Even disregarding the rock music he began with and the folk he did later in his career, Bobby Darin sang a broad range of music. This album features show tunes, standards,  at least one of his own songs (“Gyp the Cat” — a “Mack the Knife” knockoff) and current pop. We bet you never knew he sang such great songs. His style and cool swag makes these a real treat.

The 1960s were when the old songwriting lions were beginning to pass from the scene, and when too many pop ballads — their wtiters striving too hard for relevance or romance — delivered overripe songs not up to the standards of the previous decades. (All that “I Gotta Be Me” stuff). Or songs full of strings no longer leavened by Cole Porter-style wit.

By contrast, in “Bobby Darin: Ultimate Collection,” the singer performs with few or no strings, songs like “A Taste Of Honey” and “More.” These would be saccharine in most singers’ hands, but he does them with  enough punch to make them not only worth listening to, but genuinely good. This is the ultimate evidence of what a fine interpreter of songs Bobby was. He truly put his own mark on them. On “Hello Dolly” — not generally one of our favorite tunes — check out his final high note!

Darin liked to find new ways to do songs; his swinging version of “This Nearly Was Mine” from “South Pacific” will prompt you to say to yourself: Damn, he’s good!

“As Long As I’m Singing” has a Big Band arrangement to accompany Bobby's vocal; he never misses a beat and never sounded better. His excellent diction bolsters his performance. “There’s A Rainbow ’Round My Shoulder” places the singer squarely in the spotlight. He croons this like so few ever could, and the brass arrangement is elegant.

“I Left My Heart In San Francisco” is so closely associated with Tony Bennett, for whom it is a signature song, it's hard to imagine anyone else singing it. But Bobby Darin delivers this with passion and the musical orchestation lacks nothing. “The Good Life” sounds fresher thant we’ve ever heard it when Mr. Darin sings the tune. On “I’m Sittring On Top Of the World,” Bobby swings lightly and this masculine, happy hit gets the royal treatment.

“I Got Rhythm” fits into this track set like a glove. For hard core jazz fans, “Charade” is taken uptempo and can't be beat. Neither can “Once In A Lifetime.” It’s taken at a fast pace and doesn’t let up for a second. The rhythm section (especially the drummer) is incredible (but why are the musicians not listed in the credits?) The trumpets are also outstanding on this selection.

With 20 tracks, this really is the swingin’est Bobby Darin album on the market today. It’s a terrific compilation from the Capitol years (1962-65) and keeps the momentum from beginning to end. This finger-snapper had more charisma in his two syncopated fingers than today’s Top Ten artists have in their collective, overly-exposed bodies. He was cool. he was hip. He was the natural successor to Frank and Dean and the hipster Italian-American pop singing tradition. Indeed, Bobby probably had more natural talent than any of his predecessors.

To sample some of the tracks, click the speaker icon below to hear them. Then scroll down the page to order today!