Artist: Dionne Warwick Album: The Sensitive Sound of Dionne Warwick

Year: 1965
Duration: 0:0-1

The Sensitive Sound of Dionne Warwick - A Critical Review

Dionne Warwick is one of the most iconic singers of the 20th century. A powerhouse vocalist with a four-octave range, Warwick has sold over 85 million records worldwide and has won five Grammy Awards. One of her most significant albums is The Sensitive Sound of Dionne Warwick, which was released in 1965.

This album is significant because it marked a change in Warwick's sound. She moved away from the R&B and soul sound that she had become known for and embraced a softer, more sensitive approach to her music. In this blog post, we will take a critical review of The Sensitive Sound of Dionne Warwick, exploring the history of the artist, the music genre of the album, the best songs of the album, the most innovative parts, and a critic to the album.

Dionne Warwick began her career in the early 60s, recording for Scepter Records. Her early hits include Don't Make Me Over and Walk on By, which helped establish her as a leading voice in the R&B and soul genres. However, by the mid-60s, Warwick was ready to expand her sound and explore new musical territories. Enter The Sensitive Sound of Dionne Warwick.

This album is a departure from Warwick's earlier work. It features a softer, more contemplative sound that reflects Warwick's growth as an artist. The album was produced by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, who had already worked with Warwick on some of her biggest hits. They brought in a full orchestra to complement Warwick's powerful vocals, creating a lush, sweeping sound that perfectly suited the album's more contemplative tone.

The standout songs on The Sensitive Sound of Dionne Warwick are A House Is Not a Home, Alfie, and What the World Needs Now Is Love. A House Is Not a Home is a beautiful ballad that showcases Warwick's ability to convey complex emotions with her voice. Alfie is a haunting song that explores the angst of unrequited love, while What the World Needs Now Is Love is an uplifting anthem that emphasizes the importance of love and compassion in a troubled world.

The most innovative part of the album is the way that Warwick and her producers were able to create a cohesive sound across the entire record. The orchestral arrangements are rich and nuanced, and Warwick's vocals soar above them, creating a powerful, emotional connection with the listener.

That being said, The Sensitive Sound of Dionne Warwick is not a perfect album. There are moments where the arrangements feel a bit too busy, overwhelming Warwick's vocals and distracting from the emotional power of the songs. Additionally, some of the more experimental tracks, such as Trains and Boats and Planes, don't hold up quite as well as the more straightforward ballads and anthems.

Overall, The Sensitive Sound of Dionne Warwick is a beautiful and important album that showcases Warwick's ability to evolve as an artist. This album allowed her to explore new sounds and styles while remaining true to her strengths as a vocalist. While it may not be perfect, it remains a must-listen for fans of Warwick's music and anyone looking to explore the intersection of pop and soul in the 1960s.

So, whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to the world of Dionne Warwick, give this album a listen. You won't regret it.