A Girl Called Dusty

Alright, so here's an album that was released in the mid-60s but sounds like it's from the 50s for the most part. A lot of the records on this list are ahead of their times but that's not the case here. Dusty gets points for some really great recordings of really great songs but they're mostly rips of other people's work. That was common for the time (especially among white performers covering songs by black artists) but it still makes me wonder why this was included in the list. It was enjoyable but nothing groundbreaking. Hence the 3 star rating.

Well-sang album. Unsure why an album composed solely of covers can be included in a list like this. I get it was commonplace in the 50s and 60s, but it's not exactly a spectacular composition.

Incredibly generic early 60s cover album. I have no strong feelings one way or the other.

A Brit stealing American Soul who stole from black people. The Led Zeppelin of Soul. And despite this, this thing is fucking incredible. Explains why the British museum is so good - the secret ingredient is crime.

Not bad, Dusty is a great singer, but I feel like I've heard most of these songs done better by other people.

Wowee! Range is the word for this album. Songs cover a wide range of styles: there are a few covers of tunes made popular by American "girl groups" like The Shirelles and The Supremes, three Bacharach/David numbers, one written by Ray Charles, and one by Kander & Ebb. But Springfield also demonstrates remarkable vocal range, from a deep growl to a chill-inducing soulful belt to a lovely light head voice. (My husband kept asking, "Is this the same person?") The lyrics display sexual and romantic power that must have been unusual in 1964. Even Wishin' and Hopin', which advises us to give one's true self up to get a man ("Do the things he likes to do. Wear your hair just for him."), also encourages us to make the first move since it won't happen if we just sit passively wishing and hoping, etc. And it's fascinating to note the shift in tone when some of these songs, clearly written for men, are sung from a woman's perspective --- Twenty-Four Hours from Tulsa hits me very differently sung by Dusty Springfield than sung by Gene Pitney. I absolutely love this album. Can't get enough!

I'm a sucker for the chanteuse who can make covering any song sound so easy. This album is but a foretaste of the feast to come regarding Dusty. But overall this one still grabs me, even if no one can really agree on song sequencing or even which songs appear on which version (American or British). The first time I ever heard of Dusty Springfield was when the Pet Shop Boys song, "What Have I Done To Deserve This" came on the car radio, and one of my high school friends said, "Ooh! Dusty!" and turned up the radio. I'm still not completely convinced he had any idea who Dusty Springfield was. Or the Pet Shop Boys for that matter.

Woah. This was not at all what I was expecting. Ended up loving it.

A perfect Sunday listening album!

Pure singers on this list are susceptible to my stubborn prejudice that paints them as karaoke rather than interpreters - the singer-songwriter indoctrination in me is deep. Dusty Springfield's meticulous, intelligent and virtuoso delivery is a remedy: she's besotted with every word. I'm not sure I need the tunes: she could vocalise in a Beckettian void and still mesmerise. This is a good contrast to the Laura Nyro album I cowered under last week, relentlessly belted out. At the two minute mark of "Twenty-Four Hours From Tulsa", Springfield does something to the word "and" that briefly cracks the world open. A close listen reveals moments like this on many, maybe most of these songs. I'd read that she sometimes practiced singing a single word over and over again, and I can hear it despite my blithe ignorance of the vocalist's art. She can make "love you" sound newly minted, meant. Sometimes, her voice presses you softly against a pillow, muffles the pistol shot. Sometimes when she hits the loud notes, it's at a distance - the volume is because she really wants her voice to reach you, not to overwhelm you. Sometimes she just sounds like she's having the best time of anyone's life. The tunes suffer from over-familiarity, and I don't believe this is my prejudice piping up: the famous songs all have arguably more well-known versions that intrude. This record needs a close listen. It doesn't work for me in the background, becomes a pleasant soul impression, rather than a tumult of inflection, enunciation and flow.

Dusty's voice is fantastic, and it's supplemented well by the orchestrated backing on tracks like "You Don't Own Me". Most of the album is decent, and really the only song I didn't somewhat enjoy was "Wishin' and Hopin'." But it's not a genre I'm really a fan of, even if the songs are fine.

The album format has been viewed as a format that really began to flourish with the Beatles who kicked off a really concerted effort to craft entire bodies of work that express a consistent theme or quality. A Girl Called Dusty is not one of those albums. An anemic and loose collection of covers that makes me question why it was included on this project. Dusty's voice is phenomenal, bristling with passion, sincerity and a frankly intimidating depth of range that is let down by a scattershot selection of covers. The emotive heights of Twenty-Four Hours from Tulsa and Mama Said are let down by doldrums of songs and standards that have understandably not stood up to the test of time. while the producer is noted to be inspired by Phil Spector's eponymous 'Wall of Sound', this is rather a poor, cluttered imitation that sounds more jangly and hollow than transformational. There are moments where it shines through, but even then it suggests b-sides of Spector than really standing on its own. As is often the case from records from the 40's-60's, a generational talent and impressive set of pipes that Dusty possesses doesn't save a rather pedestrian sounding album and ends up as a milquetoast arrangement of songs. 4/10, worth listening to pick out a couple of favorites and disposing the rest here

Wide screen, epic Dusty. Absolutely perfect.

