Vavoom! cover

Vavoom!

The Brian Setzer Orchestra · 2000

43 min · 14 tracks · jazz

Big band swing meets rockabilly energy, creating a vibrant celebration of classic American music.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Pennsylvania 6‒5000 — This track opens the album with an infectious energy, featuring a catchy horn arrangement that exemplifies the big band style while inviting listeners to dance.
  • →
    Jumpin’ East of Java — The playful rhythms and vibrant instrumentation highlight Setzer's knack for merging fun lyrics with an upbeat sound, making it a standout party anthem.
  • →
    Drive Like Lightning (Crash Like Thunder) — With its driving beat and clever lyrics, this track showcases Setzer's rockabilly roots while incorporating jazzy elements that keep it fresh and exciting.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album blends big band swing with rockabilly, showcasing strong arrangements and musicianship but lacks deep cohesion.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent big band arrangement with brass and rhythm sections driving the sound, creating a lively atmosphere.
  • Tracks like 'Pennsylvania 6‒5000' and 'Mack the Knife' showcase intricate horn arrangements that highlight the ensemble's musicianship.
  • Several songs incorporate rockabilly elements, such as upbeat tempos and guitar riffs, blending genres effectively throughout the record.
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
7/10

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

  • consistent upbeat flow
  • short, punchy songs
  • energetic party atmosphere
  • dynamic and lively pacing

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in January 2000, Vavoom! was the third studio album by The Brian Setzer Orchestra, following their successful album, Dirty Boogie. At this point in his career, Setzer had solidified his role as a revivalist of swing music, drawing from jazz and rockabilly influences to create a distinctive sound that resonated with both nostalgic listeners and new fans.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Pennsylvania 6‒5000 3:04
  • 2 Jumpin’ East of Java 3:02
  • 3 Americano 3:02
  • 4 If You Can’t Rock Me 2:39
  • 5 Gettin’ in the Mood 3:11
  • 6 Drive Like Lightning (Crash Like Thunder) 4:11
  • 7 Mack the Knife 2:48
  • 8 Caravan 2:25
  • 9 The Footloose Doll 3:52
  • 10 From Here to Eternity 2:53
  • 11 That’s the Kind of Sugar Papa Likes 2:19
  • 12 ’49 Mercury Blues 2:50
  • 13 Jukebox 3:10
  • 14 Gloria 3:52

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata