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It's nice to see Bette Midler putting her spin on an American classic after less-than-convincing detours through adult-contemporary cheese. This tribute focuses on Rosemary Clooney in the early to mid-1950s--so we don't get any of the fabulous Nelson Riddle material--but it's a fairly strong offering. It was produced and arranged by Midler's old musical director, Barry Manilow--who actually dueted with Clooney on a couple of songs in the 1990s and here replaces Bing Crosby on the duet "On a Slow Boat to China." Mostly, the CD is about hits: "Hey There" and "White Christmas" are done in straightforward manner, while Linda Ronstadt fills in for Rosemary's actual sister Betty on a slinky version of "Sisters." Happily, Midler plays "Come On-A My House" down instead of up (the old Bette would have milked its comic aspect) but the singer lets loose on "Mambo Italiano." That's pretty much the only time the Divine Miss M peeks out from behind Clooney's elegant persona, and it's a delight. --Elisabeth Vincentelli ... Read more

Reviews (186)

Bette pays tribute to the First Lady of Song - Rosie Clooney
This lovely album from Bette Midler is one of her best yet. Miss Midler pays loving tribute to legendary song stylist Rosemary Clooney in this collection of songs, produced by Barry Manilow.

Midler tackles Clooney standards like "This Ole House", "Tenderly", "Come On-a My House" and "Memories of You" with great skill. If there is one singer who has the chops to do these songs justice, it's Miss Midler.

Midler also does a beautiful rendition of THE PAJAMA GAME's ballad "Hey There", and joins Barry Manilow for the duet "On a Slow Boat to China". Linda Ronstadt joins Bette for "Sisters", the comical duet first introduced by Clooney in WHITE CHRISTMAS. Also from that memorable movie is the Title Song, sung by Midler in such a fashion that it makes the song new again.

Perhaps the one wrong number is "Mambo Italiano", which seems too overheated. And, at just over 30 minutes, the disc is a little brief.

However, this heartfelt tribute to the late Miss Rosemary Clooney is a delight, pure and simple. [COLUMBIA 5125062000]

Still Divine After All These Years!
A new recording by Bette Midler is alway a treat and will brighten up the dullest day. Here she sings the songs of another talented lady, Rosemary Clooney. Midler teamed up with Barry Manilow-- he sings on one cut with her-- to produce this lush tribute. Midler is backed up by an orchestra on most of the songs although when she sings "This Ole House", she is accompanied by a banjo, mandolin, bass, guitar and drums. This is probably my favorite song on the CD, one I hadn't heard since childhood when I believe Tennessee Ernie Ford recorded it. This is a great, catchy arrangement of that song. Something tells me "Sisters" with Linda Ronstadt is already a favorite in gay bars everywhere. There's also "Hey There", "Tenderly" and "In the Cool, Cool, Cool of the Evening." All too quickly Midler sings the finale Berlin's "White Christmas" and a beautiful concert is over.

Midler is as good as she ever was. Hearing this CD made me want to listen again to Rosemary Clooney. This very polished recording will bring you much pleasure.

SUPERB!
Words cannot describe Bette's rendition of Rosie's wonderful songs. I played it over and over again. If you loved Rosemary Clooney, you will love this CD. Buy it. You will not be sorry.

Wonderful!
A great CD. The song Bette sings with Barry Manilow, On a Slow Boat to China, is so fabulous that you'll want to play this CD over and over again!

You don't GET enough from BETTE!
I had this CD on my wish list from the time it was announced for release. I got it for a birthday present and played it at the party immediately upon ripping the package open. This CD is so short! Surely, Rosie made many more wonderful songs that Bette could have sung. This CD is 30 minutes long. There is not enough enjoyment to make it work the price. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Into Broadway's creative vacuum of revivals, movie adaptations, and Hollywood star vehicles comes Rent, the story of squatters, junkies, performance artists, struggling musicians, drag queens, aspiring filmmakers, and HIV-positives (and you thought Miss Saigon's helicopter landing was cool). Undoubtedly among the defining pop cultural events of 1996, Rent has already won four Tony awards and a Pulitzer Prize for Drama. More importantly, it threatens to bring substance back to the Great White Way.

