If I Ruled the World: Songs for the Jet Set is a 1965 studio album by Tony Bennett, arranged by Don Costa. Bennett dedicated his recording of "Sweet Lorraine" on the album to Nat "King" Cole, who had died a month before the album's release.

Two singles from the album, "If I Ruled the World" debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 in the issue dated February 13, 1965, peaking at number 34 during its nine-week stay. and number eight on the magazine's Easy Listening chart, during its nine-week stay. number 48 on the Cashbox singles chart during its seven-week stay. and number 40 in The U.K during its five-weeks stay. Another Single, "Fly Me to the Moon", debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 in the issue dated July 23, 1965, peaking at number 84 during a four-week stay, The song peaked at number 17 on the magazine's Easy Listening chart, during its ten-weeks stay. and number 60 on the Cashbox singles chart during its seven-weeks stay.

The album debuted on the Billboard Top LPs chart in the issue dated May 22, 1965, and remained on the chart for 22 weeks, peaking at number 47. it also debuted on the Cashbox albums chart in the issue dated May 15, 1965, and remained on the chart for 17 weeks, peaking at number 32.

On November 8, 2011, Sony Music Distribution included the CD in a box set entitled The Complete Collection.

Critical reception

William Ruhlmann of AllMusic stated that "There were also two songs from the Richard Rodgers-Stephen Sondheim musical Do I Hear a Waltz?, which was set in Venice. Other sections might not justify the flight theme -- Duke Ellington's "Love Scene" was given a "destination" of Harlem on the back cover, and that neighborhood is on no known flight plan—but with such high-quality material."

Billboard notes "Bennett segues into 'Fly Me to the Moon', fresh and sparkling ... especially with Don Costa providing the backing."

Cashbox thought "The material consists basically of recently penned candidates for the “standard” status."

Record World believed that this is "a beautiful album that will adorn many a record shelf in the very near future."

Variety believed that "There's excellent backing from some topflight instrumentalists and an incidental chorus".

Record Mirror described the album as "marvelous".

Track listing

Personnel Tony Bennett – vocals Al Cohn – tenor sax (#1–3, 9) Joe Marsala – clarinet (#8) Ralph Sharon – piano Carlos Lyra – guitar (#1, 3) Bobby Hackett – ukulele (#8) Hal Gaylor – bass William "Billy" Exiner, Elcio Milito (#1 only) – drums Don Costa – arranger, conductor

References