Volare cover

Volare

Deana Martin · 2009

52 min · 15 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of classic jazz standards infused with Deana Martin's warm, nostalgic vocals and lush orchestral arrangements.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Volare — The title track serves as a cornerstone of the album, highlighting Martin's enchanting vocal delivery and showcasing the lush orchestration that characterizes this collection.
  • →
    Mack the Knife — Martin's rendition breathes new life into this classic, blending playful vocal inflections with an upbeat tempo that captures the song's mischievous spirit.
  • →
    Love Me Tender — This track stands out for its emotional depth, with Martin’s smooth vocals transforming Elvis Presley's iconic ballad into a tender, intimate experience.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

Deana Martin's interpretations of jazz standards are well-executed but do not significantly reshape the genre.

What we noticed

  • The album features lush orchestral arrangements that complement Deana Martin's warm vocals, creating a rich soundscape throughout.
  • The sequencing maintains a consistent mid-tempo feel, with several tracks featuring smooth transitions that enhance the overall flow.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady melodic journey throughout
  • warm vocals for cozy evenings
  • nostalgic tunes for quiet moments
  • intimate atmosphere for gatherings
  • captivating storytelling through song

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking fast-paced excitement
  • prefer standalone upbeat tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2009, Volare marked Deana Martin's fourth studio album, positioning her as a prominent figure in the contemporary jazz scene. This album followed her 2006 release, which reintroduced her to audiences, allowing her to explore the classic American songbook more deeply.
Stylistic neighbors
Ella Fitzgerald· Billie Holiday· Carmen McRae

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Please Don’t Talk About Me When I’m Gone

    The singer directly addresses a loved one about their absence, expressing a desire for fond memories rather than gossip.

    This choice to engage directly with the listener creates an intimate connection that enhances the song's nostalgic feel.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Please Don’t Talk About Me When I’m Gone 3:33
  • 2 L.O.V.E. 3:04
  • 3 Mack the Knife 3:18
  • 4 Volare 4:09
  • 5 Return to Me (Rittorna a Me) 3:37
  • 6 A Kiss to Build a Dream On 3:36
  • 7 What a Difference a Day Makes 3:34
  • 8 I’ve Got You Under My Skin 3:07
  • 9 Arrivederci Roma 3:30
  • 10 Just the Way You Are 4:12
  • 11 Love Me Tender 2:53
  • 12 I Will 3:09
  • 13 Non Dimenticar 2:59
  • 14 That Old Black Magic 3:03
  • 15 Smile 4:22

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata