Search - Dean Martin :: Amore

Unforgettable ballads, even if they are from a record label

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 02/18/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Amore is a CD of songs performed by Dean Martin that have been released before; yet these songs were bundled together and released (how coincidentally) not long before the very recent Valentine's Day holiday. With just enough time to order this album in advance of the holiday, too! As usual, Dean Martin does these songs up right; but the record label is clearly trying to "cash in" and that irks me. However, I cannot stress enough that we do get wonderful love songs here performed by Dean Martin, one of the very best male vocalists of the entire twentieth century.



"Just In Time" is absolutely flawless in Dean's capable hands; he sings this so well that his voice sounds like masculine silk and I can't find fault with that! The musical arrangement is lush but it leaves Dean squarely front and center--right where he always belonged! I really like "Just In Time" and it makes a strong start for this album. "I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face" comes from "My Fair Lady;" and Dean's version is far superior to Rex Harrison's. Dean finesses these lyrics as if it all were so easy; but of course we know it wasn't really that easy. Dean's talent always carried him through.



"How Sweet It Is" has a great swingin' flavor to it and although the music should have been tuned down a bit Dean Martin's performance still shines bright on this tune. I especially like "Innamorata (Sweetheart);" "Innamorata (Sweetheart)" is a most romantic ballad and Dean never sounded better. There's also a wonderful gem in "Dream A Little Dream Of Me." I usually hear females sing this song but Dean takes this and makes it all his own with great timing and a certain feeling in his voice that creates the perfect mood for romance. "That's Amore" is a song Dean loved to sing; and I could never tire of hearing it, either.



"All I Do Is Dream Of You" is a cute, peppy little tune that I enjoy when Dean sings it; and I think you'll enjoy this one, too. "All I Do Is Dream Of You" has lots of class and romantic good taste. "It Won't Cool Off" sparkles like a star in the night sky and Dean makes this another elegant love song; the music is just right for this tune and that's grand. In addition, "Heaven Can Wait" is quite strong when Dean Martin does this to perfection--and beyond!



The album closes with two more love songs sung by Dean Martin entitled "I Have But One Heart ('O Marenariello)" and the masterpiece "You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves You." Dean performs "You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves You" with so much grace and heartfelt emotion that it can't do anything except leave you wanting more.



Dean Martin gave us so much to be thankful for when he entertained us; his singing will always rank highest amongst the best of the best. It's too bad that a recording label just cranked these out to take advantage of the Valentine's Day holiday sentiment. On the bright side, however, maybe some people just getting to know Dean Martin will discover him through this CD and I hope they become loyal fans.

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Some Familiar Love Songs and Some Rarities

George M. Zavaglia | Brockport, NY | 02/04/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Amore", a CD of 15 songs by Dean Martin has a little something for everybody. Obviously, by its title, love is the common theme throughout. Beyond that, variety is the spice of this collection. It's a mixture of swing and ballads, familiar melodies and rarities, album cuts and singles.



Three rarities make this collection particularly interesting. "Let's Be Friendly" and "It Looks Like Love" are tunes that Martin sang in the last Martin & Lewis comedy "Hollywood Or Bust". Both are typical 50's pop fare made atypical by his smooth vocals and the fact that the arrangements swing lightly but oh, so engagingly. The third song titled "How Sweet It Is" isn't as good. Again, Martin's unmistakable croon saves it. Up to now, all of these tunes have only been available on the most expensive Martin boxed sets.



If you like your swing loud rather than gentle, there are four songs from the 1960 album "This Time I'm Swingin'. All arranged by the legendary Nelson Riddle, they require Dino to exhibit more vocal energy and stay ahead of the driving brass that would swallow up a singer who didn't know exactly how to stay out in front of it. Dino does, and swings with the best of them!



For examples of a more intimate Dino, listen to "Let Me Love You Tonight", and "My One And Only Love". Riddle's arrangements now switch to being latin flavored and dreamy. Martin adjusts accordingly too. His subtle delivery on both just oozes romance.



And, could any romantic collection spotlighting Dean Martin be complete without at least a couple of Italian love songs? Two of his best, "Innamorata" and "I Have But One Heart" are included here. Scores of pop singers have done these two over the years but nobody has ever sung Italian love songs better than Dino. Nobody.



"Amore" is a very pleasant program of songs. Listen to it with someone you love. I'm betting they'll love you back and you may even seduce them into loving more Dean Martin music too!









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