Transposing Puccini's 100-year-old opera La Bohème into modern day Bohemia (19th-century Paris's Left Bank becomes late-20th-century New York's East Village where the scourge of tuberculosis becomes the plague of AIDS) Rent celebrates life among the young, sick, and unconventional. While Broadway shows are hardly the place for authentic portrayals of the latest marginalized hipsters, composer Jonathan Larson (who died at age 36, days before his musical opened) managed to sculpt vivid characters and scenes that bring Avenue A as close as it will ever come to 42nd Street. And by telling a socially relevant story of living without the guarantee of a future (renting, that is), Larson does his own little bit to define an X'ed generation. At worst, Rent is the Hair of the '90s.

For the majority of us who won't be seeing Rent anytime soon, the Original Cast Recording is more than just an after-show souvenir. Well-packaged with a complete libretto, the two-CD set is a worthwhile album separate of live performance. Full of songs that are funny and catchy, inspiring and touching, smart and hip and not overly sentimental, Rent mixes showtune pop with elements of rock, R&B, dance, gospel, and tango to make one of the best albums of the year--certainly the best rock opera in decades. La vie bohème, indeed. --Roni Sarig ... Read more

Reviews (482)

A Modern Musical
"Rent" is the realization of the brilliant Jonathan Larson's dream based on Puccini's opera La Boheme. Larson changed the way musicals are heard by providing rock music, and modern day topics. "Rent" deals with homosexuality, disease, and growing up in America. The story follows the lives of eight friends as they try to survive in New York's alphabet city as seen through the lead Mark's eyes. Through him, we see the relationship of the friends, and love blooming, and dying, between Roger and Mimi, Tom and Angel, and Maureen and Joanne. Ex-roommate, Benny is trying to evict Mark and Roger from their loft to build a cyber-arts studio, which would displace the homeless in the area. Add in the fact almost all of the characters have AIDS, the story borders on heavy.

The story is pretty good, and it turns into a good theatrical presentation, but Larson scores with the musical making the soundtrack worthwhile. There is the heavy rock beginning in the title track, and continues to rock on with songs like "Out Tonight", "Another Day" and "Today 4 U". These songs are well balanced with slower ballads like "One Song Glory" and "Goodbye Love", with everything falling between the two. "La Vie Boheme" is a great cast cut al la Billy Joel's "We Didn't Start the Fire." Larson was great at adding in humor to offset the depressing scenes throughout the story. The bonus to this album is the great Stevie Wonder sitting in with the cast for a cover of "Seasons of Love", which makes the album worthwhile all in its self.

After such a great musical, it was a shame to lose the talent of Larson. He was able to take theater to a new level, and introduce topics that have been avoided on mainstream stages. He really did bring the theater to the modern age with this musical. Add in great music, well-conceived lyrics, and a good story, it is well worth seeing live. The messages Larson tries to communicate are right on target. No day but today.

A Bohemian Masterpiece
Rent is one of the best musicals ever, and Jonathan Larson's songs are some of the most skillful and creative you'll ever hear on Broadway. He used gorgeous melodies, vocal harmonies, and chords to bring his amazing poetry to life. The soundtrack has a wide spectrum of music ranging from upbeat songs like the title song "Rent", "What You Own", and "La Vie Boheme", and simple yet gorgeous ballads like "Without You", "I Should Tell You", and of course "Seasons of Love". Some songs always make me laugh, like "Contact" or "Today 4 U", and others ALWAYS make me cry, like "Finale B". Larson's writing is so impressive too. For example "Light My Candle" seems to be (in my opinion) a metaphorical song about taking a risk to start a relationship. And the recurring festive carol-of-the-bums "Christmas Bells" theme maybe is an ironic contrast to the struggling characters lives. And the soundtrack is so complete: there are so many memorable quotes sung by memorable characters. The voices are awesome too, and the cast blends so beautifully. My personal favorite cast member is Anthony Rapp, who is the coolest guy ever and a great singer with a distinctly awesome voice. But all of the actors have awesome voices which bring Jonathan Larson's melodies to life. And if you listen closely, you will hear that Larson subtly incorporated these melodies into unlikely songs throughout the soundtrack, just as his modern-day themes are also expressed throughout. Is that a hint of "I Should Tell You" I hear in "Another Day"? Or do I hear a short piano rendition of "Sante Fe" in "La Vie Boheme" and its intruiging percussion in "You Okay Honey"? And the "No Day But Today" theme can be heard in "Life Support" and of course "Finale B" among others. This gives the soundtrack such a sense of unity, and helps illustrate the themes of Rent, like coping with AIDS, not conforming to society, and of course the ever-important love. In this way, all the songs seem to weave together to form the final texture that is Rent. In short, Rent is a skillful masterpiece full of passion, love, and hope. And its catchy songs make it the awesome musical that it is. The soundtrack is a must for music-lovers!

