This Beautiful Life
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy · 1999
52 min · 12 tracks · jazz
Swing-infused jump blues that radiate a playful energy, blending vintage charm with modern flair.
Top tracks — play these first
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I Wanna Be Like You — This track stands out for its infectious energy and playful homage to Disney's The Jungle Book, showcasing the band's ability to blend nostalgia with vibrant instrumentation.
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Who's That Creepin'? — With its infectious groove and catchy chorus, this song highlights the band's knack for storytelling through upbeat rhythms and clever lyrics.
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Still in Love With You — A slower ballad that contrasts the upbeat tracks, it showcases the band's versatility and emotional depth while maintaining their signature swing sound.
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Big Time Operator — This track features a strong horn section and lively tempo that encapsulates the essence of swing music, making it an anthem for dance floors.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends energetic swing with engaging arrangements, though it doesn't fully explore depth or complexity.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track that features prominent brass sections and a driving rhythm, setting a lively tone.
- Several tracks incorporate playful call-and-response vocals, but the instrumental arrangements dominate the sound.
- The last three tracks slow down the tempo, creating a contrast to the earlier upbeat songs and providing a sense of closure.
- 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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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- playful energy for social gatherings
- steady rhythms for dancing
- nostalgic charm for sunny days
- mid-tempo tunes for relaxed vibes
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced music
- seek introspective listening experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- This Beautiful Life is Big Bad Voodoo Daddy's second studio album, following their self-titled debut in 1994. At the time of its release in 1999, the band was riding the wave of the late '90s swing revival, which brought them mainstream visibility and a growing fan base.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Cherry Poppin' Daddies· The Boswell Sisters· Mister Heavenly
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Big and Bad 4:15
- 2 I Wanna Be Like You 3:40
- 3 Who's That Creepin'? 4:43
- 4 When It Comes to Love 4:44
- 5 I'm Not Sleepin' 4:16
- 6 Some Things 4:39
- 7 What's Next? 3:40
- 8 Big Time Operator 4:00
- 9 Still in Love With You 4:30
- 10 2000 Volts 6:01
- 11 Sleep Tight 4:31
- 12 Ol' MacDonald 3:00
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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