The Swingin' Miss "D"
Dinah Washington · 1957
52 min · 18 tracks · blues
A vibrant blend of jazz and blues infused with Dinah Washington's soulful, commanding vocals that captivate from start to finish.
Top tracks — play these first
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Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye — This track highlights Washington's ability to convey deep emotion through her vocal delivery, transforming a standard into a poignant farewell ballad that resonates with listeners.
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Is You Is or Is You Ain’t My Baby? — With its playful lyrics and swinging rhythm, this song showcases Washington's effortless blend of humor and heartbreak, making it a standout track that embodies the album's spirit.
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Makin’ Whoopee — The lively arrangement coupled with Washington's charismatic performance makes this rendition memorable, capturing the essence of carefree romance and spontaneity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases Washington's vocal prowess but lacks strong cohesion due to its varied tempos and styles.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate lush orchestral arrangements that complement her voice, particularly on ballads like 'Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye'.
- The tempo varies significantly across the album, with upbeat tracks like 'Is You Is or Is You Ain’t My Baby?' contrasting with slower, more introspective pieces.
- 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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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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
- soulful vocal performances throughout
- playful banter with lively rhythms
- short tracks for quick enjoyment
- late-night conversations with friends
- cathartic expressions of heartache
Maybe skip if you
- seeking long, immersive experiences
- prefer aggressive or fast-paced music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1957, The Swingin' Miss 'D' marked a significant moment in Dinah Washington's career as she was transitioning into mainstream pop music, following her successful period in the jazz scene. By this time, she had already established herself as a celebrated artist, gaining recognition for her unique vocal style and emotional delivery.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Billie Holiday· Sarah Vaughan· Ella Fitzgerald
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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I’ll Drown in My Tears
The shift in tone during the bridge where the singer confronts heartache directly enhances the emotional depth of the song.
This moment uses a stark change in vocal intensity to amplify feelings of despair, emphasizing vulnerability in a way that distinguishes it from earlier verses.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 They Didn’t Believe Me 2:48
- 2 You’re Crying 3:32
- 3 Makin’ Whoopee 2:30
- 4 Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye 2:31
- 5 But Not for Me 2:28
- 6 Caravan 2:40
- 7 Perdido 3:25
- 8 Never Let Me Go 2:46
- 9 Is You Is or Is You Ain’t My Baby? 3:00
- 10 I’ll Close My Eyes 4:00
- 11 Somebody Loves Me 2:47
- 12 I’ll Drown in My Tears 3:12
- 13 You Let My Love Grow Cold 2:29
- 14 Bargain Day 2:55
- 15 Relax Max 2:45
- 16 Tears to Burn 2:47
- 17 The Kissing Way Home 2:27
- 18 I Know 3:06
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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