Golden Folk Hits

Album review

Golden Folk Hits was Bobby Darin's second collection of folk songs. Guest musicians included Glen Campbell, Phil Ochs, and Roger McGuinn of the Byrds. The songs Darin selected include many popularized by some of the most popular folk artists of the time: Pete Seeger's "Mary Don't You Weep," "If I Had a Hammer," and "Where Have All the Flowers Gone"; Bob Dylan's "Don't Think Twice" and "Blowin' in the Wind"; the Kingston Trio's "Greenback Dollar"; the New Christy Minstrels' "Green, Green"; and Peter, Paul & Mary's "Settle Down (Goin'Down That Highway)." Golden Folk Hits was not a commercial success at all when it was released. Time has revealed Bobby Darin to be a profoundly thoughtful artist and this album deserves to be reconsidered. Important insight can be gained by examining the music a man makes when eschewing commercial pressures. In Darin's case, his music became more organic, thoughtful, and political, and less flashy, glitzy, and (yes) entertaining. Golden Folk Hits showcases impressive guitar work in "Abilene," powerful vocals in "Greenback Dollar," and touching reflection in "Why Daddy Why." Golden Folk Hits shows an artist looking to communicate on an emotional and social level. It finds Darin daring to let the music speak for itself. (His photo does not appear on the front cover, a strong statement for 1963.) Seven of the songs on this album are not available on CD. Even if they were spread amongst various compilations, Golden Folk Hits is an essential Bobby Darin album for anyone who hopes to further understand the aesthetic and political motivations of an inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriter's Hall of Fame. One of the most underappreciated Bobby Darin albums and one of the most exciting to revisit.

© JT Griffith /TiVo