Album Review:

Robin Ward was actually session singer Jackie Ward who sang on countless songs throughout the 50s-70s including filling in for Natalie Wood on 'Sweetheart Tree.' 

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'Wonderful Summer' is just about the best summer ballad of the era. 'Johnny Come and Get Me' is very much in the vein of the title track and showcases Ward's vocals extremely well. 'Why Don't You Believe Me' is a perfect early-60s love song. Another highlight is 'I Will Love You,' and though not explicitly summer-y, the West Coast production that permeates the whole two minutes and twenty-one seconds makes this a sweet addition to any surf playlist. Both 'My Foolish Heart' and 'For All We Know' are two more great reinterpretations of classic tunes. 'Today I Fell In Love' is simply perfect.

If one were to grade the effectiveness of an album on its ability to transport the listener to a new place with cohesion, Wonderful Summer would have to be at the top of many from the period. It's a laidback, at times saccharine, but extremely pallet table collection that only gets better with repeated listens. This is a wistful, beautiful album that is a prize for many collectors. 

Wonderful Summer

Wonderful Summer / Moon River / I Could Have Danced All Night / Dream Boy / Johnny Come and Get Me / Why Don't You Believe Me? / I Will Love You / My Foolish Heart / Teach Me Tonight / For All We Know / Today I Fell In Love / Where The Blue Of The Night Meets The Gold Of The Day

Robin Ward

// 1963 on Dot Records (DLP-25555/ DLP-3555)