Song #115 - "Everybody Loves Somebody" - Dean Martin

Recorded - April 16, 1964

Released - May, 1964

#1 for week of August 15, 1964. 

     Well, this is quite an unusual occurrence  It's one thing to have an artist who is known for their early 1960's hits chart in 1964, but here we have somebody best known for his work in the 1940's and 1950's. Dean Martin of course needs no introduction, being a member of the "Rat Pack" along with Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. Somehow in mid 1964, he managed not only to have a #1 hit, but have it become his new signature song. What is it about this song that made it so appealing to the pop market, and did it deserve its hit status?

     Dean Martin was certainly not a fan of rock and roll, even telling his son Dino who was a Beatles fan that his dad was going to knock his idols off the charts. By sheer coincidence, this is exactly what happened as "A Hard Day's Night" was replaced by "Everybody Loves Somebody" on the charts. As a further coincidence, it turns out both songs were recorded on the exact same day. Yet the two songs couldn't be farther apart in style and theme.

     "Everybody Loves Somebody" is very much done in the crooning style of the 1940s/50's, complete with full orchestra and choral backing vocalists. Yet, it doesn't come across to me as terribly outdated. This is perhaps due to the fact that this style of antiquated music has been used in countless films and media throughout the years. Thus, its association with this time period makes the song pure nostalgia.

     Perhaps the reason this song became such a big hit was because the anti-Beatles market went out of their way to support the man who was the antithesis of The Beatles' sound. With that logic in place, I shouldn't be a fan of this song right? Well no. Sure, it may not be something I'd listen to on a daily basis, but it's got plenty of charm and nostalgic bliss that I find it a nice eclectic and unique entry to a year dominated by great music. 

Final Verdict - A timeless take on an old standard tune. Very much a different musical style than I'd normally listen to, but one that when done right, is a delight to hear. 

        Coming Up Next - "Where Did Our Love Go" by The Supremes. 

Until Next Time - I'm Dr. Rock, and to quote fellow Rat Pack member Frank Sinatra - "I think my greatest ambition in life is to pass on to others what I know".