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17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
fine comprehensive two CD set by the great Bobby Darin, May 18, 2008
The Definitive Pop Collection is a fine two CD set giving us so many of the best hits of the great Bobby Darin. Bobby could carry a tune like few others could and this two CD set proves it. The quality of the sound is excellent and the artwork is very nicely done.
The CD starts with Bobby Darin singing out "Splish Splash;" this wild number about a man who discovers a party in his living room while he was taking a bath is an unlikely choice in terms of the ,lyrics alone--but with the music and Bobby's incredible singing who cares if it sounds realistic or not? Bobby sounds great on this track and his excellent diction helps him sing even better; and horns are used well and "Splish Splash" is an excellent beginning number for this CD set. "Queen Of The Hop" is another relatively early hit for Bobby Darin; this has a great 1950s rock and roll flavor to it that still makes me want to jump up and dance wherever I am! "Dream Lover" has an elegant romantic rock and roll melody as Bobby delivers this to perfection--what a great tune this is!
Of course, "Mack The Knife" shines like gold--this was one of Bobby's best numbers ever. I love it! The smooth music and Bobby's interpretation of this classic ballad make it a strong highlight of this two CD set. "Beyond The Sea" is also another Bobby Darin signature song that stands out so brilliantly; I love this tune and you will too if you haven't heard this one before. In addition, "Artificial Flowers" showcases Bobby's excellent strong vocal talents and he never misses a beat! "Artificial Flowers" is a number I always enjoy when Bobby Darin sings it; and there's also "Irresistible You;" this makes a fine ending for the first CD and I'm lovin' every minute of it! SMILE
The second CD continues the hits. Listen for Bobby Darin to do a splendid job on "You Must Have Been A Beautiful Baby." "You Must Have Been A Beautiful Baby" gets an excellent early rock and roll flavor that works very well for this classic love song. Bobby sings this one really well and the electric guitars in the arrangement enhance this tune even further. "Multiplication" rocks hard and although I can't recall hearing this number very much in the past it's easily one of my favorites on this two CD set. "You're The Reason I'm Living" is a somewhat later number that tugs at my heartstrings as Bobby sings this with panache; and Bobby does it up right on "If I Were A Carpenter." "If I Were A Carpenter" is a noticeable departure from songs Bobby Darin sang when he first became a star but make no mistake about it--Bobby does this perfectly.
The CD ends with two live tracks; "Simple Song Of Freedom" gets a very sensitive treatment from Bobby who sings this with all his heart and soul. "The Curtain Falls" was a song Bobby sang when he thought he was retiring--but, as we know, he came back to record much more and make many more appearances on TV and in nightclubs.
This two CD set will appeal to the Bobby Darin fans who don't yet have these wonderful songs in their collections; and people just discovering Bobby Darin will enjoy this immensely.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Kiss in the Dark, July 11, 2009
This compilation is an excellent collection that brings together many of Bobby Darin's pop classics. "Splish Splash" is the 1958 track that that took him to the top of the charts & launched his career. "Queen of the Hop" hit the top ten & blasts with its beat at the time when sax was a rock staple. "Dream Lover" is such a classic tune that took Bobby to #2. I think I first heard this by Ricky Nelson, but Darin is the original on a catchy melody and arrangement, "Every night I hope & pray, a dream lover will come my way, a girl to hold in my arms." The liner notes articulate how Atco thought he was committing artistic suicide by recording jazz standards. Instead, he got his next #1 with the classic "Mack the Knife," perhaps Darin's signature song. "That's All" that was the title track to his album shimmers with the peppy horn arrangement, kind of a speed jazz. "Beyond the Sea" is one of my favorite Darin songs with its classy arrangement and his entrancing vocals, "I know beyond a doubt, my heart will lead me there soon." "Nature Boy" is a track that fascinates me after having heard versions it in the films Moulin Rouge (Two-Disc Collector's Edition) & Angel Eyes. Darin's take is haunting, "The greatest thing you will ever learn is to love & be loved in return."
The second disc contains great tracks like the top ten "You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby," "I can see the judge's eyes as they handed you the prize, I bet you took the cutest bow." "Multiplication" is loaded with double-entendre. Darin churns out a tasty version of Ray Charles' "What'd I Say." "Things" must have played consistently during my younger years because it rings so familiar with the timber of Darin's voice strong, "Like a walk in the park, like a kiss in the dark." "You're the Reason I'm Living" went to #3 and sounds as if Darrin was channeling Ray Charles. Spanish guitar sways seductively on "18 Yellow Roses." Darin's recording of "If I Were a Carpenter" charted during the British invasion as the singer asks the potent question, "Would you have my baby?" Tim Hardin's "Reason to Believe" has been recorded by Glen Campbell, Carpenters, Cher, Dillards, Marianne Faithfull, Gary Lewis & the Playboys, Ricky Nelson, Del Shannon, Rod Stewart & the Youngbloods. Darin's version seems personal & immediate. "The Definitive Pop Collection" is an excellent 2-disc collection that highlights the changing sounds of the incredible Bobby Darin. Enjoy!
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3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
GREAT MUSIC, GREAT SOUND, December 20, 2006
Of course everybody's heard "Mack the Knife" and "Splish, Splash," but it's the other songs on this collection that stand out. Darin has a great voice and is able to adapt to many different genres of music. The remastering job on these tracks is excellent and the price is low. A great deal.
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See all 15 tracks on this disc
is one of Bobby Darin's 
