Dean Martin had been recording singles and EPs for more than six years when he stepped into the studio on November 20, 1952 to cut his first 10," eight-song LP. Called Dean Martin Sings, it featured songs from the Martin and Jerry Lewis film The Stooge, a near-drama about a singer who needs his comic partner more than he realizes; the film was shot in 1951 but not released until 1953. Only one song, "A Girl Named Mary and a Boy Named Bill," was actually written for the score, which otherwise consisted of semi-standards from the 1920s and '30s, notably "Just One More Chance," best-known as a hit for Martin's primary influence, Bing Crosby, and "I Feel a Song Comin' On." The versatile Martin gives unusually chaste and precise readings of the songs, paying more attention to the material than he did when given less interesting contemporary material for his singles. The result was a consistent effort that suggested Martin had more to offer musically than just being Jerry Lewis' straight man. When the 12" LP began to supplant the 10" version, Capitol added four songs previously released on singles, "Come Back to Sorrento (Torna a Surriento)," "When You're Young," "Oh, Marie" and the hit "That's Amore," and reissued this album in the 12" format. (Note: subtitled "Songs from the Paramount Picture the Stooge" on its 10" version, Dean Martin Sings is sometimes referred to as the original soundtrack album for The Stooge, but it actually consists of Martin's studio recordings of songs used in the film.) [This edition includes three bonus tracks.] ~ William Ruhlmann, All Music Guide
C**I
Dean Martin CD
Ordered this for my mother and she loves it. Arrived quickly too since I wanted it for Christmas. Thank you for the great service!
M**N
incredible !!!
Dean Martin Sings has plenty for us to be happy about! This is a great album of songs by the one and only Dean Martin. Dean really doesn't get the recognition he still deserves today; but hopefully with continued sales of CDs like this one that will change. The sound quality is excellent and the artwork is very nicely done."Who's Your Little Who-Zis!" features Dean at his best--he sounds wonderful and his voice is like listening to pure silk. The brassy arrangement goes well with Dean's vocals and he swings brightly to make this number shine! "Who's Your Little Who-Zis!" not only begins the album; it is a major highlight of this CD as well. "I Feel A Song Comin' On" was a song that very popular back in the day; and Dean's rendition is bright and very enthusiastic. Dean sings this with heart and soul and just one listen proves it--and how's about that musical brassy interlude? This is truly great music."Come Back To Sorrento" features Dean Martin squarely front and center--and he sings this partly in Italian to enhance the natural beauty of this ballad. "Come Back To Sorrento" is a song Dean Martin was born to sing; and his uncanny sense of timing makes his performance even better! "Oh Marie" is a tender, sweet ballad that Dean aces easily. He could always make any ballad seem easy to sing; but of course we know that it really wasn't that way--his great talent always carried him through. "With My Eyes Wide Open I'm Dreaming" has a beautiful arrangement for the strings as Dean croons this to perfection--and beyond!"Louise" is a number that glistens like silver and gold when Dino sings it; and listen for "That's Amore." "That's Amore" was a staple of Dean's repertoire and his adoring audiences never tired of hearing Dean Martin sing this awesome song. Moreover, "When You're Smiling (The Whole World Smiles With You)" is a fine song; Dean sings this with a comparatively slow tempo and it all holds its own very well. I really like "When You're Smiling (The Whole World Smiles With You).""Blue Smoke" has great woodwind instruments going on as Dean delivers this so very well; and "Johnny Get Your Girl" has a bouncy, upbeat melody that is also rather catchy. The CD also ends very well with Dean Martin performing "As You Are." "As You Are" gets the royal treatment from Dean Martin and it makes a passionate, moving ending for this album.Dean Martin always sang alongside the best of them; and this is a must-have for his fans. This is also a fine CD to start with if you are just discovering the artistry of Dean Martin.
R**E
Five Stars
Fantastic Dino album, although a little pricey. Still, you gotta love the Martin ❤️
