Released 70 years ago
'S Wonderful!
Ray Conniff & His Orchestra · 1956
35 min · 12 tracks
A lush orchestral backdrop intertwines with smooth vocals, creating a timeless celebration of classic American standards.
Top tracks — play these first
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'S Wonderful — This title track encapsulates the album's charm with its vibrant arrangement and playful energy, showcasing Conniff's ability to blend orchestration and vocal harmony seamlessly.
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Sentimental Journey — The rendition of this classic ballad highlights Conniff's signature style, where lush strings support heartfelt vocals, delivering an emotionally resonant experience.
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That Old Black Magic — This track stands out due to its rhythmic complexity and spirited tempo, demonstrating Conniff's talent for transforming traditional jazz into accessible pop arrangements.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends orchestral and vocal elements effectively, showcasing Conniff's unique style while maintaining a cohesive sound.
What we noticed
- The album features lush orchestral arrangements that often swell and recede, creating a dynamic backdrop for the vocals.
- Vocals are harmonized in a way that emphasizes smoothness, with multiple singers layering their voices rather than taking turns.
- Several tracks incorporate instrumental interludes that bridge vocal sections, allowing for a seamless flow between songs.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- nostalgic orchestral arrangements
- steady melodic journey throughout
- for evening relaxation
- short tracks for quick enjoyment
- warm background for gatherings
Maybe skip if you
- prefer modern production styles
- seek experimental soundscapes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in December 1956, 'S Wonderful! marks Ray Conniff's first album after his successful transition from big band leader to a unique sound that blends orchestral arrangements with vocal harmonies. At this point, Conniff had already established himself as a notable figure on the music scene, following his earlier work with the Glenn Miller Orchestra and the popularity of his innovative choral style.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 'S Wonderful 2:29
- 2 Dancing in the Dark 2:48
- 3 Speak Low 3:57
- 4 Wagon Wheels 3:17
- 5 Sentimental Journey 2:44
- 6 Begin the Beguine 2:44
- 7 September Song 2:48
- 8 I Get a Kick Out of You 3:16
- 9 Stardust 2:20
- 10 I'm an Old Cow Hand 2:57
- 11 Sometimes I'm Happy 3:02
- 12 That Old Black Magic 2:47
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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