WOW!!! I THINK IT'S THE GREATEST MUSICAL EVER!!!!!
<br /><br /> Rent is like the greatest musical ever!! It has drama, comedy, and romance of course. Rent is a very touching musical! I haven't seen it yet but I am dying to see it! I can't name my favorite song because I love them all!!! Adam Pascal doesn't an incredible job as Roger! Adam Pascal has an amazing voice!! I am going to get is albums soon! Anthony Rapp is really great as Mark and I love his voice! I can't name my favorite character because they are all great!! I wish that the OBC was still doing the show! And I can't wait till the Rent movie comes out next fall or winter! Some of the OBC members will star in it -Anthony Rapp,Adam Pascal,Taye Diggs,Idina Menzel,and Jesse L.Martin are going to be in it!! Yay!! I Love Rent!!

POWERFUL
No words can express the meaning of this musical - the performers on the cast recording are excellent - the songs are heartfelt - nothing beats this one!

No day but, Today
After making the mistake of purchasing the highlights cd before the full cd, was my mistake. this album takes you to where by the end of both cd's you begin to look at things differently, even if for just a moment. The album is filled with voice talents that will undoubtably shape this generation of musical theatre. I feel confident if Johnathan Larson was to choose to change his fate and see his musical, he would choose to not change a single thing that has happened in the time Rent has been on Broadway. And Rent teaches that throughout the play. A deffinite must have for fans of Broadway Musicals ... Read more

Reviews (53)

The Magic of Disney
If you are a fan of Disney or of fluffy Broadway material there is no doubt you will love this CD. The songs from the original movie are mixed in with new songs that give the musical a bit more depth. The true standout job comes from then-broadway newcomer Susan Egan. She sounds very reminiscent of Paige O'Hara (animated version) yet brings a strength and beauty to the music that is refreshing. Her version of "Home" is good enough reason to buy this cd. Terrence Mann is also a wonder in this stellar cast. His version of "If I can't love her" adds depth to the beast while displaying the heart of his vocal talents. If the thought has ever crossed your mind to get this, then you should. It is well worth your time.

Good music, hurt by bad casting
Too bad Disney didn't have the original movie artists record this CD - the Broadway actors often sound contrived. Susan Egan as Belle especially makes me wish Paige O'Hara had reprised her role. Egan is given a beautiful new song all her own ("Home"), but often tries too hard and ends up sounding artificial to me. Gaston, too, was better in the movie; although "Me" is a good enough song that it masks his shortcomings, elsewhere he sounds like he's overacting. So does Terrence Mann as Beast. Though Robbie Benson had few lines to sing in the movie, I felt he rendered them much better than Mann - more naturally. My feeling is that the entire cast sounds as if it could lighten up a bit and just be themselves a bit more, and the whole thing would sound less like an obvious stage production and more like a story flowing out naturally.

Great addition
This soundtrack has all the great songs from the movie, and tons of new ones that were made just for the show. You wouldn't have needed to see the show to enjoy the music. My favorite addition is Home, which is a song Belle sings right after she gets to the castle. All the songs in this cd are worth listening to over and over again.

Amazing performances of amazing songs
"Beauty and the Beast" is the greatest love story ever told- in the best way a tale can be told! Susan Egan steals the show as Belle. I love the songs "Home" and "Me". I wish they'd been in the movie, Belle needed a solo song. Wonderful music from a wonderful Broadway show!

One of the best soundtracks ever!
This is one of my all-time favorite cd's. All of the classic songs from the movie are included plus many new ones. I have loved this cd, and all that it has to offer. Some of the new songs include a duet with Belle and her father, an arrogant song by Gaston, some songs sung by the beast, and many more! Overall I would definitly suggest this cd! ... Read more

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Over the course of six albums filled with her beautiful voice and thoughtful interpretations, singer Luciana Souza has landed two Grammy nominations and grabbed the attention of knowledgeable jazz and Brazilian music fans. Here she follows up her breakthrough album Duos with a second installment, this time again in intimate duo settings with different guitarists. Souza dwells in her voice's mid-range, seldom going particularly high or low, yet her inflections are as rich as a well-aged cabernet wine. While these nuances take a little time to pick up, Souza's technical facility is easily recognizable and impressive – her lightning fast scat on the new choro "Sambadalu (Para Luciana Souza)" is dazzling; her timing on the ballad "Modinha" is impeccable. Generally regarded a jazz singer because of her chops, Souza is really "beyond category" (to use an old Duke Ellington quote) for bringing Brazilian folk idioms into the jazz genre, and she doesn't do it any better than on Duos II. –-Tad Hendrickson ... Read more

Reviews (39)

Following in the footsteps of Bread
England Dan was actually Dan Seals, who eventually achieved success as a solo country singer in the eighties, and was also a cousin of Johnny Duncan, a country singer of the seventies. Another cousin, Troy Seals, became a successful songwriter. Dan's brother, Jim, was one half of Seals and Croft. In contrast, John Ford Coley was a classically trained piano player. They met in the sixties but they had no real success until 1976, when this collection of their music begins.

Their first and biggest hit, I'd really love to see you tonight, was the sort of song you might expect to hear from Bread. It reached number two in the American pop charts. The follow-up, Nights are forever without you, also made the top ten. Despite this promising start, they only had a few more hits. We'll never have to say goodbye again and Love is the answer both made the top ten. It's sad to belong and Gone too far made the top thirty. What can I do with this broken heart just made the top fifty. In Britain, their chart record was almost non-existent.

This collection contains all their pop hits, plus the best of their other music, including a couple of singles that were minor hits on the adult contemporary chart. They split in 1980, after which Dan was a successful country singer, but that music is outside the scope of this collection. John has done little of note since the split.

England Dan and John Ford Coley made some great music that should appeal to fans of Bread in particular, but also to fans of great seventies pop music in general.

'70's AOR/Pop At Its Finest!
If you were near a radio in the late '70's, then chances are, you were bombarded by the latest hit single from England Dan & John Ford Coley. This collection of their very best hits contains some of their most memorable songs: Their first and follow-up singles "I'd Really Love To See You Tonight" and "Nights Are Forever Without You". ED & JFC also struck it rich with the following: "We'll Never Have To Say Goodbye Again", "Gone Too Far", "It's Sad To Belong" and "Love Is The Answer". But, not only do you get the above mentioned AOR/Top 40 songs featured here, you also get the country-esque "Lady" and "Showboat Gambler", including a little disco flavor in "What Can I Do With This Broken Heart", as well as many other hidden gems performed in a style that only England Dan & John Ford Coley can muster. Dan Seals, without the "England", would later find success on the country charts in the mid-'80's, both as a solo and as a duet artist with songs such as "Meet Me In Montana" (with Marie Osmond) and "Bop". As for John Ford Coley, last I heard, he was selling used cars in Podunksville, Texas, although I could very well be wrong, which I am! Even though JFC may no longer be involved with the music business today, he sure left behind a lot of good music during his brief partnership with (England) Dan Seals (whose brother is Jim Seals of "Seals & Crofts", who had a plethora of early '70's pop hits as well). "The Very Best Of England Dan & John Ford Coley" is a very suitable and soothing collection of songs for any connoiseur of this style of music to have in their collection(s). But, like all good things, this CD won't be around forever. So you better purchase this priceless gem of must-have songs before it becomes a thing of the past. Buy yours today!

good CD !
These guys wrote and performed some of the most memorable and widely played songs of the 70s.Their songs might seem sappy by todays standards,but back in the romantic 70s they were the best.When I was courting my wife back then we always listened to england dan and john ford coley..and paul davis too!

Five stars w/o the "help" of England Dan
I always thought this would have been the perfect album without the meddling of England Dan. His constant blocking of the limelight that was meant for John Ford Coley blots out what could have been a truly cosmic listening experience.

Nothing like time traveling back 25 years.
This is good stuff. I forgot how haunting "Soldier in the Rain" was... and still is.

