The Boop-A-Doo cover

Released 10 years ago

The Boop-A-Doo

Cherry Poppin' Daddies · 2016

41 min · 14 tracks · funk rock

A vibrant collection of classic jazz and swing standards revitalized with energetic funk-rock flair and playful arrangements.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    That Lindy Hop — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its infectious rhythm and lively instrumentation, embodying the dance spirit central to the swing era.
  • →
    Puttin' on the Ritz — A standout rendition that showcases the band's ability to infuse modern energy into a classic, maintaining its charm while making it accessible to new audiences.
  • →
    Lullaby of Broadway — This track highlights the band's vocal harmonies and rich arrangements, blending nostalgia with a contemporary twist that captures the essence of Broadway's golden age.

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 revitalizes jazz standards with energetic arrangements but lacks a strong cohesive narrative.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of brass instruments, with prominent trumpet and saxophone lines driving the melodies throughout.
  • Each track maintains a lively tempo, with rhythmic variations that keep the energy high and encourage movement.
  • Several songs incorporate call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the playful and interactive feel of the arrangements.
  • The last three tracks slow down slightly, providing a moment of contrast before concluding with a vibrant finale.
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
5/10

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 upbeat dance energy
  • celebratory vibes for gatherings
  • for festive occasions
  • quick bursts of joy
  • sing-along moments with friends

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer slow, introspective music
  • seek deep emotional narratives

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on January 22, 2016, The Boop-A-Doo came after Cherry Poppin' Daddies' successful crossover album, Zoot Suit Riot, which had already established them in the ska and swing revival scenes. This album marked a return to their roots in jazz while showcasing their continued evolution as musicians blending genres.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Puttin' on the Ritz

    The shift from a smooth melodic line to a more upbeat tempo reveals a playful interpretation of luxury and glamour.

    This structural change emphasizes the contrast between traditional balladry and vibrant swing, inviting listeners to engage with both nostalgia and celebration.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 That Lindy Hop 2:24
  • 2 The Joint Is Jumpin' 2:36
  • 3 42nd Street 3:20
  • 4 Kicking the Gong Around 3:32
  • 5 Let's Misbehave 2:54
  • 6 Puttin' on the Ritz 3:39
  • 7 The Gold Diggers Song (We're in the Money) 2:16
  • 8 Night and Day 3:36
  • 9 Top Hat, White Tie and Tails 3:23
  • 10 Trickeration 2:57
  • 11 Lullaby of Broadway 3:15
  • 12 Steppin' Out With My Baby 2:25
  • 13 Temptation 1:59
  • 14 Doin' the New Lowdown 3:17

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata