Dream Lover


"Dream Lover" is a song written by American musician Bobby Darin; he recorded his composition on March 5, 1959, and released it as a single the following month. It was produced by Ahmet Ertegun and Jerry Wexler and engineered by Tom Dowd. The song has been widely covered by other singers.

Song background

In addition to Darin's vocal, the song features Neil Sedaka on piano. While recording it, Darin decided to stretch out some chord changes he found on the piano and add strings and voices. A picture sleeve, featuring a portrait of Darin, was also issued for this record in the U.S.

Chart performance

It was released as a single on Atco Records in the U.S. in 1959, and became a multimillion seller, reaching number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 for a week, number 4 on Billboards Hot R&B Sides chart, and number 5 in Canada. "Dream Lover" was kept from the number-one spot by "The Battle of New Orleans" by Johnny Horton. It did reach number 1, though, on the UK's New Musical Express chart for four weeks during July 1959. The song also reached number 5 on Norway's VG-lista, number 12 in Flanders, and number 21 in Wallonia.

Certifications

Cover versions

In 1961, Dion DiMucci released his version of "Dream Lover" on the album Runaround Sue. Thirty years later, he recorded a new version for the Hot Shots! soundtrack.
In 1964, the Paris Sisters released a version of "Dream Lover".
In 1971, Billy "Crash" Craddock released his version of "Dream Lover" as a single. Craddock's version reached number 1 on Cash Boxs Country Top 65 chart and Record Worlds Country Singles Chart, while reaching number 5 on Billboards Hot Country Singles chart. Craddock's version was included on his 1972 album You Better Move On.
In 1979, Ricky Nelson released a cover of "Dream Lover". His version reached number 29 on Billboards Adult Contemporary chart and number 59 on Billboards Hot Country Singles chart. He sang the song on his appearance on Saturday Night Live. Also in 1979, Australian Glen Shorrock of Little River Band covered it. It was in the Australian top 10 for 18 weeks that year.
Country music singers Tanya Tucker and Glen Campbell released a duet of "Dream Lover" on Tucker's 1980 album Dreamlovers.
In 2022, actress and singer Evan Rachel Wood released her version with her band EVAN + ZANE, included on their album Dream.