Customer Reviews

Unforgettable

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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...

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.

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.

Over 50 years I've been digging Dinah "The Lady". She and Ella are THE Best!! However, I'd have to select her CD "What a difference a day makes!" a bit over this one---everyone who digs great singers like The Lady should have a least these two cd's. Plus all of Ella's. Go out a spend a very bucks and relax

RC Napper

Back in the 80s I owned the vinyl albums and the cassettes of Dinah's hits. Over time and many moves, I lost track of them. I am very happy to have them back in disk form!

Dinah Washington, born Ruth Jones, lived from 1924 - 1964. Unlike so many of whining 'stars' of our time, she had a voice and style developed over many years. By the mid-fifties, her identity was established. Unfortunately, her lifestyle led to her early demise.

What a joy for us that our modern technology enables us to hear Ms. Washington at her best! These recordings, in the range of fifty years on, sound as fresh as last week. Thanks to great remastering, the songs on here sound better than equivalent recordings I have on LP. This album is a great sampler/introduction for those unfamiliar with her work.

Fortunately for fans like me, there is a rather extensive library of Ms. Washington's work, including more bluesy, more jazzy, but this is a great cross section.

when i was 15 during the late summer of 1959 i swear musically one of the best summers when dinah opened "lord what a difference a day makes i was mesmerized by her voice and the beautiful arrangement of it by a & r man belford hendricks on mercury records it gave dinah a 4 year run on the pop charts her second l.p. was unforgettable the single got up to # 16 on cash box and #12 billboard just missing the top 10 but the other hit from the album blew my doors off " this bitter earth " one of the greatest pop blues numbers i ever heard it only made #20 but it sold over 600,000 copies while the l.p. unforgettable sold well,theres not a bad track on this cd,the l.p carried over into 1960 staying on the lp charts for months another outstanding track is " i understand " any one who loves rythym and blues shouldnt be without this c.d. and her previous one "what a difference a day makes " she was truly one of the most remarkable female vocalists of the 50's and 60's !!!!! jim palos

The album UNFORGETTABLE is really a TEN STAR album. She is the GREATEST and can bring tears to your eyes and soul and tugs at the heart of the most hardened music listener.