Unforgettable

Dinah Washington, Various Artists | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 19, 1991)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Polygram Records
• ASIN: B0000046JS
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #131,785 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

A great voice might be defined by its range or pitch, but for a great torch singer like Dinah Washington, it's an astonishing sense of presence, the ability to convey complex emotional states with a startling intimacy. The songs on this 1961 release focus on love, and they're distinguished by Washington's ability to mingle loss and resignation with the promise of the future and a steely determination to make it happen. Ultimately Washington's art is the romance of experience itself, its enduring truths and possibilities etched in her unforgettable voice. --Stuart Broomer

Product Description

With Dinah Washington, Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, and Lena Horne. --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST HAVE COLLECTION from DINAH WASHINGTON, April 6, 2000

By 

Giovanni Marra (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Unforgettable (Audio CD)

This gem of an album finds Dinah in familar company with arranger/conductor Belford Hendricks, making spectacular music. Be it the bluesy swinging of "SURPRISE PARTY" (one of 6 bonus tracks) or the world weary wisdom of the opening verse of the classic "WHEN I FALL IN LOVE", its a mixed bag of standards, ("OUR LOVE IS HERE TO STAY", the aforementioned "WHEN I FALL IN LOVE" and "EVERYBODY LOVES SOMEBODY" in addition to the title track) to titles co-penned by Dinah herself, ("LINGERING", "DO YOU WANT IT THAT WAY", and the searing "SOMEWHERE ALONG THE LINE") that find Dinah in excellent voice. Another long time Dinah collaborator, the talented Clyde Otis produced the sessions, and brought a few songs of his own to boot. Of the four, perhaps the most popular is the almost autobiographical reading of "THIS BITTER EARTH". Upon first hearing of this song, I rushed out and bought this disc. (That is, of course, after I regained my composure.) The story told in this lovely song must be heard by anyone who appreciates a great song. Truly a masterpiece, as is the entire set. In my opinion, this disc and Dinah's "What A Diff'rence A Day Makes" set (recently remastered and re-issued) are locked in a dead-heat as must have Dinah Washington albums. But I had no problem buying both, and you shouldn't either; after all, you can never have too much of a good thing! And anything Dinah Washington ever recorded definitely falls in that "good thing" category...UNFORGETTAB-ly...

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An 'unforgettable' pop/jazz classic., February 11, 1999

By 

RALPH PETERS (CLOVIS, CA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Unforgettable (Audio CD)

Though interest in Dinah Washington has increased over the past years (thanks in no small part to Clint Eastwood's inclusion of several Dinah classics in "The Bridges of Madison County"), she continues to be in the shadow of, I feel, the lesser talents of Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughn. This disc is one of her finest, with standouts "This Bitter Earth" and "Somewhere Along the Line" prime examples of her exquisite phrasing and soulful commitment to each song. It is also a great intro to Miss Washington for the new listener. I've bought this recording in every format the industry has evolved, from vinyl to compact disc, and it just keeps getting better every time. Most highly recommended.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Mellow, Sad Dinah, August 27, 2000

By 

Peter (East of Los Angeles) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Unforgettable (Audio CD)

This is a must have for those whose pain is still fresh in their minds (and hearts) from a recent break-up or to spend a rainy day in front of the fireplace. If you liked the "What A Difference A Day Makes" CD, this one is for you. I find the songs and Dinah on this CD to be melancholic, mellow and sad. We all know Dinah from her blues material, but here she is understated and mellow. Yet she still infuses each song with heartbreak and ache that rattles your soul. Standouts include the lesser known songs "Alone" and "This Love of Mine". Listen to this CD with a box of Kleenex.