Album artwork courtesy of the label
On the turntable
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That's All
Bobby Darin · 1959
Bobby Darin, a chameleon of American popular music, delivered a sophisticated and understated masterpiece with his 1959 album, "That's All". Departing from the rock-and-roll vigour of his earlier work, Darin embraced a more mature, jazz-inflected sound, presenting a collection that is both intimate and urbane.
Why it matters
Darin, under the musical direction of Richard Wess, demonstrates a remarkable interpretive depth on "That's All". His voice, possessing a unique blend of swagger and vulnerability, navigates a repertoire drawn from the Great American Songbook with an unhurried confidence. This album, released on Atco Records, showcases Darin's ability to inhabit a lyric, transforming familiar standards into deeply personal statements.
It stands as a pivotal recording in Darin's career, marking his transition from teen idol to serious vocalist. The arrangements are sparse yet effective, allowing Darin's expressive phrasing to take centre stage. It is a masterclass in elegant simplicity, proving that true sophistication often lies in restraint, and establishing Darin as a formidable presence in the adult contemporary landscape of the late 1950s.
The Continental setting
A dimly lit club in Mayfair, 1959. The last cocktail of the evening, a Gibson, is slowly savoured as the city outside begins its nocturnal hum. The clink of ice and hushed conversations form the backdrop.
Start here
- 01Some of These Days
- 02The Party's Over
- 03Bet Beyond Your Wildest Dreams
Essential listening for anyone seeking the epitome of cool, late-night vocal jazz from a true American original.
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