Customer Reviews

All the Hits 1948-1969

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Dean Martin is one of the truely awesome Singers of the 21st Century. I was exposed to his music as a child by my parents. It wasn't until years later that I became interested in hearing his music enough to buy this CD. I am probably younger than most who love his music but I can tell you it will never go out of style. His voice and singing style is just as good, if not better, than the other recording artists of his time, or any time for that matter. This two CD set has 40 of his songs, all of which are very beautiful. I'm sure this encompasses most of his recordings, but not all. This CD set is a must for anyone who loves a beautiful voice with an awesome delivery. I give it 5 stars, without question.

The good news: All 40 selections on this 2-CD set charted; no fillers. All 10 Capitol releases from 1948-54 that made the Top 40 charts, all 8 Capitol releases from the 1955-60 Top 100 charts, and all 22 Top 100 hits from his Reprise years are included.

The bad news: Even though it's labeled as being digitally remastered, the sound quality isn't as good as it could be/should be. Particularly bad is "(Remember Me) I'm the One Who Loves You." It sounds like a worn cassette tape. If you aren't fussy about sound, then this is a very nice grouping, pretty much in chronological order, of all his major and minor hits, and cheaper than buying collections from each recording label. If you're picky about sound quality like I am, I'd recommend going with "The Long Lost Reprise Hits" on EMI/Capitol Music Special Markets (Collector's Choice) for his later hits, and "Capitol Collector's Series" and/or "The Capitol Years" for his Capitol recordings. However, 2 minor (Reprise) hits: #94 "Sam's Song" with Sammy Davis, Jr and #91 "From the Bottom of My Heart" are not on those alternate CD's and are very hard to find otherwise.

Purely on completeness of his hits, this collection would rate a 5, but the only-fair sound quality weighed heavily in my 2 rating.

Released in 1993, this two-disc import features all of Dean Martin's Top 100 hits. Along with the chart-topping "Memories Are Made of This" (1955) and "Everybody Loves Somebody" (1964) are lesser-known recordings such as "Money Burns a Hole in My Pocket" (1954), "Somewhere There's a Someone" (1966) and "You've Still Got a Place in My Heart" (1968). Another hidden gem is "Sam's Song" - a playful 1962 duet with Sammy Davis Jr. that squeaked in at No. 94. Despite its erratic sound quality, the 40-track collection offers plenty of Vintage Dino for the relaxed dollar. Worst Single: the politically incorrect "Not Enough Indians" (1968).

Dean Martin was and always will be one of the best; I could never grow tired of hearing him sing! Dean used his voice to make each song sound fresh and new even when he had performed it so many times before. The quality of the sound on these two CDs is excellent and I like the artwork, too.

The first CD opens with Dean Martin and his then-partner Jerry Lewis performing "That Certain Party;" which makes me understand quite well why Dean eventually decided to go solo! Numbers that truly showcase Dean's talent would include the charming "Powder Your Face with Sunshine (Smile! Smile! Smile!)" which has that great piano arrangement; "You Belong to Me" which has Dean Martin crooning at his very best; the classic Dino hit entitled "That's Amore;" "Sway;" the romantic "Memories Are Made of This;" "Return To Me;" "Volare" which has Dean Martin singing faultlessly and "On an Evening in Roma (Sott'er Celo de Roma)."

The second CD also has many classic Dean Martin hits. "Everybody Loves Somebody" is one of the most gorgeous classic pop tunes I've ever heard--when Dean Martin sang it, that is; and listen for the magnificent "You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves You." I love it! "You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves You" has a certain musical style that fits in perfectly with Dean's singing; it all holds its own very well. Dean's rendition of "Houston" shines bright; and "I Will" is very easy on the ear. "Somewhere There's a Someone" is absolutely beautiful; I always feel so upbeat when I hear Dean Martin sing this! "In the Chapel in the Moonlight" is yet another gem; and "In the Misty Moonlight" has a wonderful arrangement with Dino squarely front and center--which is quite all right by me! "You've Still Got a Place in My Heart" uses the organ to great advantage; and "I Take a Lot of Pride in What I Am" ends the second CD wonderfully.

There are still more Dean Martin songs on these two CDs that you wouldn't want to miss. We get a fine rendition of "If," a number Perry Como recorded with great success; "Love Me, Love Me;" "Money Burns a Hole in My Pocket;" "Watching the World Go By" with a fine male chorus; "Sam's Song" which Dino does with the great Sammy Davis, Jr.; "You'll Always Be the One I Love" and more. Great!

Overall, Dean Martin fans would do well to get this for their collections. The diehard fan who has these songs already should look for even more comprehensive Dean Martin compilations. This is also a great two CD set for anyone who loves classic pop vocals.

This is a great collection of tunes! I can close my eyes and it is just like he is there, singing just to me! Very pleased with this purchase!

one hint: you may not like the songs a first time, listen to the songs again, they are a lot better the second time

This cd twofer is the best value for your money, if you want the hits. This is a very enjoyable cd(& I'm only 17 years old). I know what most other teens are starting to relize, that along with Sinatra, and davis, Martin is one of the coolest singers that ever lived. If you like him, you are going to eventually want his Bear Family Complete box sets, which will cost you well over $500.00, but worth every penny, now I'm just waiting for a complete set of his early singles, now that's Amore...