Album Review: Ifn There’s A Ship Comin’ In by The Bell Sisters (1952)
Alright, let’s talk about this little gem from way back in ’52—Ifn There’s A Ship Comin’ In by The Bell Sisters. It’s one of those albums that feels like stepping into a time machine, with its lush vocal harmonies and that classic pop vibe. Backed by Jack Pleis and his orchestra, the whole thing has this warm, cozy feel to it, like sipping cocoa on a winter evening. The genre is pop, but it leans heavily into that polished vocal style that was super popular back in the day. Released under RCA Victor in the US and Canada, this record definitely had its moment in the spotlight.
Now, let me get into two tracks that stuck with me. First up, the title track, If’n There’s A Ship Comin’ In. Oh man, this one grabs you right away. The Bell Sisters’ voices blend so perfectly, it’s almost unreal. You can tell they’re not just singing—they’re feeling it. The lyrics are simple but kinda poetic, talking about hope and longing for something better. It’s the kind of song that makes you stop whatever you’re doing and just listen. Plus, Jack Pleis’ orchestra adds this dreamy backdrop that feels like waves gently rolling onto a beach. I dunno about you, but it gave me all the feels.
Then there’s There’s A Ship Comin’ In. This one’s got a bit more pep to it, like the sun breaking through the clouds after a storm. It’s upbeat but still carries that same sense of anticipation as the first track. What gets me is how the sisters layer their vocals—it’s like they’re having a conversation, but in song form. You can’t help but picture them standing in some smoky jazz club, nailing every note while the crowd goes wild. Honestly, it’s these little details that make the album worth revisiting.
Looking back, what strikes me most is how timeless this music feels. Sure, it’s from 1952, but the emotions are still so relatable. It’s funny though—listening to this now, I can’t help but think how different music was before everything got all Auto-Tuned and overproduced. Don’t get me wrong, I love modern stuff too, but there’s something raw and real about Ifn There’s A Ship Comin’ In that just hits different.
Oh, and here’s a random thought—imagine if The Bell Sisters suddenly dropped a TikTok remix of these songs today. Would it blow up? Probably. Just saying.
