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Dusty In Memphis

Dusty Springfield

1969

Dusty In Memphis

Album Summary

Dusty in Memphis is the fifth studio album by English singer Dusty Springfield. Initial sessions were recorded at American Sound Studio in Memphis, while Springfield's final vocals and the album's orchestral parts were recorded at Atlantic Records' New York City studios. The album was released on 18 January 1969 in the United States by Atlantic Records, and Philips Records distributed the record outside the U.S. Springfield worked on the album with a team of musicians and producers that included Jerry Wexler, Arif Mardin, Tom Dowd, conductor Gene Orloff, backing vocalists the Sweet Inspirations, bassist Tommy Cogbill, and guitarist Reggie Young. Dusty in Memphis sold poorly upon its initial release, despite featuring one of Springfield's top-10 UK hits, "Son of a Preacher Man". It has since been generally acclaimed as her best work and one of the greatest albums of all time. Music critic Robert Christgau called it "the all-time rock-era torch record" and included it in his "Basic Record Library" of 1950s and 1960s recordings, published in Christgau's Record Guide: Rock Albums of the Seventies (1981). In 2001, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.In 2020, the album was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Recording Registry for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant". In its official press release, the library stated that despite its modest sales when first released, "over time, Dusty in Memphis grew in stature to become widely recognized as an important album by a woman in the rock era."

Wikipedia

Rating

3.47

Votes

18996

Reviews

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Jan 15 2021
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5

This record is a beautiful snowglobe of the late 60s period. Classy, perfectly arranged orchestrations gently roll down like snowflakes on a landscape and Dusty's voice glows gold with the warmth of the hearth.

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Nov 17 2021
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5

Dusty's voice isn't just sexy, it's sex-positive, feeling its way around intimacy with warmth and tenderness. She's the Queen of the Afterglow. What transforms this from an album by a great singer to a great album full stop is how sympathetic the players are to her movements. They don't just watch her go deep into her feelings, they follow her down. Chief among them: Arif Mardin, whose swelling and lilting string and horn arrangements are the love interest to Dusty’s come-hither voice. The organic development of these songs--Dusty and the band built them from the ground up, rather than her just rocking up and following sheet music like she was used to--allows her to grow roots in the material, which is top-tier stuff from big-hitters including Bacharach, Newman, and Goffin/King. Whether reliving a sexual awakening with the preacher’s son, mollifying him/her with (I’m sure not just) breakfast in bed, bidding a rueful farewell, building her world upon a smile, or being driven mad by gossip heard through cheap walls, she fully inhabits her roles. These songs have an emotional life of their own, lived in and lived through by one of the most sensitive singers of all.

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Nov 01 2022
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5

Every time I get one of my all-time favourites on this list, it feels like winning a game. Nobody beats Dusty, her voice is so warm and beautiful, and she's having so much fun... five stars and a chef's kiss!

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Jan 20 2021
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2

Mehhhhh. White people soul. “Son of a Preacher Man” is great, but otherwise, I dunno.

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Feb 16 2021
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5

I know 3-4 song but Ive never listened to this album. I think I've always been a little confused about her name. Is she related yo buffalo springfield? Such moody and cinematic music. The songs often take me on a start-finish journey rather than feel refrain-repeat style. I really enjoy this album and will definitely return to listen again. She reminds me of Aretha Franklin but much sappier and I'm a sucker for sappy 70's.

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Jan 30 2024
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4

Alienating everyone in my life with my sincerely held and deep-seated belief that Dusty Springfield is Buffalo Springfield’s husband.

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Jan 19 2021
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5

Initially thought I wasn't going to like it, but to my surprise it was pretty good! I liked hearing The Windmills of your Mind - I added it to my spotify playlist. A classic and a beautiful voice

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Apr 21 2022
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5

One of my all-time favourite albums. probably the greatest blue-eyed soul record ever. Son of a preacher Man is the big single, but it is the sofetr, sexier tracks that I really dig (Breakfast in Bed, Alittle Loving, I Don't Want to Hear it). Dusty doesn't try to compete with Aretha, but leans into her more tender, more intimate style. This is a wonderful blend of Bacharach and the funky Memphis sound. She was almost too intimidated to record these songs, but thank god she did. I love this album.

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Aug 23 2022
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5

I have not spent enough time with Dusty Springfield, apparently. (Not the first time this has happened in this project, but I'm definitely feeling it today.) I've always loved her smoky, soulful voice in the hits I know. I would say her voice was unique, but I like the idea that this album was the prototype for the wonderful wave of British female singers of the 2000s. I definitely appreciate and get that idea (as well as that she gave credit to Peggy Lee and Aretha Franklin as influences) but I would still always be able to pick her voice out. Anyway, this is just the thing for the end of a long, hard day, with soft lights and a glass of wine. Lovely.

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Jan 07 2022
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5

I am not familiar with Dusty Springfield as a singer at all, but I am familiar with a couple of Dusty’s songs covered from other artists like both Son of A Preacher Man and Breakfast In Bed from Joan Osborne’s two albums: Early Recordings (1996) and Breakfast In Bed (2007) and The Windmills Of Your Mind from Alison Moyet's Voice (2004) album. Another slight connection factor for me is the Memphis/American Sound Studios from several Elvis Presley recordings from 1969 and I do hear that Memphis/American Sound Studios sound in Dusty’s songs on this album. Being a fan of post-punk and 80’s music. I know that Morrissey from The Smiths also loved the poignant and maudlin performances of female singers such as Dusty Springfield and Sandie Shaw who were a considerable influence on him growing up in Manchester England. Since this my first listen to Dusty Springfield, she has a particularly good voice with clear diction. I usually do not listen this type of Easy Listening Pop, but I like it and this album does have high replayability factor. I am pleased to hear how good and consistent all the songs are. The mono release is also excellent. In 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die, I see that Dusty Springfield’s debut album, A GIRL CALLED DUSTY, is listed under # 0045, so I am looking forward to listening to this when it appears Rate Artist: Dusty Springfield (4.5) Rate Album (Year): Dusty in Memphis (1969 Original) (5) Rate Album (Year): Dusty in Memphis (1992 Re-issue) (5) Rate Album (Year): Dusty in Memphis (1999 Deluxe Edition) (4.5) Rate Album (Year): Dusty in Memphis (2002 Re-issue) (5)

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Oct 10 2023
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4

Blue eyed soul. Songs don't have the typical verse and chorus structure. More of a lyrical journey. She's got a breathy, sensual voice. Favorite songs were Son of a Preacher Man, Just One Smile, and Windmills of your Mind

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Jun 11 2021
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4

Je me réveillai ce jeudi matin en ouvrant mon téléphone et remarquai instantanément que celui-ci avait été souillé de messages par l'inévitable ltrapeze: "Il faut absolument que tu écoutes la huitième piste de l'album du jour !" me menaçait-il. Je me rendormis. Lors de mon second réveil, de nouveaux messages étaient venus se glisser dans mon téléphone sans que je m'en aperçoive. Ils étaient tous signés de la main du turbulent ltrapeze : "Mais réveille-toi enfin !!" répétait-il à tue-tête. Je lançai soudain l'album et fus rapidement arrivé à ladite huitième piste. Et quelle ne fut pas ma surprise d'entendre une version grossièrement remixée d'une chanson très chère à mon cœur : celle de ses moulins, justement. Observez un peu comme le texte est traduit: The Moulins of My Heart Like a pierre that we jette In the living water of a ruisseau Qui leaves behind elle des thousands de rounds dans la wasser Du machst tourner von deinem Name die Moulinen von meinem Hertz Luft in den Nase (ja), Luft in den Nase So wie Dylan (oh Junge), So wie Dylan Et ainsi de suite... Je serais le dernier étonné d'apprendre que Michel Legrand se soit retourné dans sa tombe au moment d'entendre cette reprise, et qu'il ait même effectué une rotation à 360 degrés pour rendre ses lettres de noblesse à son texte. N'en déplaise à ltrapeze.

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Jun 11 2021
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4

Figure maternelle de la famille Springfield, Dusty s'impose neammoins comme la numero 1 de cette caste de chanteurs. Le titre The Windmils of Your Mind s'impose déjà comme l'un des tauliers du générateur. Néammoins, on se retrouve un peu dérangé par les nombreuses accusations de vulgarité à son encontre, entre ses jupes extremement courtes, sa descente de whisky qui ferait rougir un pilier de bar, ou encore cette phrase, sortie du contexte d'une escapade nocturne avec son amant gérant d'un club de moto: "tape dans l'fond j'suis pas ta mère". La famille Springfield reste ce qu'elle est, une famille bourrée de talent musicalement parlant, mais une famille également très rustique socialement parlant.

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May 20 2021
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3

Smooth, soulful, enjoyable. beautiful voice

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Mar 02 2022
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2

Best Song: Son Of A Preacher Man. The one song I'd heard before. The only one where the singer (or her vocal object) seems to have an ounce of agency. How did this righteous song end up in the middle of all this wrist-wringing? Worst Song: So Much Love. Real weepy and pathetic lyrics that feel like they are entirely undone by the very next song. Overall: Entirely forgettable except for the one song that managed to escape the melodramatic clutches of the rest. Each song is dripping with cheese and sounds like it is intended to be listened to while staring forlornly out of a rain-covered window. I also dislike how none of the songs know how to end, instead just fading out into nothingness.

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Jun 14 2025
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5

Отличный альбом, какая же она клевая!

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May 20 2025
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5

timeless, beautifully crafted, soulful pop

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May 07 2025
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5

A near-perfect album only ruined by that one episode of The Office where Jan insists on performing a heavily emotional rendition of 'Son of a Preacher Man' to her newborn daughter.

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Nov 12 2022
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5

God this is so good. And why have I not played it for so long....[embarrassed face]. DSs soulful vulnerable voice skates over heartfelt melodies, lyrics full of broken relationships and gorgeous strings. Some of the songs make me well up. Play in a low lit room with a single malt. Magical. I dont give many 5s. Best female solo album ever for me. Five.

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Oct 02 2021
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5

A week in, this is the first album by a female artist I've come across. Not only that, but decades on Dusty In Memphis comes with its own queer reading. Like "Breakfast In Bed" - super gay and super heartbreaking, n'est-ce pas? This album is another one where it's clear of the influence it would have on future artists. While some of the songs are very familiar, it's a comforting sense of familiarity. Auntie Dusty is here and everything will be alright.

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Jan 18 2021
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5

Spit song from Hadestown inspiration-windmills of your mind

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Apr 27 2021
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5

Love me some dusty. A great blue-eyed soul album. Close your eyes and listen to son of a preacher man.

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May 24 2025
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4

# Album Name: Dusty in memphis # Artist: Dusty Springfield # Rating: 4/5 # Comments: What a lovely voice. This album has a tremendous 60's feel. The vocals are brilliant, both dusty's and the backing vocals. Son of a preacher man is an absolute classic. Great track. Its quite a chilled vibe but i enjoyed it. I think this one will be a grower. I'll be coming back to this album and dustys back catalogue. # Top Tunes: Little lovin / SOAPM / So much love # Would I listen to it again? Yes

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Aug 17 2024
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4

Dusty in Memphis The difference between this and the other Dusty album we had is immediately very stark: the song choice, the playing, the sound, all are instantly better on Just a Little Lovin’, more sympathetic to her voice, poppy and accessible but also. That continues with So Much Love, even if these two songs are quite as strong as some of the songs later on. Son of a Preacher Man. Despite being very overfamiliar it is, of course, truly excellent. Atmospheric, mysterious with brilliant playing and a fantastic vocal. I Don’t Want to Hear it Anymore, has, as usual a great vocal, and a very nice 60s pop feel with a nice build. Don’t Forget About Me and Breakfast in Bed are both superb. Never heard either of them before, but both are excellent. I love the guitar and the stomping chorus on Don’t Forget About Me in particular. Just One Smile felt a little cloying to me, the arrangement perhaps a little big band. The Windmills of Your Mind is a fantastic song, but I’m not as keen on this version. The vocal is super, but I’m not keen on the arrangement with the Spanish guitar, it feels a bit lounge. The strings towards the end are good, but I’m not sure they quite rescue it. In the Land of Make Believe is great, it has a very pleasing delicacy and although there is quite a lot happening musically it’s placed back in the mix to give it some sense of restraint. No Easy Way Down falls a little close to easy listening, but is just about rescued by the vocal (of course) and the playing, the organ is particularly noceI Can’t Make it Alone has a lovely build and crescendo, it’s good, even if not quite as strong as some of the others When it’s good this is great, and although it's far superior than the other album we had, there are some songs that don’t quite work for me, sailing a little close to easy listening or lounge, which stops it from getting into the 5s. A 4 feels about right, reflecting the quality of singing and playing. 🗑️🗑️🗑️🗑️ Playlist submission: Preacher Man is the obvious one, but for a change I’ll go Don’t Forget About Me

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Nov 27 2023
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4

Amiable music that I very much appreciate.

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Mar 19 2021
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4

Beautiful album from British icon, Dusty Springfield. I have never listened to this album in its entirety but have only heard the pop hits from her, but it causes me to dig deeper. I bet she could put on a show! **Classic record that I need to grab used sometime

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May 22 2025
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3

Soul has never been in my repertoire, this much is true, so picture my surprise when this website decided to zag, rather than zig, by presenting me something I never would have organically listened to. But I’m glad it did. Whilst Dusty In Memphis wasn’t my pick of the litter, it was solid throughout. Springfield’s beautiful voice was refreshing after two of the first three albums presented to me were either boom bap, or R&B. Son Of A Preacher Man is an obvious all time classic, but the songs opening trio of songs (Just A Little Lovin’ and So Much Love) was fantastic. The rest of the album was consistent also, solid the whole way through. Three stars.

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Mar 31 2025
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3

Dusty Springfield just sounds effortlessly cool. I bet she'd be fun to hang out with.

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Mar 17 2022
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3

That voice. Plus a couple of bona fide classics on here. Some filler, though

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Apr 03 2025
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2

I played this album twice, and other than Son of a Preacher Man (which is wonderful), I thought it was rather bland MoR stuff.

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Feb 13 2024
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2

Thoughts before listening: This album is a mainstay in best albums lists, both for the 60s as well as of all time. I know that it has "Son of a Preacher Man" which is a classic song, but I do not know any of the other tracks. In fact, this has always seemed to me like a bit of an oddity for those lists. Review: This is okay. "Son of a Preacher Man" truly is one of the best songs of all time, but the rest of the album stays in a mid-tempo soul sound that just isn't all that interesting to me. Dusty certainly has a nice voice and these are well arranged songs, but its just not my style. 2-stars.

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Apr 21 2023
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1

Just when you thought blue eyed soul couldn't get worse, British people start doing it and somehow make it worse. No grits, no balls, no soul, this pales in comparison to Aretha.

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Jan 14 2021
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It's alright. Didn't really catch my attention.

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Jul 03 2025
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5

I had pretty positive feelings about Ms. Springfield already, but I was surprised by how much I liked the whole album.

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Jul 03 2025
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5

For all the absolute slop this list has suggested, every now and again it recommends something great. This is regarded as a classic masterpiece and rightfully so.

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Jul 03 2025
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5

This was honestly a jaw dropper. Amazing album, hit song feel yet its under rated.

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Jun 30 2025
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5

A timeless classic. Chilled AF in parts. Fun and uplifting in parts. I’ve never tired of this album, and likely never will.

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Jun 23 2025
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5

What an album. That voice! That playing! Those songs! Misery has never sounded so good. Best Tracks: Son of a Preacher Man; Don't Forget About Me; Breakfast In Bed

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Jun 17 2025
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5

I can only think I'll like this more on more listens and I already liked it. Perfect in the sun.

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Jun 16 2025
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5

Really enjoyed this one! Incredibly well mixed, and Dusty's voice does wonders to make this feel so warm and rich.

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Jun 14 2025
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5

I like the beginning, jazzy and smooth. i actually like the whole album so far. nice smooth voice. relaxing.

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Jun 10 2025
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5

Dusty Springfield has this sweet, unique voice! As I was listening to it, I thought "I think I have heard this voice before." When "Son of a Preacher Man" played, I said to myself, "Yep." Fantastic album, fantastic voice. Loved it!

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Jun 06 2025
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5

I love Dusty Springfield's voice, and this album was so, so good, mainly for that reason. The songwriting was just absolutely spot on and the performances were just perfect. I especially loved the wistful minor key and delightfully melancholy classical acoustic of Windmills of Your Mind. I listened to it twice -- five stars.

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Jun 05 2025
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5

Truly a masterpiece. Before listening to this album, I was familiar with “Son of a Preacher Man,” which is a great song. Her version of “The Windmills of Your Mind” is truly haunting.

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Jun 04 2025
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5

Classic soul pop sound, but if we’re being honest, the whole record floats on Dusty’s vocals (although Aretha’s bassist, Tommy Cogbill is the other standout on this record). Is it dated to 1969? Yeah, it’s the definitive “this is the sound of 1969” album. Those strings did not hold up. The horns did. It’s the kind of album a cynic might point to in a contrast to Blonde on Blonde or the Velvet Underground, without any appreciation for the undeniable probability that Lou Reed and Bob Dylan probably both loved this record. Are there better albums doing what it does? Sure, Aretha herself, for one. Is it great, an all time classic, a necessary part of any collection? Can’t be denied.

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Jun 03 2025
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5

Windmills in your mind was enough to be. 5 star

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Jun 01 2025
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5

Every track hit. Not the live album I expected, but the intimacy and emotion made it feel like she was singing right in the room. Stunning vocals, gorgeous arrangements, and not a single misstep.

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May 25 2025
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5

never heard of her and now i'm obsessed. the songs, the lyrics, her life story. she gave an interview in fucking 1970 saying she was "capable of being swayed by a boy or a girl". omg a truly queer icon who wasn't afraid!! although i know this cost her a lot. son of a preacher man changed my brain chemistry. as someone else said here, breakfast in bed is so gay! i wish i knew this song when i was living the same. the windmills of your mind starts so lana del rey coded. i'm listening to this album nonstop as if i had nothing else to do with my life

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May 21 2025
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5

Sure, one of the greats. But the recording and playing is just incredible. With the band in Memphis and Dusty in New York, just an incredibly well produced record.

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May 20 2025
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5

This hit right in my sweet spot for sensual, soulful singers of the 60-70s. Really enjoyed the last Dusty-album I had as well, but this takes it up a notch. Top notch arrangements, big sound and it all starts with a beautiful ode to morning sex - what’s not to like? A new fave.

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May 18 2025
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5

Iconic. One of my absolutely favorite albums, incredible from top to bottom. All hits, no misses.

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May 18 2025
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5

Her voice was so soulful and soothing, perfect drive for a sunny morning weekend drive!

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May 18 2025
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5

PUTAIN la découverte d’une vie bonus pour les 5ères le reste est presque tout aussi incroyable après façon

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May 16 2025
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5

This is a gem of an album. Hauntingly beautiful vocal work and excellent instrumentals. Listened to it twice, having never heard anything from it before! 'The Windmills of Your Mind' is *chef's kiss*

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May 12 2025
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5

pre album: scared, i dont like whatever style this is. had a little peek and it may be FIRE song 1: hold on TS writing fire. much liked, very lovely style. album gave conservative farmer, but i feel like this is southern soul style sum shi song 2: instrumentals are EATING, and vocals are very nice song 3: slightly different beat, a little more jazzy, lwk chasing the beat but catching it in the end of each line??? song 4: we are starting slower, BIG FAN, feels like italian jazz song 5: upbeat but lwk too much upbeat from 4th song, slowed down but still ehh song 6: pretty nice, similar to 2nd and 3rd ish mix, a lot going on song 7: kinda tiana esque, very princessy and the lyrics are very fitting, gets upbeat and then dies down song 8: very slow lana del rey type start, slower with latin influence, goated guitar, climax so cutie, love song great lyrics song 9: we getting MORE latin w this one, with some orchestra too. song 10: hawaii guitar notes intro??? slow dance style song, turns more soul esque song 11 - gone, 12 is repetition of 3, 13 is GONE RAWR rest of album are mono audios OVERALL RATING - solid 7.9/10, its not my genre but its growing on me lots

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May 09 2025
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5

What a fantastic album! And what a contrast with Adele I had to listen to less than a week ago. This lady knows how to sing and knows how to use her voice. But perhaps even more important: the instrumentations are fantastic. The highlight of this album (no, certainly not preacher man) is the astonishingly beautiful 'The windmills of your mind'. That song has more variation and more instrumental interesting elements than a whole disc of Adela. Probably: more than the entire discography of Adele. 'Breakfast in bed': that singing is truly magnificent. Yes, I can truly like pop music.

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May 08 2025
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5

I'm sure that all who rate albums here have an album (or two) that they have bought more than once or twice over the years as new versions (re-mastered, vinyl, sacd, blu ray, extra tracks, etc) are issued. This is the one for me - it's so good that I'm always keen to find another version in case it introduces a new sound, a surprise that I may not have picked up on before. Just an all-time classic!

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May 07 2025
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5

Having "Son of a Preacher Man" on an album is enough to warrant a 5-star review. The fact that the rest of the album and Springfield's vocals are as great as they are is just a wonderful bonus.

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May 02 2025
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5

Such a sweet album!! Her voice is so warming

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Apr 28 2025
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5

5/5 Heartfelt Haze Ballads This isn’t just one of the greatest vocal performances of the 20th century. It’s the template for every soft, slow, emotionally intelligent heartbreak that came after it.

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Apr 26 2025
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5

Dusty Springfield singing a lot of beautiful cover versions of some of the most iconic songs of the 60's. Son Of A Preacher Man is the big hit, but I actually prefer a lot of the other, more orchestrally expansive songs on this album. The Windmills Of Your Mind and No Easy Way Down are my favorites here. It's quite reminiscent of Elvis in Memphis in that its a solid collection of orchestral 60's pop covers. Just a beautiful album and a joy to listen to.

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Apr 26 2025
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5

++*: Son of a Preacher Man, Breakfast in Bed +: Just a Little Lovin', So Much Love, Don't Forget About Me, Just One Smile, The Windmills of Your Mind, In the Land of Make Believe, I Can't Make It Alone +: I Don't Want to Hear It Anymore, No Easy Way Down 9,7/10

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Apr 24 2025
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5

Springfield’s vocal performances are amazing. Full of a wide range of emotion and beautiful tone. She cements her status as a high-level interpreter of terrific songs. https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-dusty-in-memphis-by?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false

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Apr 22 2025
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5

I feel like I’ve made this mistake before, but I was expecting country music from Dusty Springfield, but this is good old classic R&B. This was such a lovely listen. Dusty’s voice is fantastic and engrossing, and the music itself is interesting and a little sedating. If you haven’t heard Son If A Preacher Man before, then you’re probably not from this planet. This is an album that is hard to find any faults with, so I’m going to stop trying.

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Apr 12 2025
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5

ez csodálatos volt, pedig azt hittem, hogy nem fogom szeretni.

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Apr 08 2025
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5

This really captured my soul. Way to go Dusty!

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Apr 05 2025
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5

Her voice is sublime and the musicians compliment it perfectly. Although this is cloying to my taste, it is a great record. Also Son Of A Preacher Man has a place in my heart after being introduced to me in the 90's thanks to Pulp Fiction.

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Apr 01 2025
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5

Epic, emotive, vocals coupled with great arrangements. Puzzling that it undersold and was poorly reviewed on release. Glad that it achieved its place on many ‘best of’ lists.

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Mar 31 2025
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5

Great album, easy listening, but some classic tunes

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Mar 30 2025
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5

This is a great album right here! Dusty Springfield is a name that I've definitely heard before, but I didn't really know anything about her until today. I mean, I didn't even know she was English! But now I know a few things about here, with there being one in particular that's really important. She knows how to make a good album. Dusty in Memphis was her fifth album, and it's apparently her best. It's also amazing. I have no real complaints. Dusty's singing is very nice. She brings some solid character to each song to make them feel original, despite her not having written any of the songs herself. Still, many of these are the definitive versions of these songs, and for good reason. The aforementioned singing as well as the excellent instrumentation makes this album a delight to listen to. The songs all work well together to form a complete package. It feels like a cohesive listen. The album's also pretty short, but that's not a bad thing. I think the 34 minutes are spent well, and there really isn't much more I'd ask for from it. I've seen comparisons to Aretha Franklin that aren't completely unwarranted. I think I like Aretha more, but Dusty definitely has a talent for musicianship. Also, I can't believe this was in 1969! Dusty in Memphis is an absolute classic album that has aged very gracefully. I love it. Light 5/5.

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Mar 29 2025
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5

A beautiful sweet and sorrowful soul album. 9.1/10 Best Track: “Son of a Preacher Man”

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Mar 22 2025
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5

So many hits here! And they seem to keep building until the end. 4+ but I’ll round up because of the unexpected pleasure of the album. Thank you, Memphis, for filling out these great songs.

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Mar 19 2025
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5

A schmaltzy British torch singer and TV presenter whose career is on the skids signs with a new label and goes to Memphis to try to emulate her idol, Aretha Franklin, recording songs by a random grab bag of writers, including Randy Newman, Carole King and Burt Bacharach. Why is it that things that really shouldn’t work seem to end up being the most sublime when they actually do? Because this weird nonsense is easily one of my favorite albums of all time. There is hardly a bad second on the entire record. Just sheer greatness from start to finish.

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Mar 17 2025
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5

Great album! Can't think of a better way of spending a spring Sunday walk listening to Dusty Springfield. Some big hits as well, son of a preacher man, breakfast in bed and windmills of your mind, clear favourites. 5 stars all the way.

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Mar 17 2025
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5

I don’t listen to this album enough. Every time I do I realize that I’ve been neglecting this masterpiece. Hopefully this is a cycle I can end now. The orchestration on this album is so lush and expansive. All the musicians give top notch performances supporting Dusty’s beautiful voice through these well written songs. DJ Muggs for the win with the “Son Of A Preacher Man” sample for “Hits From The Bong.”

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Mar 10 2025
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5

Beautiful album!!! So classic, soulful and sultry. Instant 5.

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Mar 10 2025
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5

Excellent album. Soulful and a bit gospelly, with a hint of country. Her vocal performances are great

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Mar 10 2025
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5

Wish we got yesterdays and todays in reverse order. Without this there’s certainly no Amy Winehouse or Adele. Dustry Springfields voice is smooth but it still has a ton of soul. The arrangements underneath her are lush, but never distract from her singing, which is the focal point for a reason.

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Mar 04 2025
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5

Wow I really loved this album- her voice, the instruments, the music… all of the songs are pretty solid to me - but especially: The windmills of your mind Just a little lovin Son of a preacher man Just a really special album

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Feb 25 2025
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5

que sonido este sesentoso con esa voz

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Feb 21 2025
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5

I had never heard of Dusty Springfield before, so I was not sure what to expect. I didn’t have anyone in my life that was a big enough fan to show her to me, but she is wonderful. Her voice is so pleasant and soothing without being showy or dramatic. Genuinely love this album from start to finish there was almost no skips at all. Plus the production on this album is insane, it sounds so heavenly and also mildly psychedelic at moments. Also I had actually heard one of her songs before, the song called “son of a preacher man” is actually super popular and you might have heard it before it’s very old school but that works in its favor. Definitely check this album out, it made me a big Dusty fan.

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Feb 17 2025
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5

A couple of top tier songs, definitely a powerful album.

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Feb 15 2025
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5

Fitting for Valentine's day. A soulful album about kissing and fucking. I loved it! What a voice and the album has such a cool vibe. Maybe I'll put it on if I ever get another date ha!

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Feb 11 2025
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5

Every time I listen to Dusty, I remember that I mean to listen to more Dusty. My standouts: Just a Little Lovin', Son of Preacher Man, Don't Forget About Me, No Easy Way Down

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Feb 11 2025
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5

Short and sweet. Dusty has a great voice

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Feb 11 2025
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5

Loistava! Kyllä Dusty on rautaa! 5/5

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Feb 07 2025
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5

LOVE. the deluxe bonus track version has some gems too.

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Feb 04 2025
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5

very smooth vintage soul music. it's a bit of an acquired taste for a lot of people, but i thought it was a very pleasant listen all the way through. from her breathy, mildly raspy and emotional voice to her soft pop instrumentation, fans of aretha franklin and the carpenters will appreciate this collection of tracks. again, it's a niche, but for those who understand, understand. it's love music, but it doesn't feel too sappy or risque. it's very... choral-like and pure. white people sure can make good soul when they want to!

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Jan 27 2025
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5

Undeniable classic. It's a great record and a token album for anyone who collects physical media. I would say 4.5, I rounded up for this review.

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