What is the best Dean Martin album to start with?

The best album to start with is "This Is Dean Martin!" (1958). It's the most representative of what makes Dean Martin worth hearing.

What are the best Dean Martin albums?

The essential Dean Martin albums include "Dean Martin Sings" (1953), "That's Amore" (1953), "Swingin' Down Yonder" (1955), "Pretty Baby" (1957) and "This Is Dean Martin!" (1958).

How many albums does Dean Martin have?

Dean Martin has 88 releases in their discography, including 67 albums and 4 EPs.

Photo: Studio · Public domain

Dean Martin

Q: Who is Dean Martin for?

If you're into country and jazz, Dean Martin is worth your time. With a relaxed groove and smooth phrasing, Martin’s music envelops listeners in a warm embrace that balances introspective moments with breezy allure.

With a relaxed groove and smooth phrasing, Martin’s music envelops listeners in a warm embrace that balances introspective moments with breezy allure.

easy listening · jazz · traditional pop

United States

Read about Dean Martin on Bookshop

Start here

The album

This Is Dean Martin! album by Dean Martin

This Is Dean Martin! (1958)

Captures his signature style with a mix of easy listening and pop, providing a cohesive introduction to his sound and charm.

The song

“Everybody Loves Somebody” from The Best of Dean Martin

Immediate hook with a catchy melody that showcases Martin's relaxed vocal style and broad appeal, making it an ideal introduction.

See the full guide

Songs to start with

If you'd rather pick a song than an album.

1

"Ain’t That a Kick in the Head" — from Forever Cool (2007)

accessible entry with immediate hook
2

"Just Say I Love Her" — from Dino: Italian Love Songs (1962)

accessible entry with immediate hook
3

"That’s Amore" — from Dino: The Essential Dean Martin (2004)

accessible entry with immediate hook
4

"If I Had You" — from The Dean Martin TV Show (1966)

accessible entry with immediate hook
5

"White Christmas" — from The Dean Martin Christmas Album (1966)

establishes the sonic palette early
6

"You’re the Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me" — from You're the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me (1973)

establishes the sonic palette early

About Dean Martin

Dean Martin matters because he redefined the art of the crooner, bringing a laid-back charm and affable persona that resonated deeply with audiences.

His ability to blend warmth with a hint of melancholy created a soothing yet captivating atmosphere, making his music an essential part of mid-20th-century American culture.

His ability to blend warmth with a hint of melancholy created a soothing yet captivating atmosphere, making his music an essential part of mid-20th-century American culture. Martin's unique presence not only transformed the standards of vocal performance but also influenced countless entertainers who sought to emulate his relaxed style, bridging the gap between the intimate and the showman. Martin's approach to music was rooted in an effortless delivery that seemed almost conversational. He often favored a sparse instrumental backdrop that allowed his velvety voice to shine without overwhelming embellishments. This simplicity became a hallmark of his sound, emphasizing the emotional weight behind each lyric while simultaneously inviting listeners into his world—one where sincerity and nonchalance coexisted comfortably. In his songwriting, Martin frequently explored themes of love and heartache, often embracing nostalgia with a sense of bittersweet realism. His storytelling tends toward intimacy, using a smooth tone that balances irony with genuine emotion, allowing listeners to connect with both the joy and sorrow contained within his words. This duality invites reflection while maintaining an engaging lightness.

67 studio albums· 88 total releases· 7 decades· United States