At A Time Like This / A Long Last Look

Released in 1957 on the Coral label, this 45 RPM single represents a pivotal moment in Steve Lawrence's early career. Following his tenure on The Steve Allen Show, Lawrence was refining his identity as a solo vocalist, moving away from novelty material toward the sophisticated pop and ballad stylings that would define his later work. The A-side, At A Time Like This, showcases the lush, orchestral arrangements typical of late 1950s Coral productions, designed to highlight his vocal control.

The record sits within the broader context of the post-big-band era, where vocalists were increasingly central to popular music marketability. While Lawrence would later find his greatest commercial success through duets with Eydie Gormé, this solo release captures his early efforts to establish a unique presence in the American pop landscape. It reflects the meticulous, traditional studio craftsmanship of the time, produced for a domestic audience transitioning between radio-focused pop and the rising influence of rock and roll.