Search - Dean Martin :: Forever Cool

"Oh, That Felt Good!"

D. Forbes | 08/03/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is what Kevin Spacey says at the end of "Ain't It A Kick In The Head", one of his duets with Dean, and that just about sums up this whole album for me. Hearing Dean again with vocalists Kevin Spacey (yes, that's right the gifted actor sings on this album), and Charles Aznavour, musicians Dave Koz and Chris Botti among others who admire Dean and those classic songs is a treat for anyone who enjoys Dean's music. Many people seem to dislike these "duet" albums as if they are somehow cashing in on someones name. But projects like these, if they are done well as I believe this one is, only keep his memory alive and bring new listeners to his music. Yes, I own it, and I feel good every time I listen to it."

Mostly excellent numbers--even if they are from a record lab

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 03/21/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Forever Cool is a Dean Martin CD that mixes his singing with the vocals of some of today's popular artists in an attempt to create a dynamic collection of duets. Despite the fact that almost all of these duets are very well done, I just can't help thinking that this album was released at least in part to "cash-in" on Dean Martin's legacy. That's NOT cool; and I was disappointed by this. However, in case you are considering buying this CD; the quality of the sound is very good; the artwork is tastefully done; and almost all of the duets work very well.



The CD starts off with Dean Martin's vocals mixed with the singing of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy as we hear "Who's Got The Action." They complement each other's vocals rather well; and that jazzy, 1960s Vegas style arrangement enhances this number even further. An even better duet is that between Dean Martin and Kevin Spacey as they sing "Ain't That A Kick In The Head." "Ain't That A Kick In The Head" was always one of my very favorite Dean Martin tunes and Kevin Spacey's voice lends itself extremely well for this duet. "I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face" features the legendary trumpeter Chris Botti; this track works particularly well. Botti's trumpet playing enhances "I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face" and I think Dean would be proud of this number.



"Who Was That Lady" has a fantastic musical arrangement that fits in perfectly with Dean as he sings this to perfection--and beyond! Dean's voice was so wonderful; it was like listening to silk and "Who Was That Lady" shows this very well. In addition, "Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone" is done with Robbie Williams. Robbie Williams doesn't sound best suited to do a duet with Dean; but it doesn't sound all that bad either. It's a track that would rank in my book as a "high average." On the other hand, one number that sounds absolutely wonderful is "I Can't Believe That You're In Love;" this is a duet with Dean Martin's and Joss Stone's vocals mixed together. Although Amazon says Joss Stone didn't fit in with Dean Martin's vocals all that well, I would disagree. She sounds just great when she sings "with" Dean Martin; and "I Can't Believe That You're In Love" is a major highlight of this CD.



"Baby It's Cold Outside" with Martina McBride is rather pleasing to the ear; and there's also a fine duet between Dean Martin and Kevin Spacey again on "King Of The Road." This is followed by "You're Nobody Til Somebody Loves You" with Shelby Lynne and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. This, unfortunately, is another track that is really just a high average at best. Shelby's voice is actually quite good and I like the way Big Bad Voodoo Daddy sings; but when Shelby's singing is overlapped with Dean's vocals the sound just isn't quite as good as I would have wanted.



"Everybody Loves Somebody" with Charles Aznavour is pretty good; Dean and Charles sings this one up right and the CD ends with Dean doing an previously unreleased number, his a cappella version of "Brahms' Lullaby."



Overall, Forever Cool by Dean Martin features mostly excellent duets with one or two missteps along the way. It's essentially a good album that Dean's fans will most likely enjoy and it may well introduce Dean Martin to a younger group of people who hadn't heard much about him before now. In addition, if you like this CD you may also want to consider getting the CD/DVD version of this product. It's just a shame, though, that this album comes with a good sized side-dish of "let's cash in on Dean."

"

Karaoke Night With Dino

Scott T. Rivers | Los Angeles, CA USA | 11/16/2009

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Well-intentioned but ultimately disappointing, Dean Martin's "Forever Cool" (2007) offers posthumous duets with contemporary artists ranging from Martina McBride to Joss Stone. What works are the instrumental touches - notably Big Bad Voodoo Daddy's ultra-swinging "Who's Got the Action?" and Dave Koz's smooth sax licks on "Just in Time." In the vocal department, only Paris Bennett's "Baby-O" has any punch. Though an intriguing concept, the digital pairings with Charles Aznavour and Kevin Spacey come across as contrived gimmicks. Dino's a cappella rendition of "Brahms' Lullaby" makes for an effective closer. Hopefully, the Dean Martin Family Trust will assemble a genuine duets album featuring Nat King Cole, Peggy Lee, Sammy Davis Jr. and, of course, Frank Sinatra. Now THAT would be something!"