What is the best Marlene Dietrich album to start with?

The best album to start with is "Marlene Dietrich Sings" (1947). It's the most representative of what makes Marlene Dietrich worth hearing.

How many albums does Marlene Dietrich have?

Marlene Dietrich has 35 releases in their discography, including 31 albums and 2 EPs.

Photo: für die Datei Arths-at · Public domain

Marlene Dietrich

Dietrich’s music features a smoky resonance punctuated by deliberate phrasing, creating an atmosphere of tension and allure that draws listeners in.

German Reich

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The album

Marlene Dietrich Sings album by Marlene Dietrich

Marlene Dietrich Sings (1947)

This album showcases Dietrich's signature smoky sound and deliberate phrasing, making it a solid introduction to her musical style.

The song

“Lili Marlene”

This song features an immediate hook and is emblematic of Dietrich's allure, serving as an effective standalone introduction to her artistry.

See the full guide

Songs to start with

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

1

"Solang noch untern Linden" — from Marlene singt Berlin, Berlin (1965)

establishes the sonic palette early
2

"Look Me Over Closely" — from Dietrich in Rio – Recorded in Rio de Janeiro (1960)

establishes the sonic palette early
3

"Ich bin von Kopf bis Fuss auf Liebe eingestellt" — from Wiedersehen mit Marlene – Marlene Dietrich in Deutschland (1960)

accessible entry with immediate hook
4

"Lili Marlene" — from The Cosmopolitan Marlene Dietrich (1993)

establishes the sonic palette early
5

"Ich bin von Kopf bis Fuß auf Liebe eingestellt (Falling in Love Again)" — from The Essential Marlene Dietrich (1991)

accessible entry with immediate hook
6

"Ich bin von Kopf bis Fuß auf Liebe eingestellt" — from Mythos Marlene Dietrich (1976)

establishes the sonic palette early

About Marlene Dietrich

Marlene Dietrich reshaped the landscape of performance art, merging music and cinema into a singular, unforgettable experience.

Her presence offered a new lens through which to view femininity, seduction, and the complexities of identity during a time of immense cultural upheaval.

Her presence offered a new lens through which to view femininity, seduction, and the complexities of identity during a time of immense cultural upheaval. Dietrich’s influence extended beyond her vocal prowess; she became an icon of style and defiance, challenging societal norms around gender and sexuality while captivating audiences worldwide. Dietrich approached her artistry with a keen understanding of theatricality, blending storytelling with her music in ways that evoked deep emotional resonance. She often utilized her distinctive contralto voice to convey both vulnerability and strength, creating an intimate connection with listeners. Through her performances, she explored the interplay between glamour and grit, infusing her songs with an air of mystery that left audiences entranced. Her songwriting frequently delves into themes of love, loss, and longing, yet it is delivered with a sophisticated blend of irony and sincerity. Dietrich's lyrical narratives often present complex characters navigating their desires, using her unique voice to layer depth into each tale. This combination of evocative storytelling and rich vocal texture allows her work to feel timeless and relatable.

31 studio albums· 35 total releases· 7 decades· German Reich