Would that someone would still make this kind of music. Beats all the "I'm mad at the world, I'm gonna kill my mother" nonsense out there. ... Read more

Album Description

This is a new recording with a great cast, under the direction of Michael Lavine, of the Tony Award winning musical Wicked.This album contains two Cds.The first disc has the cast singing the songs of the show, and the second disc has just the orchestra for you to sing with.In addition,this album contains "No One Mourns the Wicked" as well as "Something Bad." In this version of "No One Mourns the Wicked" you have material found ONLY in the Broadway show. ... Read more

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Bathroom escapades aside, there's no denying that George Michael has been responsible for some of the biggest party jams of the '80s and '90s. Have you ever noticed what happens to a room when "Faith" erupts from the speakers? Aside from the funk-fueled "Fastlove," the material from his most recent album, Older, is well and truly overshadowed here by the megahits from days gone by. The first disc starts off slow, with "Careless Whisper" and his remake of "I Can't Make You Love Me" the only real high points among otherwise bland ballads. It's disc 2 that exudes the essence of Michael, with "Fastlove," "Too Funky," and "Freedom 90" providing a nonstop dance-athon, and "I Want Your Sex" and "Faith" picking up the slack. The package also includes his rather unexciting (but hugely popular) duets with Queen and Elton John, his perfect pop pairing with Aretha Franklin, and two new tracks. Set aside some serious time for this one, folks. The hits don't stop. --Rebecca Wallwork ... Read more

Reviews (194)

Awesome 2 CD Collection of Hits and New Songs
'Ladies and Gentlemen: The Best of George Michael' is an awesome 2 CD collection of hits and new songs. The 1st CD - FOR THE HEART - is dedicated to his late mother Lesley. George Michael reveals his soul with honest lyrics of love, relationships, hope and despair. Among the tracks are a new song, 'A Moment With You' and the lush 'Desafinado' with Astrud Gilberto, taken from the aids awareness charity CD 'RED HOT AND RIO.' The 2nd CD - FOR THE FEET - is a collection of up tempo and dance tracks. (Gotta Get Up to Get Down!) Unfortunately, only the international version features the fantastic cover of the Stevie Wonder song 'As' with Mary J. Blige. (I purchased the import.) Each CD has it's own lyric and photo book filled with 26 wonderful photographs spanning George Michael's career. Like his influences, Elton John, Stevie Wonder and Queen, Michael truly has the gift of writing lyrics and delivering vocals that evoke incredible emotion from the listener. This compilation is a must-have for George Michael fans and lovers of music alike.

Stunning collection showcases an amazing talent
Recipe for a must-have CD: Start off with classic pop hits like "Careless Whisper," "Faith," "Father Figure," and "Freedom 90." Add a handful of great material that SHOULD have been hits, like "Hard Day," "Heal the Pain," "Waiting for That Day" and "Spinning the Wheel." Add a couple of tasty remixes for "Monkey" and "Star People." Sprinkle a dash of rarely-heard treats like "Desafinado" with Astrud Gilberto and a fine rendition of the otherwise overdone "I Can't Make You Love Me." Toss in a flawless pair of new tunes in the form of the sultry ballad "A Moment With You" and the disco-happy "Outside." Throw it all together with gorgeous pictures, give it a pricetag under $20, and Presto! The perfect Christmas gift for fans of soulful pop, not to mention the perfect impulse buy for yourself. Pop either entertaining disc into your CD player and listen to it cook for over an hour. It confirms that George Michael is one of the most talented and endearing pop performers of our times. WARNING: Discs will inspire multiple listenings.

OK CD
Sorry after the first 4 songs the album is a waste of money. All the rest are just boring copies of each other.

Pure Genius
If you are a fan...you must have this collection. He is a true talent on just about any genre his vocals touch.

