Review by Reina Riley

Release Date: 6/24/1994
Original Release Date: Jan. 1960 (Atco 33-115)
Producers: Ahmet Ertegun & Nesuhi Ertegun
Arrangements: Richard Wess & Buddy Bregman
Format: CD (1 Disc)
Label: Atlantic

THIS IS DARIN, recorded in May of 1959 and released in January of 1960, is the companion album to Darin's breakthrough album THAT'S ALL. Richard Wess is at the helm with arrangements and orchestra on both. The album reached #6 (Darin's highest rated album) and remained on the charts for 50 weeks. It's a must have for any Darin fan.

It begins with a cheeky, death-defying, non-politically correct, old time ditty, "Clementine." Its bubbly sound effects get us off to a fine start. All the songs within the album are a good Darinstyle listening experience. "Don't Dream Of Anybody But Me" is beautifully swoony. "Black Coffee" contains expert jazzy phrasing. "Caravan" is a particular favorite of mine. Darin is at his vocal best and his co-star band is very exciting. Caaaaaaaaaaaaravaaan is one the GREAT Darin endings. Bobby gets playful with "Down With Love," and we have a ball listening to this great tune. "The Gal That Got Away" finds Bobby torching, but this is a young Bobby. Compare this to the torching he does on "Cry Me A River" on the latest DVD ("Seeing is Believing") and you can measure how much he grew as a vocalist over the years. I love Darin going freestyle with "I Can't Give You Anything But Love." By the second chorus he is veering off the melody and improvising his way to a big smash ending. Get this one. You'll like it.

Tracks:

1. Clementine
2. Have You Got Any Castles, Baby
3. Don't Dream Of Anybody But Me
4. My Gal Sal
5. Black Coffee
6. Caravan
7. Guys And Dolls
8. Down With Love
9. Pete Kelly's Blues
10. All Nite Long
11. The Gal That Got Away
12. I Can't Give You Anything But Love