Search - Dionne Warwick :: Sings Cole Porter

Pleasant but what a disappointment!

John M. Abramson | Panama City, FL, USA | 12/27/2004

(2 out of 5 stars)

"When this was originally released I couldn't get my copy soon enough, not especially because of Dionne but because of the style of music. I have enjoyed Warwick's music in the past and think that it would've been lovely to have had her release a definitive anthology of Bacharach/David songs, at which she excelled. Here, she isn't ill-served by Porter's writing, for the most part, but the arrangements aren't so much awful as they are completely and unforgivingly generic; there isn't a single track that stands out in my memory for they all sound exactly alike: same tempo, same style, and even Dionne herself falls into the trap of sameness, giving each lyric the identical performance, though to her credit she does seem to be enjoying herself quite a bit. Every once in a while I'll play this album, just to see if my feelings have changed, and in the nearly-15 years since this was released, they haven't. Not at all. That said, for her big fans or those interested in this style of music but who aren't entirely discriminating, go for it - you'll probably enjoy it. For the serious fan of standards, however, I'd say buy it on the cheap. Definitely in that "nice, but no cigar" category."

NOT AS BAD AS THAT OTHER CRITIC SAID!

09/19/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Wow, that was a harsh commentary by that critic above! This album, while certainly not a major triumph, is by no means bad or boring! Ms Warwick does a respectable job throughout, although she can't contend with the likes of the late Sarah Vaughan or Ella Fitzgerald when it comes to singing Porter. Warwick cites this as one of her favorite albums, and I really don't quite understand why. With all of the phenomonal work she's done in her career, this ranks somewhere in the lower half! Her new album, "Dionne Sings Dionne", is what she's all about - good singing and good material that's custom-made for her!But this album does have some great moments. "What Is This Thing Called Love/So In Love" is beautifully executed, with just the right mix of mystery, emotion, and devotion that we'd expect. Also, "I Concentrate On You" is well done. This album could have done without the awkward "Begin the Beguine" or the boring "All of You." Everything else is respectable. A must-have for the serious Warwick collector, but for everyone else, I see no reason to buy it."

What were you listening too, Dionne shines!

ray jones | Durham, NC | 11/23/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I not sure what the other reviewers are doing, but I really love this effort. I in no means think that Dionne adds anything new to the songs of Cole Porter. But Dionne Warwick is in my mind the greatest pop singer of the last 4 decades. Dionne's artistry is at it's highest here; she sings with effortfully strong vocals sets. Her voice is as beautiful ever, perfect phasing, skillful effortful. I have purchased several copies of this cd( car, work, home gifts). If one is looking for a new versions of old classics then no don't buy this effort. But if you want to see a classic vocalist, singing classic songs by classic writer then do not hesitate...I don't think you will be disappointed!!!"