His best, and then some.
When it comes to pop, "George Michael" is one of my favorites, and even though these 2 discs are great, I think 1 disc would have been excellent. I mean, up to this point, he did have only 3 albums out. It could have been a flawless 18 track disc. Anyway, more is better right. Disc 1 has the ballads like "Jesus To A Child", "Careless Whisper", "Father Figure", and "Praying For Time". Disc 2 has the upbeat tracks "Too Funky", "Freedom 90", "Monkey", and "Outside". Plus there's numerous covers and duets, and all pretty good. My only complaints, there's no "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go", and the version of "I Want Your Sex" isn't the single version. Otherwise, this should be all the "George" the casual fan could want. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Doubters who expect little from Celine Dion but turgid ballads will be surprised by her return to recording after several years. On A New Day Has Come, the big production numbers most associated with the Canadian superstar's name ("My Heart Will Go On," "Because You Loved Me") are evoked by the two versions of "I Surrender" and somewhat lifeless covers of "At Last" and "Nature Boy." At the same time, though, Dion shows her willingness to stretch on the classic-house homage "Sorry for Love" and the unavoidably catchy "Right in Front of You" and "Ten Days." The album's unexpected, often low-key production allows Dion to emote in a straightforward way that gracefully skirts the chest thumping of past days, and the relative subtlety works in her favor. Still, New Day will hardly prove a shocker for her many fans. Crowning the conservative Dion a forward-thinking diva seems a bit premature, but this agreeable record opens the door to such a possibility. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (308)

A New Day Indeed!
I came in with fairly high expectations for Dion's new CD, and was amazed that it was even better than her Grammy-winning Falling Into You album (which I had considered her very best until this one)!

The songs sound pretty different from her usual ballad style:

The 2 opening songs - "I'm Alive" and "Right in Front of You" - sound so refreshing that one feels like standing in front of an ocean and feeling the breeze. The melodies are catchy and upbeat. The same can be said of "A New Day Has Come" - both the slow and radio versions are wonderfully done.

The slow songs in the album are sheer beauty - just listen to "Have You Ever Been in Love" and "Goodbye".

My favorite though is the passionate "I Surrender" - it's so emotionally powerful that one day you'll hear this song and cry your eyes out!

"Sorry for Love" is another favorite of mine - a fast track showcasing Dion's absolutely amazing vocals!

And don't miss out on "Prayer" - a warm, unassuming song that'll grow on you.

Pretty much every single song in this album is highly listenable (I guess that's what happens when you have 1,000 songs written for you each year to choose from!!), and I've been listening to the whole CD again and again and again and again and again ... This CD is well worth the 2-year wait ...

great comeback album
After being absent from the music scene for several years,Celine is back with this great collection of upbeat tracks and her signature ballads. The first time I listened to the album many of the songs didn't appeal to me. But this is the kind of album which gets better with each listen. A New Day Has Come is probably most similar to her Let's Talk About Love album in terms of its variety of sounds. My main reason for buying the album is for her single, the title track A New day Has Come which is getting plenty of airplay. There are plenty of other good songs to listen to such as Right In Front of You (I think this should be her next single released and it is my 2nd favorite song on the album), I'm Alive ( a very positive and uplifting song), I Surrender (the power ballad), Goodbye's the Saddest Word ( a slower, non-ballad piece), and the fast paced tracks Sorry for Love and When The Wrong One Loves You Right. I think Aun Existe Amor feels out of place on this album and is better suited to be on one of her French albums instead. Didn't care too much for the two covers of At Last and Nature Boy. Also I liked the song Ten Days though many people didn't care for it probably because it is a different sound for her. Overall, Celine's vocals are much more tightly controlled and she doesn't seem to have to strain very voice as much. I have almost all of her albums so if you are a true Celine fan go out and get this album. You won't be disappointed.

does she never give up
What so special about Celine? please tell me because I sure don't know. She's has a powerful so what,her songs are boring and why does she never give up. I will not buy this piece of crap sorry but I won't. Avoid this at all cost folks.

wonderful
What a performance, This women is the most outstanding and down to earth talant I think I have ever heard , being a club owner I think she has the range to do anything she wants probably better then the original artist. And with style and class

Utterly Relaxing
Celine Dion is one of my favorite singers and she outdid herself in this album. This is the album that I listen to when I am sad, for it uplifts my spirits. The usual songs I play when I am like this are "I'm Alive" because of its inspirational nature, and "Right in Front of You" because it helps me look past my sad emotions and know that things will get better so keep fighting.

When I need to have a zesty song when I exercise, I listen to "Rain, Tax" and "Ten Days." They all have great upbeat tempos. And when I need soft songs to lull me to sleep, I use "Have You Ever Been in Love" and my most favorites of all, "A New Day Has Come" (both versions).

