Search - Bobby Darin :: Definitive Pop

Fine comprehensive two CD set by the great Bobby Darin

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 05/18/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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.

"

GREAT MUSIC, GREAT SOUND

Z. Szczepanik | Toledo, OH | 12/21/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."