Almost Like Being in Love

This article is about the song. For the novel, see Almost Like Being in Love (novel).

"Almost Like Being in Love"
Song

"Almost Like Being in Love" is a popular song published in 1947. The music was written by Frederick Loewe, and the lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner.

The song was made popular by David Brooks and Marion Bell in the 1947 musical Brigadoon. It was later performed in the 1954 film version by Gene Kelly.

There were three hit versions of the song in the United States in 1947. Frank Sinatra's version was the highest charting at #20. Mildred Bailey and Mary Martin both charted with the song at #21 that year.

Nat King Cole recorded more than one version of the song, including a later version that was used as the closing song in the 1993 movie Groundhog Day which starred Bill Murray. Cole's version, in the key of G major like the original, features a ii–V–I turnaround (2-5-1) in G, a pair of similar 2-5-1 sequences in E major and D major for the bridge, after which it raises the refrain a half-step with a 2-5-1 in A flat major.

The song was revived in a downbeat ballad version by singer Michael Johnson (#32, 1978). It was also made popular by British singing sensation Dame Shirley Bassey.

Cover versions

Other musicians who have recorded "Almost Like Being in Love" include:

• Lester Young – Lester Young with the Oscar Peterson Trio (1952)
• Sonny Rollins and the Modern Jazz Quartet – Sonny Rollins with the Modern Jazz Quartet (1953)
• Red Garland – Red Garland's Piano (1957)
• Cliff Richard (1960)
• In 1961, Judy Garland performed the song as a medley with "This Can't Be Love" at her Judy at Carnegie Hall concert
• Ella Fitzgerald – Ella Sings Broadway (1963)
• Johnny Hartman – Unforgettable Songs (1966)
• Dean Martin (1973)
• Melanie Safka – Sunset and Other Beginnings (1975)
• Natalie Cole – Unforgettable... with Love (1991)
• Woody Allen as Z-4195 from Antz (1998, short rendition)
• Rufus Wainwright – Rufus Does Judy at Carnegie Hall (2007)
• Jermaine Jackson – I Wish You Love (2012)
• Della Reese - A Date With Della Reese At Mr. Kelly's In Chicago (1958)