One by One

Released in November 1960 on ATCO Records, One by One is a significant stylistic outlier in the discography of The Coasters. Produced during a period when R&B acts were often pressured to record 'adult' standards to cross over into the lucrative pop and easy listening markets, the album sees the group abandoning their signature Leiber and Stoller-penned comedic narratives. Instead, they tackle twelve jazz and pop standards, including works by Duke Ellington and Johnny Mercer. The recording features a more traditional jazz quartet and orchestral backing, moving away from the honking King Curtis saxophone solos that defined their early hits. While it was not a commercial juggernaut compared to their singles, it remains a critical curiosity that highlights the group's formal vocal training and ability to harmonize with a precision that rivals the Four Freshmen or The Hi-Lo's. It stands as a testament to the era's industry demands and the group's undeniable musicality.