When the Feeling Hits You! cover

When the Feeling Hits You!

Sammy Davis Jr. · 1965

29 min · 10 tracks · blues

A vibrant blend of jazz standards and emotional ballads showcasing Davis's dynamic vocal prowess and charismatic stage presence.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    When the Feeling Hits You Start here — This title track captures the essence of the album with its lush orchestration and heartfelt delivery, showcasing Davis's ability to convey deep emotion.
  • →
    Cry Me a River — Davis’s rendition transforms this classic into a poignant narrative of heartbreak, illustrating his skill in interpreting lyrics with genuine feeling.
  • →
    April in Paris — In this track, Davis brings a joyful exuberance to the familiar tune, demonstrating his versatility and charm as a performer.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid craftsmanship with engaging arrangements but lacks standout compositions.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of lush orchestral arrangements that complement Davis's vocal style throughout.
  • Each track typically follows a standard verse-chorus structure, allowing for emotional delivery and lyrical storytelling.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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

  • easygoing background for gatherings
  • short bursts of nostalgic charm
  • melodic reflections on love lost
  • light-hearted moments with friends

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer lengthy immersive experiences
  • seek high-energy dance tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album solidified Davis's reputation as a leading entertainer in the mid-60s.
Career context
Released in 1965, When the Feeling Hits You! came at a time when Sammy Davis Jr. was consolidating his status as a leading entertainer, following his success with the Rat Pack. This album followed his popular live performances in Las Vegas and marked a continued exploration of jazz and pop standards that defined much of his career during this period.
Stylistic neighbors
Frank Sinatra· Nat King Cole· Tony Bennett

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • When the Feeling Hits You

    The bridge introduces an unexpected shift in melody that elevates the emotional stakes before returning to the chorus.

    This structural change amplifies the song's emotional impact, making it a memorable highlight within the album.

Tracklist

  • 1 When the Feeling Hits You Start here 2:57
  • 2 Don't Cry Joe 2:51
  • 3 There Will Never Be Another You 2:08
  • 4 April in Paris 2:47
  • 5 L' Amour Toujours L' Amours 1:57
  • 6 I Should Care 2:57
  • 7 Cry Me a River 3:13
  • 8 Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me 3:01
  • 9 These Foolish Things Remind Me of You 3:59
  • 10 This Is Always 3:42

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata