Album Review: Dietrich Live 1932-1952 by Marlene Dietrich
Marlene Dietrich’s Dietrich Live 1932-1952 is like stumbling into a smoky jazz club in the middle of the night, where time doesn’t exist and every note feels like it's meant just for you. Released under Wildebeest Maclon (a label that knows how to dig up gems), this album takes us through decades of her live performances, blending Schlager, Chanson, and Vocal styles with effortless charm. It’s not perfect—sometimes the recording quality dips here or there—but honestly? That just adds to its raw magic.
Now, let me tell ya about two tracks I can’t stop thinking about: "La Vie En Rose" and "Falling In Love Again."
First up, "La Vie En Rose." Oh man, if you’ve ever had one of those moments where everything feels golden—even for just a second—you’ll get why this song sticks. Dietrich sings it with this dreamy, almost lazy confidence, like she’s whispering secrets only you’re cool enough to hear. The version on this album has an intimacy that makes you feel like you're sitting right there in the front row, maybe sipping something strong while life slows down around you. And yeah, sure, Edith Piaf made this tune iconic, but Dietrich? She owns it in her own way—like borrowing your friend's leather jacket and making everyone think it was yours all along.
Then there’s "Falling In Love Again," which is basically THE Marlene Dietrich anthem. If you don’t know this track, do yourself a favor and fix that ASAP. Her voice slides over the melody like honey dripping off a spoon—smooth, sweet, but with a little bite when you least expect it. There’s something so timeless about how she delivers the line “I can’t help it”—it’s vulnerable yet totally unapologetic, like she’s daring you to try falling out of love after hearing her sing it. Plus, the reprise later in the album gives you another chance to fall head over heels all over again.
The rest of the album keeps things interesting too, mixing sultry ballads like "Je Sais Que Vous Etes Jolie" with sassier numbers like "You Little So And So." Honestly, it’s hard not to play DJ and imagine what each crowd must’ve been like back then—were they as mesmerized as we are now? Did they cheer louder after "Hot Voodoo?" Who knows!
Here’s the thing though—listening to Dietrich Live 1932-1952, you start to realize how rare it is to find someone who could pull off such different moods without missing a beat. One minute she’s breaking hearts; the next, she’s teasing you with playful banter. You kinda wish you could’ve seen her live, cigarette holder in hand, owning the stage like nobody else could.
And hey, random thought: isn’t it wild how music from nearly a century ago still hits differently today? Like, wouldn’t Marlene have killed it on TikTok? Imagine scrolling past a clip of her singing "Das Alte Lied" with some moody filter lighting her face… yeah, viral sensation for sure.
So grab yourself a copy of Dietrich Live 1932-1952. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to her world, this album reminds you why legends never really fade—they just keep finding new ways to stay unforgettable.
