The Drifters, a name synonymous with soulful harmonies and genre-defining hits, have captivated audiences for decades. While their lineup has evolved over the years, their music remains timeless, with “Save The Last Dance For Me” standing out as perhaps their most iconic song. Released in 1960, this track not only topped charts but also cemented The Drifters’ place in music history. But the story behind this enduring classic and the album it headlined is richer and more complex than a simple chart-topper. Let’s delve into the legacy of “Save The Last Dance For Me” and explore the album that shares its name, uncovering the magic and the behind-the-scenes dynamics that shaped this era of The Drifters.
The Genesis of a Hit: Unpacking “Save The Last Dance For Me”
“Save The Last Dance For Me,” penned by the legendary songwriting duo Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman and produced by the equally iconic Leiber & Stoller, is more than just a song; it’s a narrative woven into melody. Its creation is steeped in personal experience and musical innovation. Doc Pomus, who used a wheelchair due to polio, reportedly conceived the lyrics while observing his wife dancing at their wedding reception in 1957. This poignant image of longing and possessiveness, wrapped in the guise of dance floor etiquette, gives the song its emotional depth.
Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, the songwriting duo behind "Save The Last Dance For Me", pictured together in a promotional shot showcasing their successful partnership in creating hit songs for the Drifters and other artists
Musically, “Save The Last Dance For Me” is a masterclass in blending soulful vocals, Latin-infused rhythms, and lush, schmaltzy strings. This formula, perfected by Leiber & Stoller, created a sound that was both sophisticated and deeply resonant with audiences. The song’s structure, with its catchy melody and clever use of internal rhymes, makes it instantly memorable and singable. Ben E. King’s soulful lead vocals, delivered before his official departure from The Drifters for a solo career, further elevate the track, imbuing it with a sense of both vulnerability and strength.
Thematically, “Save The Last Dance For Me” explores the complexities of relationships, jealousy, and unspoken boundaries. While seemingly about the joy of dancing, the lyrics carry an undercurrent of possessiveness (“don’t forget who’s taking you home and in whose arms you’re gonna be“). This tension between outward gaiety and inner longing is part of what makes the song so compelling and relatable, tapping into universal emotions about love and commitment.
“Save The Last Dance For Me” The Album: A Collection Reflecting Change and Continuity
The album Save The Last Dance For Me is not just a collection of songs capitalizing on the hit single’s success; it’s a snapshot of a transitional period for The Drifters. By the time the album was released, the group had already seen multiple lineup changes, particularly regarding lead vocalists. Ben E. King, the voice behind the title track and other early hits, had already embarked on his solo journey. This album captures both the tail end of the Ben E. King era and the beginning of the Rudy Lewis period, showcasing the group’s ability to adapt and maintain their signature sound despite personnel shifts.
The original review rightly points out the chronological jumble of tracks on the album, a common practice in the early days of LPs. This “randomization” can be slightly disorienting, but it also highlights the diverse sounds and styles The Drifters explored during this period. While “Save The Last Dance For Me” is undoubtedly the centerpiece, the album features a range of tracks that showcase the songwriting prowess of Pomus-Shuman, Goffin-King, and Bacharach, among others.
A Track-by-Track Glimpse: Highlights from the Album
While every track on the album contributes to its overall texture, some songs deserve particular attention for their individual merits and their place within The Drifters’ discography.
-
“Save The Last Dance For Me”: As discussed, the title track is a masterpiece. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its songwriting, production, and Ben E. King’s vocal delivery. It remains a staple in popular music and continues to resonate across generations.
-
“Nobody But Me”: The B-side to “Save The Last Dance For Me,” “Nobody But Me,” is arguably just as strong. Also written by Pomus and Shuman, it boasts a more overtly soulful and gospel-infused feel. King’s ecstatic vocal performance and the prominent string arrangement create a powerful and infectious track that arguably rivals the A-side in quality.
-
“I Count The Tears”: Another Ben E. King-led track from the vaults, “I Count The Tears,” showcases a different facet of The Drifters’ sound. With its melancholic pop sensibility, it leans slightly towards the sound of artists like Del Shannon, demonstrating the group’s versatility. The song’s harmonies and lyrical storytelling contribute to its enduring appeal.
-
“Some Kind Of Wonderful”: Marking the arrival of Rudy Lewis as lead vocalist, “Some Kind Of Wonderful” represents a shift towards a bouncier, more pop-oriented sound. Penned by Carole King and Gerry Goffin, this track, while perhaps less emotionally complex than some of the earlier hits, is undeniably catchy and romantic. It exemplifies the Brill Building sound that was becoming increasingly influential in pop music.
-
“Sweets For My Sweet”: Another Pomus-Shuman gem, “Sweets For My Sweet,” is an upbeat and playful track driven by a memorable piano riff. Its lightheartedness and infectious rhythm, enhanced by female backing vocals, make it a delightful and enduring tune. The Searchers’ cover version further cemented its place in pop culture.
-
“When My Little Girl Is Smiling”: Another Goffin-King composition, “When My Little Girl Is Smiling,” brought The Drifters back to the charts after a slight dip. Its blend of romantic pop and R&B rhythms, coupled with the unique use of harps in the arrangement, showcases the innovative production techniques employed by Leiber & Stoller and the evolving sound of The Drifters with Rudy Lewis at the helm.
The Drifters’ Enduring Impact: More Than Just a Name
The original review touches upon a crucial point: by this stage, “The Drifters” was arguably more of a brand than a band in the traditional sense. With frequent lineup changes and a focus on songwriting and production teams like Pomus-Shuman and Goffin-King, The Drifters became a vehicle for showcasing the talents behind the scenes at Atlantic Records.
The Drifters lineup featuring Rudy Lewis on lead vocals, pictured in a promotional image highlighting the group's polished stage presence and coordinated style during the mid-1960s
However, this “conveyor belt” approach, as the review suggests, was not necessarily detrimental. With talented individuals like Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller, Doc Pomus, Mort Shuman, Carole King, Gerry Goffin, and producers like Jerry Wexler and Ahmet Ertegun at the helm, the quality of the music remained consistently high. The Drifters, even as a somewhat fluid entity, consistently delivered hits that defined an era.
“Save The Last Dance For Me” and the album of the same name stand as testaments to this unique dynamic. They represent a blend of songwriting brilliance, production expertise, and vocal talent, even amidst change and evolution. The Drifters’ ability to navigate these transitions and continue producing timeless music is a significant part of their enduring legacy.
Conclusion: A Timeless Dance and an Enduring Sound
“Save The Last Dance For Me” is more than just a song title; it’s an invitation to reflect on a remarkable period in music history. The Drifters, through their ever-changing lineups and collaborations with some of the greatest songwriters and producers of the time, created a body of work that continues to captivate and inspire. The Save The Last Dance For Me album, while perhaps a product of its time in its album construction, is nonetheless a valuable collection that showcases the range and depth of The Drifters’ sound during a pivotal era. From the iconic title track to the lesser-known gems within, the album offers a rich listening experience and a deeper appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship that went into creating these timeless classics. “Save The Last Dance For Me” remains a cornerstone of The Drifters’ catalog and a testament to the enduring power of a perfectly crafted song.
