Engelbert Humperdinck’s 1986 release, “Dream of Me”, might not be the song that first comes to mind when considering the singer’s long career. However, it serves as a significant marker of Humperdinck’s continued success in the world of adult contemporary music, or easy listening as it was often referred to in the 1980s.

By 1986, Humperdinck was already a household name. He had achieved international stardom two decades prior with his signature tune, “Release Me” (1966). Throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, he consistently produced hit songs and remained a popular act in Las Vegas and around the world. “Dream of Me” represents not just a single from a later album (Träumen mit Engelbert), but an ongoing artistic commitment to delivering the kind of romantic ballads that had made him famous.

The song itself, like many of Humperdinck’s recordings, is a collaboration. The music was written by Italian songwriting team Daniele Pace, Lucio Battisti, and Vito Pallavicini. English lyrics were provided by Norman Newell, a successful British songwriter who had previously collaborated with artists like Frank Sinatra and Cliff Richard. Geoff Love, a British musician and arranger who frequently worked in the easy listening genre, produced the track.

While not achieving the same level of chart success as some of Humperdinck’s earlier hits, “Dream of Me” became a popular addition to his live setlist. It served as a reminder of his ability to deliver tasteful ballads and solidified his place as a performer who could consistently croon his way into the hearts of his fans. The song became a staple of his later career, and continues to be embraced by fans for its unchangeably romantic tone.

Video: