The Ink Spots - Torch Time (Expanded Edition) (2026)

unexpectedly powerful and human record, released well past the group's "If I Didn't Care" heyday. The album settles into a late-night, dim-lit, melancholic mood — perfect for sleepless hours and quiet reflection. The opener, "That's Where I Came In," sets a smooth, easy tone, and the group's signature velvety harmonies remain instantly recognizable. Standouts include "My Prayer," carrying a palpable ache, and "To Each His Own," which delivers genuine chills.

Not every track lands evenly: "Puttin' And Takin'" feels somewhat uneven, partly because the lead vocal here belongs to Deek Watson rather than the more familiar, polished voice of Bill Kenny — a point of debate among fans, though Watson's rougher delivery has its own appeal. "Driftwood" creates a slow, almost sleepy mood, while "Ev'ry Night About This Time" evokes the atmosphere of a 1940s film noir.

The production sounds thin in places — a reflection of 1958, when the group was racing to stay relevant as rock 'n' roll took over — but that rawness only adds authenticity, like a faded photograph pulled from a family album. "So Sorry" lands an unexpected emotional gut-punch, and "When The Swallows Come Back To Capistrano" is moving enough to bring tears. Meanwhile, "It's A Sin To Tell A Lie" feels somewhat by-the-numbers, and the arrangement on "A Lovely Way To Spend An Evening," despite a lovely melody, comes across as flat.

Overall, the album lands not as a technical triumph but as an honest, weary, deeply human statement from musicians who had endured lineup changes and legal battles over the right to the Ink Spots name, yet still sang with sincerity. It's a record of mood and quiet nostalgia — built for candlelight rather than fireworks.

Tracklist:
1-1 The Ink Spots - Ring, Telephone, Ring [3:11]
1-2 The Ink Spots - When The Swallows Come Back To Capistrano [2:58]
1-3 The Ink Spots - Driftwood [3:08]
1-4 The Ink Spots - It's A Sin To Tell A Lie [2:25]
1-5 The Ink Spots - Ev'ry Night About This Time [3:18]
1-6 The Ink Spots - When You Come To The End Of The Day [3:04]
1-7 The Ink Spots - To Each His Own (Single Version) [3:12]
1-8 The Ink Spots - My Prayer (Single Version) [3:16]
1-9 The Ink Spots - Puttin' And Takin' [2:53]
1-10 The Ink Spots - That's Where I Came In [2:49]
1-11 The Ink Spots - So Sorry [3:21]
1-12 The Ink Spots - A Lovely Way To Spend An Evening (Remastered 2001) [3:17]
1-13 The Ink Spots - What Can I Do [2:57]
1-14 The Ink Spots - This Is Worth Fighting For [3:02]