Beyond the Sea [Soundtrack]

Kevin Spacey | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 23, 2004)
• Original Release Date: December 29, 2004
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Soundtrack
• Label: Rhino
• ASIN: B000641Z9K
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (83 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,079 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #4 in Music > Pop > Oldies > Tin Pan Alley

Track Listings

1. Hello Young Lovers

2. Once Upon a Time

3. Fabulous Places

4. Simple Song of Freedom

5. The Curtain Falls

6. Beyond the Sea

7. By Myself/Lover Has Gone

8. Some of these Days

9. Change

10. If I Were A Carpenter

11. Artificial Flowers

12. That's All

13. As Long as I'm Singing

14. Lazy River

15. Charade

16. Dream Lover

17. Mack The Knife

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

You've got to credit Kevin Spacey for sheer gumption: not only did he choose to direct a biopic about Bobby Darin (not the hippest of 1960s singers), but he also decided to star in it despite the fact that he was in his midforties and Darin died at 37. As if this weren't enough, unlike Jamie Foxx in Ray, Spacey performs all the songs himself. The hard-driving "Hello Young Lovers" starts off the album with a bang, the actor working with the big band with casual ease. While Darin is now best known for his swinging "Mack the Knife" and his adaptation of Charles Trenet's "La Mer" ("Beyond the Sea"), he also explored folk and scored with the teeny-bopperish "Splish Splash." Spacey acquits himself honorably in all these genres, though he's best when he swings hard--his yelpy "Splish Splash" lacks the required levity. No matter what you think of the film itself, what we hear on this album is an actor who wouldn't be out of place in a Broadway musical. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Product Description

Among only a handful of entertainers who bridged the gap between '50s rock fans and their Sinatra-loving parents, Bronx-born pop legend Bobby Darin's life and career were short but extraordinary. In 1959 the singer/composer rocketed to stardom with 2 Grammy Awards-Best New Artist and Record of the Year for the #1 smash "Mack the Knife." His other signature smash provides the title for this biopic chronicling his genre-defying music, tempestuous marriage to starlet Sandra Dee, and untimely death at age 37-in 1973-from a heart defect acquired during a childhood illness. Kate Bosworth stars as Dee, and Darin is brought to life by Academy Award winner Kevin Spacey, who also directed the film and sings 18 of the artist's classic hits.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

54 of 57 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Spacey completely WOWed me , like a bolt of lighteng !, November 27, 2004

By 

K. Corn "reviewer" (midwest, United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 100 REVIEWER)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Beyond the Sea (Audio CD)

I can't imagine anyone doing a better rendition of Darin's songs, so much so that I practically felt like I was in the presence of Darin's ghost while listening to this CD -and the ghost was smiling, snapping his fingers and saying, "Go, man, go!" Totally hip, very, very cool interpretations of Darin's music, but with a unique twist here and there by Spacey. Perhaps Darin's fans will scoff but they shouldn't. This is an amazing work, only whetting my appetite for the movie. The love and passion for Darin's music shows through. Word is, Spacey's mother was a fan of Bobby Darin and if she were alive, I'm betting she'd be moved to tears by Spacey's devotion to Darin's biopic/drama/glimpse into his life. What a wonderful homage to a man who only lived a short time (37 years) as well as a bravura homage to Spacey's mother. ..and her love of Darin's music.

74 of 87 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Songs, But Not Bobby Darin, January 16, 2005

By 

A.Trendl HungarianBookstore.com "What should ... (Glen Ellyn, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Beyond the Sea (Audio CD)

The first question, the one of Kevin Spacey's singing ability is answered quickly. He can. This is not an actor making a fool of himself singing poorly. We have William Shatner to laugh at for that.

The real question is whether or not this is CD worth buying. The novelty of Kevin Spacey singing will not be enough over the long term.

One one hand, Spacey is great. He does a remarkable copy of Bobby Darin. However, on the other hand, having grown up hearing Darin, I can easily hear it isn't Darin.

Spacey sings too close to Darin to call these reinterpretations or even cover songs. Like not quite matching clothes, it feels slightly off. He is trying to sing as Darin sang.

I would go hear Spacey sing these songs live. When choosing to buy this CD or not, consider buying a genuine Darin compilation for the songs, and this one for the memories of the movie.

Anthony Trendl
editor, HungarianBookstore.com

30 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Magic Time, November 24, 2004

By 

Joan Noeldechen "etowahdoma" (New York) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Beyond the Sea (Audio CD)

"Beyond the Sea" is one of the best albums I have heard in a long while. Mr. Spacey proves he is a singer to be reckoned with. He has what the greatest singers of popular music have possessed: talent, timing, phrasing, and belief in the material. Kevin Spacey has the ability of capitivating his audience during this intimate listening experience. He injects the essence of Bobby Darin into his reading of the lyric, but he is very much present in these tracks and it is evident that he loves what he is doing! The arrangements sparkle; the sound quality is marvelous; the musicians are the best I've heard in years. Phil Ramone...bless you for carrying the torch. The liner notes are awesome. From "Beyond the Sea" to "Simple Song of Freedom," you will not be disappointed. This album is not only cinematic; it's theatrical. In fact, you may file "Beyond the Sea" between your favorite Darin, Nat Cole, and Sinatra albums. Enjoy.