“MOCK-yeah ING-yeah BIRD-yeah” -Lloyd Christmas Exceeded expectations. Very enjoyable.

Wow, what a woman!

Was okay. Some good songs. Not typically my sort of music but enjoyed it for what it was. 3/5

It was solid. Didn’t like enough for a 3

Maybe it’s a generational thing, but this one wasn’t my favorite. She definitely has a beautiful, soulful voice, but all the songs sound the same to me.

great voice, songs are not worthy of it

Dusty Springfields back catalogue was no well served in the 70s and 80s. This album has been released and re-released with different covers and re-cut into a series of budget label compilations, which means that this album (or substantial parts of it) is commonly found in bargain vinyl bins. This album is under-rated by history and may record collectors, but that in no way diminishes the quality of this record. I would listen to Dusty sing the phonebook, but here she is playing some tastefully chosen repertoire backed by crack session musos. *Mwah* chef's kiss, love it. Five stars.

If you think this is just a white british lady singing some songs you're not wrong. But the amount of hits and amazing songs I've never heard before just blew my mind. Doesn't feel dusty at all!

Pretty damn good for 1964. The mix of Brill Building and Mowtown is fantastic; this is an eclectic mix of tunes perfectly crafted to showcase the genius that is Dusty. Man she moves me whatever she does, as a debut this is damn fine listening, great selection deadbeats.

This was really, really, really good! Her voice is just amazing, the songs are all good and there’s some absolute belters in there too that I didn’t even know was Dusty! Absolutely tremendous album and will definitely be purchased in the future! Loved it!

Sounds massively modern for 1964. A blueprint for all modern female soul/pop/RnB singers. Think Adele but in the 60s. This album must have been a revelation at the time. Best song: When the love light starts shining thru his eyes.

Loved Dusty ever since that scene in Pulp Fiction - Go make yourself a drink and I'll be down in two shakes of a lambs tail. Summer Is Over makes me feel like I'm riding off into a desert sunset after victory at a high noon duel.

Love this!

Classic oldie. Some great songs.

Felt very inspired then very critical and now I am here

A Girl Called Dusty is a perfectly pleasant listen—smooth, polished, and full of classic 60s pop charm—but it rarely feels like more than that. Dusty’s voice is, as always, warm and expressive, but the album sticks pretty firmly to safe, straightforward arrangements that don’t leave much of a lasting impression. That said, 24 Hours from Tulsa stands out as a clear highlight—melodic, emotional, and a glimpse of the more dynamic material she’d tackle later in her career. The rest is fine background listening, but it doesn’t demand much attention. Nice enough, but not exactly essential.

Probably wouldn’t go out of my way to listen to it again, but it’s an inoffensive album, I wouldn’t turn it off either

Dusty had a great voice: powerful, but always with a slight edge of melancholy. As with all cover albums, everything hinges on how well that voice suits the material. There's a whole bunch of tracks on Side B I already knew and loved through cultural osmosis: Twenty-Four Hours from Tulsa, Anyone Who Had a Had a Heart, Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow, Wishin' and Hopin'. Nothing else really hits in the same way, despite the fantastically stereotypically groovy early-60s orchestra and backing vocals.

Even if it’s comprised of covers of already well known songs, A Girl Named Dusty is an impressive showcase for Springfield’s vocal talent.

The last Dusty album we reviewed  ]had "Son of a Preacher Man" which is a song that can positively influence your rating and cover up a lot of blemishes. For this LP,  we will find out what we really think of her. When this starts, I can't help but think she was influenced by white musicians from the Bobby Sox era. There are some songs where she tries to embrace Motown influences but she sure does sound white when she does this. If she wants to venture to Motown, shouldn't she get a guitar player and someone who can play either the trombone or sax rather than continuing with the orchestra?  It's hard to pull off a Motown sound when you're relying on a dude in a suit with a baton.  For perspective, this LP was released in 1964 and the Beatles didn't release albums with their first covers of Smokey Robinson until 1963/64 so it's not like there was a lot of guidance on how to adopt the sound. While I can cut her a bit of slack, there is no excuse for the baton still being in the house.  Side 1: Anyway, "You Don't Own Me" is a very good song and there is no denying how good her voice is. The LP then moves onto the second tier songs. "Do Re Mi" and "When the Love Light . . ." have decent melodies although it's hard not to label Do Re Mi a weiner song. "My Colouring Book" put me to sleep but "Mockingbird" is fun.  Side 2: The song "Nothing" is quite good and demonstrates she can sing songs that are uptempo and loud (by Dusty standards). "Wishing and Hoping" validates my point on her needing to move on from the suit with the baton. "Don't Ya Know", the Ray Charles cover that concludes the album,  is fabulous and the best song on the LP.  She is accompanied by band that can play this type of music and they sound like they are having a whack of fun.  Final thought: She wasn't born with the name "Dusty Springfield"; she picked it and it's an incredibly cool name. How could she pick a name that cool and a hairstyle that lame?  Ringo looked cool with that hairstyle but Dusty, not so much.  My feelings about this album are really mixed. She has a great voice and I really want to like her more.

Fantastic! Those pipes are legendary, can't wait for more Dusty.

Not to my taste at all but I had a few moments when I enjoyed it because of the voice.

A little corny Songs and production was nice, but no real stand outs

There’s no denying that Dusty Springfield is an incredible vocalist, and the instrumentation here is impressive. But as for my personal taste, this doesn’t do much for me. It’s not bad by any means, it just sounds like very typical 60s pop music.

meh

Pretty far out of my usual wheelhouse, but this album explodes right out of the traps with energy and melody. The "wall of sound" is spacier and darker than you'd expect from contemporary pop, and suits the woody/grounded vibe to Dusty's voice. What is exactly as expected is the eclectic mix of styles (although a definite lean towards country-infused doowop) and moods - it feels more like a collection of singles than a cohesive album. An absolute time capsule, but only a couple of songs really stuck with me. Favourite tracks: You Don't Own Me, When The Love Light Starts Shining Thru His Eyes, Nothing

Sometimes pretty but ultimately forgettable.

I can't finish describing what it was like to listen to this album. It has been frustrating and horrible. I expected something better. Only 5 songs out of 20 seemed pleasant enough to me. I think it was a waste of time listening to it and I wouldn't recommend it. I don't think Dusty has a bad voice, but with each song that passed, I got more bored. The dull and lackluster way she sings, as if she had been forced to do 20 covers of songs from the time. And I think that makes it worse that it's an entire album of covers. Notable songs: You Don't Own Me, Do Re Mi, When The Love Light Starts Shining Thru His Eyes, Nothing and Anyone Who Had A Heart.

Iconic, loved!

Wow 1964... Stimme. Lyrics. Musik. Einfach runde Sache. Liebs.

Tolle Stimme, abwechslungsreiche Reise. Perfekter 60s Vibe.

absolutely wonderful. I just love that sixties vibe, and this album is exactly what every period piece about the '60s tries to emulate. Mama Said alone is just the perfect time capsule. Her cover of You Don't Own Me is amazing, My Colouring Book is silly but powerful, and Twenty-Four Hours from Tulsa, while another cover, was my favorite by far. she just sounds so good. got bored with a few tracks but the impact and the vibe are an instant 4.5/5

such a complete album made by an incredible artist. she has been able to reach her public only by telling her story, without the use of complicated methaphors or else. i find this simpleness truly amazing, as it influenced so many other female signers of the time. her vocals and vocal range extention are extraordinary, she did such an amazing job. i love this album and all the songs so much. dusty gave us a way to show her true self in the most beautiful way possible

Brilliant record, my favourite so far. Once again I’ve heard most of these songs but not in this order, I wasn’t aware of how stacked with hits this is.

I didn’t appreciate what fabulous voice Dusty Springfield had until I tried singing her songs myself. They sound simple but her voice is so strong and perfectly on pitch, it’s really hard to match her standards. Plus the songs are great. Can’t go wrong with this album

Cool 60s

So much of this is my childhood listening to oldies radio. Mama Said and Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow bring me back to sitting in the backseat of my parents car while running errands. Not something I'd put on regularly but it has a definite place in music history. Dusty had an incredible voice

An Album Called a Classic

youuuu don't own meee

100%

🎶💕

Rating: 4.7/5 Short Review: Soul wrapped in satin — heartbreak with impeccable posture. Favorite Track: “I Only Want to Be With You” — it’s not just love; it’s obsession disguised as charm.

Great album. I have long been a fan of Dusty Springfield and this album showcased a lot of her vocal talent. I liked the diversity of songs and different types of music.

I mostly know Dusty's hits, and they are wonderful. Most of the songs aren't quite as good here, although I really like Anyone Who Had a Heart (Bacharach/David; no surprise it's good). But as a debut it's fantastic, and I love her voice so much it carries through even the weaker songs. Rounding up from 4.5

Love the era. Love her voice. She could sing the phonebook and I would listen to it.

