Search - Tony Martin :: Tony Martin - Greatest Hits

The best tracks from Tony's best years

ACJ | Gladstone, MI, USA | 01/01/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Tony Martin was already an established (if slightly tarnished) star when he came to RCA in 1947; yet the records he made for RCA from 1947-56 would be the best and most enduring work of his career. This album sums up his RCA years quite nicely, from cutesy novelties ("I Said My Pajamas," "A Penny A Kiss") to the near-operatic blazers that became his trademark ("There's No Tomorrow," "Here," "Walk Hand In Hand"). Any look at Tony Martin's recording career should begin here."

Melt with Desire

Lee Armstrong | Winterville, NC United States | 11/26/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Tony Martin was a singing star from the late 30s to through the 50s. Although his style became crowded out by the rock n' roll era on the hit parade, he had 28 hits for RCA between 1947-1956, the era this collection covers. The era loved singers with a dramatic flare; and Martin hits the mark. "Domino" is a French song with an English lyric on whose melody Martin soars, "Just one look in your eyes, and I melt with desire; Just the touch of your hands, and I burst into fire." "I Get Ideas" was based on an Argentine tango and was considered tremendously risqué when released in 1951 and became Martin's million seller for RCA, "When we are dancing and you are dangerously near me, I get ideas." "Circus" sounds sweetly dated with its lovely string arrangement and Martin's deep voice charming and enticing, "Big top, sky of blue, stars were happy to put on the greatest show on earth, front row Paradise & well worth the price, what more excitement can you know on Earth?" "Kiss of Fire" was an Argentine tango that builds romantically with passion in full blaze, "Give me your lips, the lips you only let me borrow, Love me tonight & let the devil take tomorrow." Edith Piaf's "La Vie En Rose" is a beautiful melody that has been done repeatedly over the years. Martin's 1950 recording used a new English lyric and wound up in the top ten. Tony Martin was the singer my mother always said her favorite. So it is with great fondness that I listen back to this excellent greatest hits set. Enjoy!"