What makes Vocalese by The Manhattan Transfer notable?

Vocalese is significant for its ambitious approach to vocal jazz, earning the group a Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Performance. The album's innovative arrangements and virtuosic singing helped elevate the genre, influencing subsequent artists and groups within the jazz and a cappella scenes. Released in January 1985, Vocalese marked The Manhattan Transfer's sixth studio album and followed their Grammy-winning success with Bodies and Soul. At this point in their career, the group was solidifying its reputation for sophisticated vocal jazz, blending elements of pop and traditional jazz with a unique flair.

Vocalese works well if you're into dynamic emotional journeys, vibrant, engaging vocal harmonies and gradual builds and payoffs.

How many songs are on Vocalese?

Vocalese has 11 tracks, running approximately 45 minutes.

Vocalese

The Manhattan Transfer · 1985

45 min · 11 tracks · blues

A vibrant tapestry of jazz-inflected harmonies and intricate vocal arrangements that reimagine classic melodies through innovative a cappella techniques.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Another Night in Tunisia — This track showcases the group's ability to blend complex rhythms with lush harmonies, transforming a standard into a dynamic showcase of vocal prowess.
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Oh Yes, I Remember Clifford — The poignant arrangement highlights emotional depth, as the group captures the essence of loss while displaying their tight-knit vocal synergy.
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Rambo — This playful piece exemplifies the group's signature blend of humor and musicality, featuring rapid lyrical delivery that pushes their vocal limits while remaining engaging.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

73 /100

Alpine

Higher than 96% of albums we've rated

Vocalese showcases sophisticated vocal arrangements and innovative jazz interpretations, solidifying its distinct sound.

What we noticed

The album features intricate vocal harmonies with each member taking turns on lead lines, creating a dynamic interplay throughout the tracks.
Several tracks incorporate complex rhythmic patterns that challenge traditional jazz forms, such as 'Rambo' and 'Airegin'.
The arrangements often include unexpected key changes and tempo shifts, particularly evident in 'Another Night in Tunisia' and 'Oh Yes, I Remember Clifford'.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 9/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

dynamic emotional journeys
vibrant, engaging vocal harmonies
gradual builds and payoffs
immersive listening sessions

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in January 1985, Vocalese marked The Manhattan Transfer's sixth studio album and followed their Grammy-winning success with Bodies and Soul. At this point in their career, the group was solidifying its reputation for sophisticated vocal jazz, blending elements of pop and traditional jazz with a unique flair.
Stylistic neighbors: The Swingle Singers· Pentatonix· Vocalosity