Steppin' Out cover

Steppin' Out

Tony Bennett · 1993

53 min · 18 tracks · jazz

A swing-infused celebration of classic standards, showcasing Bennett's timeless vocal charm and rich emotional delivery.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Steppin’ Out With My Baby Start here — This track captures the essence of the album with its upbeat tempo and playful lyrics, showcasing Bennett's vocal agility and charisma.
  • →
    They Can’t Take That Away From Me — A poignant ballad that highlights Bennett's emotive delivery, this song reflects themes of love and resilience, making it a standout moment on the record.
  • →
    Nice Work If You Can Get It — With its catchy melody and clever lyrics, this track exemplifies the playful spirit of the album while allowing Bennett to shine through impeccable phrasing.

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

The album blends classic jazz standards with vibrant arrangements, showcasing Bennett's vocal charm.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent swing rhythm across nearly all tracks, creating a lively atmosphere.
  • Bennett's vocal delivery is supported by lush orchestral arrangements that emphasize the melodies of classic standards.
  • Several tracks include instrumental interludes that showcase the musicianship of the accompanying band.
  • The sequencing maintains an upbeat tempo for the majority of the album, with only a few slower ballads placed strategically.
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

  • smooth, relaxing background ambiance
  • elegant dinner party vibes
  • timeless classic enjoyment
  • short, engaging listening sessions
  • nostalgic, romantic moments

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Revitalized Bennett's image and contributed to his Grammy win.
Themes
romantic longing· playful charm
Career context
Released in 1993, Steppin' Out marked a significant moment in Tony Bennett's career as he was revitalizing his image after a period of declining popularity. This album, produced during his resurgence, features arrangements that bridge jazz and pop, solidifying his status as a leading figure in traditional American music.
Stylistic neighbors
Frank Sinatra· Nat King Cole· Ella Fitzgerald

Tracklist

  • 1 Steppin’ Out With My Baby Start here 2:55
  • 2 Who Cares? 3:19
  • 3 Top Hat, White Tie and Tails 2:40
  • 4 They Can’t Take That Away From Me 3:38
  • 5 Dancing in the Dark 3:25
  • 6 Shine on Your Shoes 2:24
  • 7 He Loves and She Loves 3:32
  • 8 They All Laughed 2:16
  • 9 I Concentrate on You 3:05
  • 10 You’re All the World to Me 3:10
  • 11 All of You 3:37
  • 12 Nice Work If You Can Get It 3:53
  • 13 It Only Happens When I Dance With You 2:13
  • 14 Shall We Dance 1:35
  • 15 You’re Easy to Dance With / Change Partners / Cheek to Cheek 4:41
  • 16 I Guess I’ll Have to Change My Plan 2:48
  • 17 That’s Entertainment 2:04
  • 18 By Myself 2:09

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata