditory experiences.

How many songs are on 'Round the World with Les Baxter?

'Round the World with Les Baxter has 12 tracks, running approximately 30 minutes.

'Round the World with Les Baxter

Les Baxter, His Chorus and Orchestra · 1957

30 min · 12 tracks

A lush orchestral tapestry interweaving global melodies, painted with vibrant arrangements and evocative choral harmonies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Poor People of Paris — This track encapsulates the album's spirit with its enchanting melody and lush orchestration, becoming a defining hit that showcased Baxter's ability to blend classical and popular styles.
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Buenos Aires — With its spirited rhythms and vivid instrumentation, this track sets the tone for the album, drawing listeners into a vibrant sonic landscape reflective of South American culture.
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Romantic Rio — This piece combines sultry melodies with rich orchestral textures, illustrating Baxter's knack for evoking romantic imagery through music while highlighting the album’s travel theme.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

76 /100

Alpine

Higher than 75% of albums we've rated

The album showcases vibrant orchestration and global melodies, solidifying its place in the Exotica genre.

What we noticed

The album features lush orchestral arrangements that blend strings, brass, and woodwinds to create a rich soundscape.
Each track incorporates distinct global influences, with melodies reflecting various cultural themes and styles.
Choral harmonies are prominently featured, often layering multiple vocal parts to enhance the exotic feel of the music.
The sequencing flows from one track to another without abrupt transitions, maintaining a cohesive atmosphere throughout.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Buenos Aires 2:30
2 Melodia Loca 2:07
3 The Poor People of Paris 2:26
4 Japanese Parasols 2:43
5 The Clown on the Eiffel Tower 2:04
6 Auf Wiederseh'n, Sweetheart 2:51
7 Venezuela 2:47
8 Purple Islands 2:48
9 Padam, Padam 2:36
10 Normandy 2:33
11 Monika 3:07
12 Romantic Rio 2:26

What to play next

Go back to

Tamboo!

1955

Full Les Baxter, His Chorus and Orchestra discography Artists like Les Baxter, His Chorus and Orchestra

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata