The Transformed Man cover

The Transformed Man

William Shatner · 1968

37 min · 11 tracks

Shatner's dramatic spoken word delivery intertwines with lush orchestration, creating a surreal exploration of literary and musical themes.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Mr. Tambourine Man — Shatner's rendition transforms Bob Dylan's classic into a theatrical narrative, emphasizing his distinctive vocal style that blurs the lines between acting and singing.
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    Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds — This track showcases Shatner's ability to reinterpret familiar melodies through dramatic monologue, making it emblematic of the album's innovative spirit.
  • →
    It Was a Very Good Year — Shatner’s emotional delivery elevates this Frank Sinatra standard into a poignant reflection on nostalgia and life’s journey, standing out as a highlight of personal expression.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • theatrical performances with flair
  • steady pacing for reflective moments
  • immersive spoken word experience
  • poignant interpretations of classics
  • thoughtful listening for drama lovers

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer high-energy dance tracks
  • seek straightforward musical structures

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1968, The Transformed Man was William Shatner's debut album, arriving shortly after he achieved fame as Captain James T. Kirk on Star Trek. This project marked a significant shift from his television persona into the realm of music and poetry, showcasing his unique interpretation of classic songs and literature.
Stylistic neighbors
Leonard Nimoy· David Bowie· Tom Waits

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 King Henry the Fifth 3:01
  • 2 Elegy for the Brave 3:19
  • 3 Theme From Cyrano 3:43
  • 4 Mr. Tambourine Man 3:07
  • 5 Hamlet 3:48
  • 6 It Was a Very Good Year 3:57
  • 7 Romeo and Juliet 3:02
  • 8 How Insensitive (Insensatez) 3:34
  • 9 Spleen 3:03
  • 10 Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds 3:01
  • 11 The Transformed Man 3:35

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata