This Time I’m Swingin’ – Dean Martin

No album cover as I've been listening on Spotify!

Some days are helped by a little swing. Either you’re already in that ‘relaxed but ready to socialise’ mood, or you’re feeling a bit less than sparkly and need some music to bring the mood on. (I can’t be the only person who uses music to perk themselves up.) I’m always fond of Dean Martin; whereas some other singers of his era can give then impression of being hungry and even calculating, he comes across as having just walked in and found himself a success – a success he’s happy to share. In short, there’s something about him and his music that’s brimming with bonhomie.


That said, sometimes Martin can feel too sentimental, almost mushy. The bonhomie becomes overindulgence. Happily, that’s not the case with this album from 1960. It swaggers along genially. Many of the songs are standards, some best-known for being performed by other singers. Martin doesn’t change them massively from the classics – his version of ‘On The Street Where You Live’ won’t raise any eyebrows, for example – yet they’re all delivered in his signature smooth, good-natured style. Even songs like ‘Please Don’t Talk About Me When I’m Gone’ sound cheerful, a friendly goodbye rather than a sorrowful parting.

The orchestra on this album is conducted by Nelson Riddle, who also did arrangements for Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee and Ella Fitzgerald and whose film work included the original Oceans 11, Robin and the 7 Hoods and What A Way To Go. Needless to say, there’s plenty of upbeat brass and sparkling piano bouncing along behind Martin, supporting him without ever forcing its way into the lead.

This one’s definitely going to go into my regular work rotation. As uplifting as a cup of coffee first thing in the morning, it’s also as relaxed and prepared to crack out the martinis when the clock hits 5. It’s pretty much perfect for any time apart from the gym – which, to be fair, is what I’d assume of Dean Martin himself!