I know it's not "canon," but I can't be the only person who cringes a bit at the straight, legit "Almost Like Being In Love" performed in some versions of this show. Especially with a semi-operatic soprano voice singing the female part. The song is jazz, at least it has been for as long as I've known it. Even Gene Kelly swung it for the movie.

Pardon my rant, but the song's just fidgety without that bounce to it.

I totally agree. It's written to be swung!
I always listen to the Nat King Cole version, it really bounces.
It's a happy, late 1940s broadway love song, it isn't a ballad in the traditional sense.