Sings a String of Harold Arlen cover

Sings a String of Harold Arlen

Tony Bennett · 1960

43 min · 12 tracks · jazz

A lush tapestry of jazz standards, showcasing Bennett's rich vocals against sophisticated orchestral arrangements.

Top tracks — play these first

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    When the Sun Comes Out Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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    Over the Rainbow — Bennett's rendition transforms this classic into a heartfelt exploration of longing, capturing its emotional depth while showcasing his vocal prowess.
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    Come Rain or Come Shine — This track stands out for its dynamic phrasing and emotional delivery, illustrating Bennett’s ability to convey vulnerability through powerful vocal swings.
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    I've Got the World on a String — Bennett's interpretation infuses this upbeat tune with charm and confidence, highlighting his mastery in blending jazz rhythms with pop sensibilities.
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    This Time the Dream's on Me — The poignant arrangement paired with Bennett’s expressive voice creates a moment of introspection that resonates deeply within the album’s context.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

Bennett's vocal performance shines over lush arrangements, creating a cohesive yet familiar jazz experience.

What we noticed

  • Each track maintains a slow to mid-tempo pace, with no abrupt shifts in energy or style.
  • Bennett's vocal delivery is consistently smooth and emotive, often employing subtle phrasing variations that enhance the lyrical content.
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
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

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 melodic journey throughout
  • soulful vocals for reflection
  • orchestral warmth for cozy nights
  • emotive storytelling in each track
  • ideal for romantic evenings

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of fast-paced tracks
  • prefer standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album solidified Bennett's reputation as a serious jazz vocalist.
Themes
jazz standards revival· emotive vocal delivery
Career context
In 1960, Tony Bennett was transitioning from a popular crooner into a revered jazz artist. 'Sings a String of Harold Arlen' arrived just after his commercial peak with albums like 'Because of You', marking an artistic shift toward more nuanced interpretations of classic songs.
Stylistic neighbors
Frank Sinatra· Nat King Cole· Ella Fitzgerald

Tracklist

  • 1 When the Sun Comes Out Start here 2:41
  • 2 Over the Rainbow 4:02
  • 3 House of Flowers 3:35
  • 4 Come Rain or Come Shine 3:32
  • 5 For Every Man There’s a Woman 3:15
  • 6 Let’s Fall in Love 4:37
  • 7 Right as the Rain 3:28
  • 8 It Was Written in the Stars 2:53
  • 9 What Good Does It Do 4:08
  • 10 Fun to Be Fooled 3:49
  • 11 This Time the Dream’s on Me 3:12
  • 12 I’ve Got the World on a String 4:38

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata