Customer Reviews

Dino! Italian Love Songs

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

 

 

This is a sentimental fave of mine coz the first time I heard this is when was a kid through my parents. There was a CD exactly like this one that was release back in the late 90's that was digitally remastered (the one with the 2-in-1 cd with Cha Cha De Amor)...I have this in fact. Nonetheless, this latest one and the digitally remastered one are both great. The only difference is that the latest one has a more balance sound with Dean's voice and the orchestra; the remastered one had a more pronounced and brighter orchestral sound with which the various instruments "stands out" more, such as the wonderful sound of the accordion for instance. With respect to originality and naturalness, I would prefer the LATEST one probably because that is how it actually sounded like when Dean first recorded it back in 1961. Oh yeah! one more note, I believe Dean's voice sounded better in the latest CD...man! can never get tired of listening to this wonderful CD coz it's sooo goooood! More than 5 stars if you ask me. - John, Southern California

Dean Martin could sell a song without even trying--his voice was THAT good. This album gives us Dino in his prime; his voice is rich, energetic and full of masculine warmth. This CD proves it.

The CD track set begins with "Just Say I Love Her (Dicitencello Vuie);" this beautiful love ballad gets the royal treatment from Dean Martin. He sings this to perfection with great sensitivity; what a wonderful way to start off the CD!

The classic "Arrivederci, Roma" follows; and Dean performs this without a superfluous note. The musical arrangement is quite lush with good use of the strings; the chorus doesn't quite do it for me but the rest of this ballad is so flawless my concern about the chorus fades into the background.

Other wonderful tracks on this CD include "My Heart Reminds Me" which was recorded by Della Reese in 1957; but Dino breathes so much fresh life into this ballad he truly makes "My Heart Reminds Me" completely his own. The musical arrangement enhances the beauty of this number. Of course, you get Dean's famous rendition of "Non Dimenticar;" Dean's voice and the musical arrangement complement each other completely. There's also the charming "On An Evening In Roma (Sott'er Celo De Roma);" Dean's voice remains strong and sensitive but the musical arrangement should have been played a little more softly to play up Dean's voice. This is a minor disappointment, I suppose.

In addition, you get "There's No Tomorrow (O Sole Mio)" which has been recorded by so many artists. Dean Martin, however, gives us the definitive interpretation of this classic ballad. Excellent!

The CD also gives us a generous four bonus tracks which were not released on the record album back in 1962. "Bella Bella Bambina" has an infectiously catchy and upbeat melody that makes you want to jump up and dance almost instantaneously; and by the time the CD ends with "Belle From Barcelona (O-O-Le, Mu-Cha-Cha) the Latin twist encourages us to play this CD over and over again.

The liner notes include a replication of the reverse of the record album jacket; and James Ritz contributes a fine essay about Dean and his career.

Unfortunately, I do have one complaint about this album. The music is played too loud; they should have played the arrangements softer to do a better job of showcasing Dean Martin's beautiful vocals. I have to take off one star for this to make this a four star review.

Dean Martin fans will consider this fine CD to be a "must-have" for their collections; and people who enjoy classic pop vocals will cherish this CD for years to come. Dean Martin may have recorded these songs in 1961; but these numbers are so enchanting they are truly timeless. I hope that you get this CD and enjoy it as much as I have!

This review is from the heart and perhaps not the head. Being a "Baby-Boomer" of Italo-American heritage, I grew up listening to Frank, Dean, and Mario Lanza. This album was a favorite. This was one of the Capitol "concept" albums. The lush music and Dean's voice were a perfect match for the Italian melodies. His english renditions of Neopolitan love songs is the music of a generation that has been lost. Anyone in my age group and background will love this album. My one complaint is that the reissue included 4 songs that were not from the original release. These are fillers and do not add to the mood set by the orginal album. Still I recommend this album for those quiet nights when beautiful music and lyrics are desired. Although there is always Frank, sometimes you just need Dean.

This is not only the best Dean Martin CD, it is also one of the most romantic collections of songs for lovers. My husband really loves the songs, as I do, and it sets a lovely romantic mood for the evening ahead. Thanks to Amazon, we were able to enjoy this CD. HMV were unable to supply it for some reason...!

i dont know what the 2 guys are talking about; i have the
2 on i cd and this i. i hear no difference in sound,if any thing
the english i is a sharper sound but that dose not make
it better.dean never sang better than this before or after.
a brilliant album. buy it you wont be dissapointed.

There are two ITALIAN LOVE SONGS cds.The first one is an excellent best of that includes many of DEAN's well known ITALIAN songs like THAT'S AMORE,VOLARE and ON AN EVENING IN ROMA as well as many tunes from the other one from 1962.For your money if you have to choose,buy the best of because all the tracks are good.The original is also very good with lush arrangements.I for one prefer the previous recordings of RETURN TO ME and ON AN EVENING IN ROMA that i discovered on the CAPITOL COLLECTORS SERIES.This edition has four added tracks.If your a fan of DINO,you won't hesitate to add it in your collection.Feels funny to hear DEAN sing THERE'S NO TOMORROW when you know that he was leaving CAPITOL that year.