Worth the wait! More wonderful than I could have imagined!

I ordered this CD with little knowledge of the contents. I knew of it's existence, but had never actually seen one available. I had waited for a long time to get this recording and naivite wasn't going to stop me. Having heard on various compilations only two of the ten tracks, I was hoping for swinging arrangements like the two I knew and lots of Bobby Darin "hups" and ad libs. I didn't get those, but got much more.

"Dr. Dolittle" is the score, with words and music by Leslie Bricusse, to the 1960's version of the film (starring Rex Harrison of "My Fair Lady" fame) as sung by Bobby Darin. The ten songs took Bricusse 18 months to write and consequentially, each one is a gem unto itself. There are 4 up-tempos, 1 bluesy ballad and 5 traditional ballads. Bobby sings them all with his characteristic charm and flair. As is true of the Bricusse/Newley penned "Once in a Lifetime," this music fits perfectly into Darin's style and extremely capable vocal abilities. The somewhat dated, though charming and appropriate arrangements are by Roger Kellaway. Most are reminiscent of Simon and Garfunkel's "Scarborough Fair," with harpsichord twanging in the background, but some are completely original, odd at times, and always unpredictable. Songs of note are the reflective "At the Crossroads," the tender "When I Look In Your Eyes," the naively fun "My Friend the Doctor," and the extremely fine performance of "After Today." Also included are the two songs which I had heard previously and which were my impetus for purchasing this recording in the first place "Beautiful Things" and, of course, "Talk to the Animals."

This recording is a must have for any Bobby Darin fan. It shows a side of his abilities rarely heard nowadays. He was a great balladeer in league with the likes of Sinatra and out-shined everyone with his interpretations of up-tempos. Order this CD now and pass the news along to your friends. This rare recording of what should have been Bobby Darin classics, but lacked marketing backing from Atlantic, is available again and sounds better than ever.

4 out of 5 stars because the recording only lasts 39 minutes and should have been coupled with another out of press recording as the label has done in the past with 4 other records.