Before crucifing the crooner here due to the selection of covers in this album i might defend her by noticing two-three things.Firstly how brave and empowering for women in the 60's must this album have been and probably still is as some of the originals sung by men were absolutely nailed by Dusty Springfield and shows up her voice range which is the second thing that impressed me here.Lastly few singers internationally can sing covers and the whole project is enjoyable to ears and without making constantly comparisons and in this album is exactly that case.Well,my opinion but i really enjoyed listening to this and i usually hate cover albums. 5/5

Love her voice

Reminded me of the good old days back in high school!

Good songs

Goddamn

I know it's an assortment of covers, but every song is a banger and she owned each one, and that's kinda more fun to listen to than a mixed bag of originals with a few standouts like a couple of the other 5-stars I've handed out...

Loved it!!

mama said isch seehr cute. you dont own me isch en rieeeese sooong. und sie singten mit mega viel inbrunst. do re mi wieder afoch en cute novelty song. aber sie isch so coooool. when the love starts kei ahnig lange titel what. aber de song isch en bo diddley type beat sehr cool. meeega catchy. jö sie singt vo ihrem molbuech?? line cliché song coool. mockingbird isch soviel ich weiss en chinderreim us afroamerikanischer kultur? twenty four hours from tulsa hani nonie ghört aber isch en suuper song. bacharach/david song. super super guets album bis etz. het drama. gad anyone whi had a heart wird geg de schluss grösser mit de timpani plötzlich suuuper geil. BIH WISHIN AND HOPIN HET SIE DO SCHO. BAAANGER. boh die übergangsakkörd. am schluss vom refrain. yesss burt und hal butchrach und dave. lieb de song im ernst. de akkord uf all you gotta do yeeess. blöser arrangement suuuper. dont you know insaaane banger. mega ray charles arrangement 1:1

loved this

Learned a lot about Dusty Springfield from having this flagged to listen to: didn't know Dusty was a woman (didn't know what music the artist did), but was familiar with a lot of the songs and I love this vibe and genre. And Dusty is a beast vocalist. I also learned she wasn't black! Crazy.

I had heard one track from this before but didn’t know the album. Glad I do know it now though. Wow, so good. ❤️

That was a surprising masterpiece. So many familiar songs on here. Made mandy listen to it. Will make k listen too

Wat een heerlijk album! Een soort Amy Winehouse uit de sixties! Met de absolute hits: 1 Mama said 2 You don't own me 4 When the lovelight 13 I only want to be with you De eerste 2 nummers zijn absolute hits!

Adoro

I had never heard of Dusty Springfield, but I recognized at least four of her songs from radio and movies. Her voice is so full and buttery, I can't imagine how hard it would be to sing all these songs back-to-back at a live performance. This was my first album of the 1001, great way to start the journey.

Surprisingly recognized a couple songs off this album. Very poppy, had a great mix of instruments and each song a distinctive feel. Reminds me of my grandparents because they most likely listened to this growing up. Makes good dance music

People wish they where half as good as this. Dust rules.

Bloody great music to cruise the coasts of Brittany! Lovely to hear the originals

Heavenly. Dusty definitely up there when it comes to artists I wish I had the chance to see.

Fantastic album! Loved it from beginning to end. 5/5

A fantastic debut just stuffed with great pop songs.

Amazing, so many great songs.

Classic hits everyone knows. Reminds me of my childhood

Epic. Great voice. 5 Stars

Me ha gustado mucho

LOVEDDDD I wish I’d never loved you

BANGER I'd like to own this on vinyl

This is a classic album with songs every one has heard with Dusty singing. Great album

Classic.

Nice soul singer. Also appeared to have song the original mockingbird.

Can never go wrong with Dusty Springfield

Love Dusty… I’m more of a fan of Dusty In Memphis, but I always love listening to a new album!

Probably my bad but I listened to Pet Sounds right after.

Love Dusty with my whole heart

What a fool I am to have never listened to this before. Every song is exquisite, I can't ask for anything more. I've never felt so assaulted by music. Her voice slaps me in the face with emotion. Idk it does something to me, some sort of witchcraft and I'm into it.

Banger!

excellent album that really deserves its place on this list!

Not my favourite version of You Don't Own Me (Lesley Gore), but obviously still a banger. Speaking of bangers, several here, my favourite new song being Summer is Over. Just great stuff.

Just amazing

Really nice album, beautiful voice. I will listen again

Do you really want to listen to something like this? Well in this song Mama Said it has nice instruments and the dynamics are good and it has nice energy in the singing. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Do you really want to listen to something the chill and calming? Well in this song You Don't Own Me it has nice instruments and its calming and it chill it is a good song to listen to. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Do you really want to listen to something that has nice instruments and is chill? Well in this song Wishin And Hopin it has nice instruments and the singing has nice dynamics and it very chill and calming. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Like it! 5 stars