45. Dusty Springfield | A Girl Called Dusty (1964)

Wikipedia Entry

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Tracks

1. Mama Said
2. You Don't Own Me
3. Do Re Mi (Forget About the Do and Think About Me)
4. When the Lovelight Starts Shining Through His Eyes
5. My Colouring Book
6. Mockingbird
7. Twenty Four Hours From Tulsa
8. Nothing
9. Anyone Who Had a Heart
10. Will You Love Me Tomorrow
11. Wishin' and Hopin'
12. Don't You Know

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A Girl Called Dusty is a surprising album. The songs are mostly catchy, but the highlight is definitely Dusty Springfield's singing. She has one of the more distinctive and powerful voices. She could hold her own against Sam Cooke or Ray Charles.

Most of the songs are about love. That seems to be the running theme through most albums. Singing about love isn't the problem, it's just that the lyrics are often so sappy. But there's some more serious songs like You Don't Own Me. Do Re Mi is a catchy yet tiresome. Mockingbird would seem to fall into the same camp, but Dusty's vocals are outstanding. Don't You Know is a a real show-stopper.

This is a really good album. Dusty's voice is stunning. I was not expecting this album to be as good as it is. It certainly took listening to it several times to appreciate it. The album's only weakness is being uneven. Mama Said, You Don't Own Me, When the Lovelight Starts Shining Through His Eyes, My Colouring Book, Mockingbird, Twenty Four Hours from Tulsa, Anyone Who Had a Heart, Will You Love Me Tomorrow, Wishin' and Hopin' and Don't You Know are the stand out tracks. 
★★★★★★★★★☆