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**★★★★☆**

Before the British Invasion swept America off its feet, before Elvis gyrated his way into teenage hearts, and before Chuck Berry duck-walked across the stage, there was Antoine "Fats" Domino, tickling the ivories and laying down the blueprint for rock and roll from his home base in New Orleans. Released in 1956 on Imperial Records, "This Is Fats Domino!" arrived at the perfect moment – right when America was ready to embrace this revolutionary sound that had been bubbling up from the Crescent City's clubs and honky-tonks.

The album serves as both a declaration and a culmination, capturing Domino at the height of his early powers while introducing mainstream audiences to the infectious rhythms that had already made him a sensation in R&B circles. By the time this collection hit the shelves, Fats had already been churning out hits for Imperial since 1949, working alongside producer Dave Bartholomew to craft a sound that would prove absolutely essential to rock and roll's DNA.

What makes "This Is Fats Domino!" so compelling is how effortlessly it bridges the gap between rhythm and blues and the emerging rock and roll movement. Domino's approach was never about revolution through aggression – instead, he won hearts through sheer irresistibility. His piano playing, influenced by boogie-woogie masters like Albert Ammons and Pete Johnson, provided a rolling, infectious foundation that made it virtually impossible to sit still. Meanwhile, his vocals carried a warmth and charm that could melt the iciest of hearts, delivered with that distinctive New Orleans drawl that made every word sound like honey dripping from a spoon.

The album's crown jewel remains "Ain't That a Shame," a track that perfectly encapsulates everything magical about Domino's approach. The song's deceptively simple structure – built around that instantly recognizable piano triplet pattern – creates an irresistible momentum that sweeps listeners along for the ride. When Fats sings "You made me cry when you said goodbye," there's genuine emotion wrapped in that smooth delivery, proving that rock and roll could be both exciting and heartfelt. The song's crossover success, reaching both R&B and pop audiences, demonstrated the universal appeal of Domino's sound.

"Bo Weevil" showcases another side of Fats' artistry, taking a traditional folk song and transforming it through his distinctive New Orleans lens. The interplay between Domino's piano and the tight rhythm section creates a groove that's both familiar and revolutionary, while his vocal delivery adds layers of personality to the age-old tale. It's this ability to honor tradition while pushing boundaries that made Domino such a crucial figure in popular music's evolution.

The rollicking "Don't Blame It on Me" demonstrates the full power of the Imperial Records rhythm section, with Bartholomew's arrangements providing the perfect framework for Domino's exuberant performance. The song practically bounces off the speakers, driven by that characteristic New Orleans backbeat that would influence countless musicians in the decades to follow. Meanwhile, tracks like "Going to the River" reveal Domino's ability to slow things down without losing any intensity, his piano work becoming more contemplative while maintaining that essential groove.

What strikes you most about "This Is Fats Domino!" is how fully formed this sound already was by 1956. There's nothing tentative or experimental here – this is a master craftsman working at the peak of his abilities, supported by a crack band that understood exactly how to serve the songs. The production, handled by Bartholomew, strikes the perfect balance between clarity and warmth, capturing both the precision of the performances and the organic feel of the music.

The album's legacy cannot be overstated. These recordings helped establish the template for rock and roll piano, influencing everyone from Jerry Lee Lewis to Little Richard to Paul McCartney. More importantly, Domino proved that rock and roll could be joyous and inclusive, bringing together audiences across racial and cultural lines through the sheer power of irresistible rhythm and melody.

"This Is Fats Domino!" stands as a testament to one of rock and roll's true pioneers, capturing an artist who understood that the best way to start a revolution was simply to make people want to dance. In a genre often obsessed with rebellion and angst, Domino chose celebration – and the results remain absolutely timeless.