What makes Swing by The Manhattan Transfer notable?

Swing received critical acclaim for its authentic interpretations of classic jazz standards and contributed to a resurgence of interest in swing music during the late 90s. It earned a Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group, solidifying The Manhattan Transfer's legacy within the genre and influencing a new generation of vocal jazz ensembles. Released in 1997, Swing marked The Manhattan Transfer's return to their jazz roots after exploring pop and contemporary styles in the 1980s and early 1990s. This album came on the heels of their Grammy-winning works, re-establishing them as a leading force in vocal jazz. It showcased the group's versatility while reaffirming their commitment to honoring classic American music.

Swing works well if you're into upbeat tracks for social gatherings, playful energy for dancing and nostalgic vibes with friends.

How many songs are on Swing?

Swing has 13 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

Swing

The Manhattan Transfer · 1997

44 min · 13 tracks · blues

A vibrant celebration of swing jazz, blending intricate vocal harmonies with playful rhythms and nostalgic melodies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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A-Tisket, A-Tasket — This track is a playful rendition of Ella Fitzgerald's classic, showcasing The Manhattan Transfer's signature harmonies and ability to infuse traditional songs with fresh energy.
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Java Jive — An upbeat take on the popular song that highlights the group's tight vocal arrangements and rhythmic precision, making it an infectious standout that captures the essence of swing.
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Stomp of King Porter — Opening the album with high energy, this track features intricate vocal interplay that demonstrates the ensemble’s technical prowess while maintaining a lively, danceable feel.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

56 /100

Foothills

Higher than 47% of albums we've rated

The album effectively blends classic swing with modern interpretations, showcasing strong vocal arrangements and solid craftsmanship.

What we noticed

Each track showcases a different tempo and mood, with several songs incorporating call-and-response elements between the vocalists.

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: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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

upbeat tracks for social gatherings
playful energy for dancing
nostalgic vibes with friends
steady rhythm for background enjoyment

Maybe skip if you

prefer long, introspective pieces
seek heavy, complex soundscapes

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1997, Swing marked The Manhattan Transfer's return to their jazz roots after exploring pop and contemporary styles in the 1980s and early 1990s. This album came on the heels of their Grammy-winning works, re-establishing them as a leading force in vocal jazz. It showcased the group's versatility while reaffirming their commitment to honoring classic American music.
Stylistic neighbors: The Swingle Singers· Pentatonix· Vocalosity