Dean Martin is one of the most recognisable names in Western music, with generations of artists citing inspiration from him in one way or another. Having released over 32 studio albums throughout his 30-year career, hosting the Dean Martin Show for eight years, and acting in over 65 movies throughout his career, Dean Martin was a career entertainer, cementing himself as one of the most legendary celebrity personalities ever.
From his hit tracks, “That’s Amore,” “Everybody Loves Somebody,” and “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head” to his lesser-known tracks, “My Heart Has Found A Home Now” and “April in Paris,” there’s a Dean Martin song for everyone.
Dean Martin was born in Ohio to his Italian father and his Italian-American mother in 1917. Regardless of his roots in Ohio, his parents were Italian through and through, making Martin’s first language Italian. He didn’t learn English until he was in primary school, where he was then bullied for his broken English when attempting to learn the language.
After he dropped out of school in the tenth grade, he had a bit of a rough time, bootlegging liquor before eventually, becoming a welterweight boxer. Through meeting singers in the boxing world, Dean Martin was introduced to crooning and the world of entertainment. And once he knew how to entertain, the world would never stop him.
With his extensive catalogue, it can be difficult to sift through his best tracks and find the exact song you’re looking for. With this in mind, I consulted lists from Spotify, Classic Rock History, and Music Industry How To to create this list of the best Dean Martin songs. This list will contain some of the songs mentioned, and maybe songs you’ve never heard of. As said before, there is a Dean Martin song for everyone.
Here are 34 of the best Dean Martin songs, in no particular order.
- “Volare”
- “Return to Me”
- “You Belong to Me”
- “Mambo Italiano”
- “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head”
- “Sway”
- “You’re Nobody till Somebody Loves You”
- “Memories Are Made of This”
- “Everybody Loves Somebody”
- “That’s Amore”
- “Dream a Little Dream of Me”
- “Ghost Riders in the Sky”
- “High Noon”
- “Under the Bridges of Paris”
- “All I Do Is Dream of You”
- “Let It Snow! Let It Snow!”
- “Bye, Bye Blackbird”
- “Buona Bera”
- “I Wish You Live”
- “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love”
- “Sway”
- “Standing On the Corner”
- “It Won’t Cool Off”
- “I’d Cry Like a Baby”
- “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”
- “It Looks Like Love”
- “A Roomful of Roses”
- “If I Only Had Three Wishes”
- “Swanee”
- “I’ll Always Love You”
- “Pretty Baby”
- “Come Back to Sorrento”
- “On An Evening in Roma”
- “Gentle On My Mind”
- “How D’Ya Like Your Eggs In The Morning?”
1. “Volare”
One of his most iconic songs, “Volare” switches between English and Italian fluently, based on its origin as an Italian love poem, weaving a beautiful melody that resonates with multiple generations. Nearly all of Dean Martin’s discography are romantic ballads, in a typical 50s and 60s fashion, and this track is no different. But, the simple switching of languages makes “Volare” arguably one of the best Dean Martin songs, if not the best.
2. “Return to Me”
“Return to Me” is a slow, harmonic song filled with sadness and pleas for a lover to return to Martin. It’s a gentle, rather simple song, but Martin’s voice carries the simple instrumentals, without overpowering them. In the last verse, Dean Martin sings in Italian, ‘Return to me, my heart, my love’ – and again, the bilingual nature of this song brings another layer of beauty that English can’t always convey.
3. “You Belong to Me”
While the idea of a woman belonging to a man is rather outdated, there’s an innocence behind Martin’s words. “You Belong to Me” is in typical Dean Martin fashion, with soft pianos and a set of strings to accompany Martin’s smooth crooning. The one thing I will say is unless you’re okay with some songs in a discography sounding a bit monotonous, Martin’s catalogue can get a little repetitive.
4. “Mambo Italiano”
A rather upbeat track from Dean Martin, “Mambo Italiano” is a fun, almost salsa-like swing. It’s a song you wouldn’t mind playing in the background in a sensual dance with your lover on a dance floor, and it’s incredibly fun. It showcases a versatility I always search for in artists, and brings a smile to my face.
5. “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head”
The horns and brass at the beginning of “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head” are one of the most recognisable aspects of Dean Martin’s songs. And it’s recognisable due to how popular this song got, and still is. You can find this song in many different areas of popular culture.
6. “Sway”
A traditionally styled song designed for the marimba, “Sway” is a song that recounts the beautiful dance style while celebrating it with a sound that you can do the dance style too. A little more different on this list, “Sway,” encaptures a band of acoustic guitars and strings that take centre stage.
7. “You’re Nobody till Somebody Loves You”
Unfortunately, it’s not exactly known whether or not Dean Martin played any part in the writing and composition of his songs, his sweet vocals carry the message and story behind the song, regardless. Another recognisable track from Martin, “You’re Nobody till Somebody Loves You” is a hit because of its ability to communicate the importance of love in one’s life.
8. “Memories Are Made of This”
At the time, ‘new’ songs weren’t exactly commonplace, and oftentimes, artists would cover other songs. In this instance, “Memories Are Made of This” is actually a new song, defying what was typically expected of musicians in the sixties, of this specific genre.
9. “Everybody Loves Somebody”
Arguably the second most popular song on the list, “Everybody Loves Somebody” is also incredibly recognisable due to its saturation in modern popular culture. “Everybody Loves Somebody” can oftentimes be associated with Christmastime, but this song is perfect for any time of year, as long as you’re thinking of that special somebody.
10. “That’s Amore”
This song is famous for being in Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis’ movie, The Caddy and is often used in a satirical manner when it comes to pop culture and Italian stereotypes. It’s the kind of song that gets played when enough wine has been drank.
11. “Dream a Little Dream of Me”
This song is an example of a star in the 60s doing a cover – ”Dream a Little Dream of Me,” with it’s most recognisable format done by Mama Cass of the Mamas and Papas. With soft horns and strings throughout the background, Dean Martin sings along gently, allowing his voice to carry the weight of the song.
12. “Ghost Riders in the Sky”
We’ve heard versions of this song over time – and much more famous versions at that. However, this execution of “Ghost Riders in the Sky,” Dean Martin is holding notes that haven’t been previously displayed on tracks list above. And, it shows his diversity beyond just being a ‘swing’ singer.
13. “High Noon”
A tell-tale sign of Dean Martin and his work is the way his sound sits between upbeat and slow – there are aspects of the song that bring happiness and speed, where there are other aspects that slow it down and add a bit more melancholy to its sound. And this song is a perfect representation of that signature Dean Martin sound.
14. “Under the Bridges of Paris”
I enjoy this song particularly because of the juxtaposition of an Italian man taking inspiration from the French and their culture. It’s almost a bit tongue-in-cheek – Dean Martin, someone who uses Italian influence so clearly in his work, stepping into the world of the French and their instruments.
15. “All I Do Is Dream of You”
Now, this is a case of the usual cover singer singing his own work, and having that song be covered by someone else – in this case, Michael Bublé covered this track. “All I Do Is Dream of You” is an upbeat, swing track that is both danceable at a somewhat upbeat, and slower, pace about well, loving someone so much it is all-consuming.
16. “Let It Snow! Let It Snow!”
Beyond just being one of the most recognisable Dean Martin songs, it is one of the most recognisable songs, ever – period. “Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” is a Christmas song that you play as soon as it snows. It’s a slower, more sauve version of the track compared to other performances by other singers (ahem, Frank Sinatra). And if this song doesn’t get you into the Christmas spirit – I truly do not know what will.
17. “Bye, Bye Blackbird”
Featured on the Dean Martin Show, “Bye, Bye Blackbird” is an upbeat, swing song in typical Dean Martin fashion. Accompanied by roaring horns and gentle strings, Martin says goodbye to a previous partner throughout the song. And well – it’s one of the most upbeat tracks in his discography.
18. “Buona Sera”
In a song about an engagement, Dean Martin uses the Italian language to craft a beautiful and rather sensual track. Martin’s signature horns are featured, and so is his typical croon. A lot of Dean Martin’s brilliance is in his simplistic, yet beautiful work. This song is rather short, due to concerns about radio air time and the ability to actually get air time – artists that had shorter songs were more likely to get played.
19. “I Wish You Love”
Another song that balances between upbeat and slow-tempo, “I Wish You Love” incorporates strings, horns, and various percussion instruments to weave together a tale about Dean Martin’s wishes to be with someone, even though he can’t be. A traditional guitar solo in the bridge keeps this short song sweet.
20. “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love”
One of his more swingy, jazzy tracks, this Great American Songbook song, “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love” has taken on many shapes in sizes in its time. This particular format presents a more eccentric and out-there sound for Martin which benefits his rather homogeneous discography.
21. “Standing On the Corner”
As mentioned before, not only did Dean Martin worry about the one track being suitable for radio, but it was a consistent concern throughout his career. This song only clocks in at a measly 2:48, shorter than most modern songs. Regardless of the concern, the beautiful harmonies in this song make you wish it were double the length it is.
22. “It Won’t Cool Off”
Dean Martin’s voice is extra clear and crisp on this song, a rarity when it comes to tracks from before the 80s. “It Won’t Cool Off” is a track about a beautiful love that burns bright, no matter what is going on around them. I love this song because it directly uses fire as a symbol and image of love.
23. “I’d Cry Like a Baby”
This song is simple – similar to Martin’s other tracks. No backing vocals, simply the sound of strings and horns carrying Dean Martin’s smooth voice throughout, as Martin croons about the idea of losing the one he loves most. The small, delicate pieces of guitar throughout are a nice touch.
24. “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”
Unfortunately, this Christmas track did not age as well as Dean Martin’s other classic (“Let It Snow! Let It Snow!”), even though sonically, it is just as beautiful. This track has a back and forth which we don’t often see in Dean Martin songs, the woman’s gentle, ethereal vocals a stark contrast to Martin’s deep and soothing tone.
25. “It Looks Like Love”
A classic, romantic ballad, “It Looks Like Love” is a signature Dean Martin song. Sometimes, with his music, there are no bells and whistles. There is nothing super innovative or original, but the reason his music is so popular is the actual excellence and finesse that it’s done with.
26. “A Roomful of Roses”
While the audio quality isn’t the best – I don’t believe this song has been remastered – I think it adds to the beauty of the song. We often listen to older music that has a slightly muffled microphone, because it adds to the historical and ‘back in time’ effect we can feel when listening to old music. While the cleaner versions of Dean Martin’s vocals are welcome, I do enjoy shutting my eyes and picturing myself listening to this song on an old radio.
27. “If I Only Had Three Wishes”
One of his earliest songs, “If I Only Had Three Wishes” shows listeners exactly what to expect of Dean Martin and his work. A sweet song about a woman he loves, wishing for cosy, romantic scenarios to share with her, before asking, “Please love me the way I love you.” And ultimately, that is what we all desire as people seeking love.
28. “Swanee”
Another somewhat eccentric track for Dean Martin, time-signatures and repetition are completely up in the air – there seems to be no true ‘popular song’ structure, which I think works to its benefit. Again, when you get used to a homogenous discography like Dean Martin’s, having small songs that sound slightly different or obscure compared to others is a breath of fresh air.
29. “I’ll Always Love You”
The mesh of instrumentals in the beginning of the song is a bit shocking for a Dean Martin song, before it mellows out, and welcomes his voice. Martin’s love songs are pure and innocent, always professing love and admiration for a woman, never objectifying her or her beauty. I’ve always admired that about his discography.
30. “Pretty Baby”
While one of his more suggestive songs and language, “Pretty Baby” does somewhat infantilise a woman in this song, which is quite out of character for Martin. However, the saxophone and piano alone are worth disregarding that aspect for. The tempo is at that signature – melancholic – Dean Martin beat that keeps you tapping your foot while gently swaying your head.
31. “Come Back to Sorrento”
I always loved the strings at the beginning of this song and the way they open up with Martin’s vocals, crooning beautifully in Italian. And this was one of Dean Martin’s selling points – the beautiful bilingual crooner who incorporated his heritage into his work while still remaining an entertainer through and through. This song highlights this aspect of Martin’s heritage beautifully, while also emphasising his talent.
32. “On An Evening in Roma”
Someone remarked in the comments on YouTube that Dean Martin sounds happier when singing in Italian – and I can’t help but agree. There’s a lightness and airiness to his vocals when crooning in his native tongue that is noticeably different from when he speaks in English. The instrumentals in this song are some of Martin’s band’s best – different elements spinning around, sounding as if you’re walking through the streets of Italy yourself.
33. “Gentle On My Mind”
Another short song, “Gentle On My Mind,” is one of the truly happy Dean Martin songs on this list. When talking earlier about this unusual tempo that some of his songs sit at, straddling a line of happy and sad – this song is an outlier. With an upbeat and sunny instrumental, “Gentle On My Mind” begs to be played on a sunny day.
34. “How D’Ya Like Your Eggs In The Morning?”
The last track on this list features a woman vocalist – creating a back-and-forth dialogue between the two that is genuine and lighthearted. Another undeniably happy and upbeat song, “How D’Ya Like Your Eggs In The Morning?” is a fun song about those sweet, early mornings with your significant other.
FAQ
What was Dean Martin’s biggest hit record?
Dino – The Essential Dean Martin was released in 2004 and has released over one million copies worldwide, making it Dean Martin’s most successful record. His top 5 best-selling records are all compilations of his best tracks. But, those numbers might seem low for someone of Dean Martin’s calibre, but people must remember the differences in periods and the accessibility of music in the 1960s. People would most often source music through the radio rather than at home, personal listening devices (record players, Gramophones).
Did Dean Martin write any songs?
Surprisingly not. The comedian and singer didn’t write any of his jokes or his songs, contrary to popular belief, however, he is applauded for his ability to perform and entertain with his songs.
What is Dean Martin famous for?
Dean Martin was the jack-of-all-trades, hence his nickname, ‘The King of Cool.’ He was a comedian, actor, singer, and television host. He started originally in comedy and television, before moving on to acting in films, and eventually, venturing into singing. However, his name is probably most recognised due to his television show, The Dean Martin Show.
What song did Dean Martin make famous?
Dean Martin had several hit songs, but two of the most recognisable songs, “Everybody Loves Somebody” and “Memories Are Made Of This” are credited as his most successful. One might recognise “Everybody Loves Somebody” a bit easier due to its resurgence on social media in recent years.