Search - Bobby Darin :: Swingin the Standards

Bobby Darin: A Great Collection From A True Legend

bix lang | Davenport, Iowa USA | 07/11/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What more can be said of the late, great Bobby Darin? If you like classic pop ballad singers, listen to Bobby sing "Try To Remember" or "After You've Gone." If you like swing, well, any uptempo tune from this collection is sufficient proof that had Darin lived he would have blown by Tony Bennett and saddled right up next to Sinatra. He possessed enormous and genuine talent, charisma, and a magical touch with every genre of music. This collection is one of the all-time great compilations of popular song. What a shame the man died so young."

Darin Channels Jolson

bix lang | 09/01/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is a very generous sampling of the Bobby Darin treatment of some Tin Pan Alley standards. I think "Liza" by the Gershwins is the very best reason to buy the recording: Bobby sounds as if he's captured an updated spirit of Al Jolson. Admittedly, you have to be a Darin fan to want this album--if you're a Darin novice, start with "That's All," "This is Darin," and "Great Gentlemen of Song" first--then this one. It's terrible that Darin died at 37, or he'd be out-Bennetting Tony Bennett today, and duetting with Ray Charles too."

Not really "the standards"

Daniel Berger | Atlanta, GA USA | 02/18/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Darin is a fabulous singer and gives this album his all. As one of my friends says, "Bobby Darin never phoned it in." This particular album suffers some from the material - overripe 1960s pop and show tunes that few would actually call "standards". "Talk to the Animals"? Ask yourself: WWFD - What Would Frank Do? If Sinatra wouldn't sing it, it wasn't a standard.



Bobby sings with as much punch and energy as anyone including Frank. He shows his softer side on songs like "The Shadow of Your Smile" and "Try To Remember." "I Will Wait for You" is one of the better efforts in this genre.



There are a few very good cuts here, notably "Don't Rain On My Parade", which is exceptional, "Lover Come Back To Me", and "Liza", a fine ballad. There are also some low-key, fun swinging tunes like "It's Today" and "It's Only a Paper Moon".



Those starting out their Darin collections can find better values and more classic tunes elsewhere. Those who have already done that and are filling out their Darin catalogues may find some tunes they enjoy here."