Darin focused on standards done with jazzy arrangements on this 1964 album, though he did in fact co-write a couple of the songs, "The End of Never" and "Look at Me." Otherwise, writers like
Sammy Cahn,
Henry Mancini,
Anthony Newley, and
Andre Previn figure strongly in the songwriting credits. "The Days of Wine and Roses," "Call Me Irresponsible," "Once in a Lifetime," "Sunday in New York," and of course "Hello, Dolly!" and "Goodbye, Charlie" are all on board. It's got the competent verve you'd expect from
Darin's mid-'60s pop'n'swing vocals, though not so exceptional that you'd recommend it as the cream of the crop. The highlight, if only because it doesn't sound like more of the same, is the dramatic, somber ballad "The End of Never," with its unexpected melodic arches and
Darin's committed singing. ~ Richie Unterberger