Essential novelty music listening

The albums that define novelty music.

Our picks for where to start with novelty music — with a one-line read on why each one matters.

The novelty music essentials

Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.

That's All

Bobby Darin

That's All

A blend of jazz-inflected pop and swing, showcasing Darin's dynamic vocal prowess and romantic lyricism.

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Bobby Darin

Bobby Darin

Bobby Darin

A vibrant mix of pop, jazz, and swing that captures the exuberance of late '50s America.

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Shriner's Convention

Ray Stevens

Shriner's Convention

A whimsical blend of humorous storytelling and catchy melodies wrapped in a country-pop sound.

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I Never Made a Record I Didn't Like

Ray Stevens

I Never Made a Record I Didn't Like

A playful blend of country and novelty, filled with humor and catchy melodies.

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His All-Time Greatest Comic Hits

Ray Stevens

His All-Time Greatest Comic Hits

A playful blend of humorous storytelling and catchy melodies that showcase Stevens' unique comedic charm.

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Misty

Ray Stevens

Misty

A blend of sentimental ballads and playful novelty tunes reflecting Ray Stevens' distinctive charm.

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Osama—Yo' Mama: The Album

Ray Stevens

Osama—Yo' Mama: The Album

A satirical blend of country and pop that uses humor to tackle contemporary political issues.

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Boogity Boogity

Ray Stevens

Boogity Boogity

A whimsical blend of country and novelty sounds that captures the playful spirit of 1970s Americana.

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Crackin' Up!

Ray Stevens

Crackin' Up!

A whimsical blend of country and pop, laced with humorous storytelling and catchy melodies.

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Hum It

Ray Stevens

Hum It

A playful blend of country and novelty that captures the humor and heart of everyday life.

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From Hello Dolly to Goodbye Charlie

Bobby Darin

From Hello Dolly to Goodbye Charlie

A sophisticated blend of jazz, pop, and swing that showcases Darin's vocal agility and emotional depth.

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Gitarzan

Ray Stevens

Gitarzan

A playful blend of novelty tunes and country-inflected storytelling, full of whimsical characters and catchy melodies.

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Even Stevens

Ray Stevens

Even Stevens

A playful blend of country and pop, infused with humor and sharp social commentary.

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Surely You Joust

Ray Stevens

Surely You Joust

A whimsical blend of country and novelty sounds paired with humorous storytelling and playful arrangements.

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20 Comedy Hits

Ray Stevens

20 Comedy Hits

A playful blend of country and novelty, with humorous storytelling and catchy melodies that invite laughter.

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The Best of Ray Stevens

Ray Stevens

The Best of Ray Stevens

A playful blend of satirical storytelling and catchy melodies that encapsulates the essence of 1960s novelty music.

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He Thinks He's Ray Stevens

Ray Stevens

He Thinks He's Ray Stevens

A whimsical blend of country and novelty, laced with sharp humor and catchy melodies.

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The Best of Ray Stevens

Ray Stevens

The Best of Ray Stevens

A playful blend of country and novelty sounds with whimsical storytelling that invites laughter and reflection.

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The Bobby Darin Story

Bobby Darin

The Bobby Darin Story

A vibrant blend of pop, jazz, and rock rhythms showcasing Darin's charismatic vocal prowess and playful lyrics.

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You're the Reason I'm Living

Bobby Darin

You're the Reason I'm Living

A heartfelt blend of folk and pop, showcasing Darin's rich vocals against melodic arrangements.

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Oh! Look at Me Now

Bobby Darin

Oh! Look at Me Now

A vibrant collection of jazz and pop standards highlighted by Darin's charismatic vocal delivery.

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Aces Back to Back

Bobby Darin

Aces Back to Back

A nostalgic blend of jazz and pop standards infused with Bobby Darin's charismatic vocal delivery.

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If I Were a Carpenter

Bobby Darin

If I Were a Carpenter

A blend of folk and pop that intertwines heartfelt lyrics with Darin's signature smooth vocals.

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In a Broadway Bag

Bobby Darin

In a Broadway Bag

A vibrant collection of Broadway standards infused with Darin's signature flair and evocative vocal style.

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