All the songs on her album are great but these are just particularly special to my heart. I listen to the whole CD ten times a week just to relax me. Everyone would love Celine Dion's different styles of singing in all her songs. I know I do. ... Read more

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From his earliest days with the Three Irish Tenors, Tynan has harked back to sentimental forebears like John McCormack and Frank Patterson, who were wonderfully secure-voiced singers and musicians of remarkable taste and tact. But he also exemplifies the kind of theatrically brash, light "classical" singing made famous by the original Three Tenors, which in turn broke ground for popular sensations like Charlotte Church, Andrea Bocelli, and Sarah Brightman. His program this time out ranges from Broadway, to the pulpit, to unabashed pop. He commences with a selection from Man Of La Mancha, which only proves that the composer had good reasons for writing the character of Don Quixote as a baritone. Despite the reverb-enhanced recording, Tynan's nasal enunciation and pitch problems are distracting and the orchestra and other accompanying musicians sound a bit distant. But fans of the artist will revel in Tynan's headlong versatility and engaging, sunny charm. --Christina Roden

Recommended Similar Titles

Ellis Island	The Irish Tenors	My Life Belongs to You
Remembrance	We Three Kings	Rough Guide to Irish Music

... Read more

Reviews (24)

Good but far from great
This cd is only good it could have been alot better.Ronan has a nice voice but he get's a bit nasely on many of the song's.Some of the songs are kind of boring.

OUTSTANDING!
This is the best of Ronan! His wonderful voice is heaven to listen to as always, but on this album his warm, engaging personality comes shining through. This music will touch your heart and make your spirits soar though wide rang of emotions. From the rousing,rocking "Man of La Mancha" to the inspirational "How Great Thou Art" to the honest, deeply touching tributes to his parents,"The Old Man", and "Passing Through" . I haven't been able to stop listening to it since I got it. This album is well worth you time and money, I highly recommend it. You'll get endless hours of listening pleasure.

Also Recommended: DVD-The Impossible Dream -Ronan Tynan . He's a joy to watch too!

A Voice From The Heart
Ronan Tynan's third solo CD has the potential to add his name to the list of world renownedartists who are know only by their first names like Bono, Madonna and Cher.The CD, self-titled Ronan which catapulted onto the music scene on March 1, 2005, has begun its steady climb to the top of music charts.This eclectic selection of songs has something for all musical tastes.Tynan has included opera and spiritual selections, as well as several love songs and familiar contemporary songs with new arrangements.The song list contains a few Tynan standards such as "The Old Man" and "Man of La Mancha", as well as some new selections that showcase the powerful tenor's exceptional voice.Over the past three or four years, in both his CDs and concert appearances, Tynan has paid tribute to the parents that gave him the strength and determination to overcome many obstacles he has faced both as a young boy and as a man.In Ronan, he has included two songs for his parents. "The Old Man", dedicated to his father, tells of the relationship that was more than just father and son, one that was also a deep friendship.One of the most poignant songs in the collection is "Passing Through", which Tynan co-wrote with composer Margaret Byrne.This song, written for his mother, speaks of how a family must watch and cope as a loved one succumbs to Alzheimers Disease. Both are personal and moving tributes. Ronan demonstrates Tynan's range and vocal talent, from the power of his voice and his outstanding vocal control in the more sacred songs such as "How Great Thou Art", which not only raises the rafters but the hairs on your arms as he hits those final notes, to his soft approach to the contemporary selections including the newly recorded "Ellie", and the lovely "Come in From the Rain", both personal favorites of mine.

There is only one thing better than Ronan, the new CD from tenor Ronan Tynan, and that is having the pleasure of seeing and hearing him in person!

Ronan, A must have
For all you fans of Ronan Tynan this newest album of his is a must
have.Everyone I've shown it to has really liked it.
So hurry and buy a copy today!

Ronan, New cd by Ronan Tynan
I preordered Ronan Tynan's new CD "Ronan" in February, release date was March 1st. I received my much anticipated CD last week and have not been able to stop listening to it. I really should have purchased two CD's, one for my home and the other for my car. Once again Ronan has delivered and then some, this cd runs the gammet of emotions, from his rousing rendition of "Man of La Mancha" to the very sad "Passing Through", which is a beautifully written tribute to his mother who suffers from Alzheimer's disease. On a dreary day when one's spirits are low I strongly suggest listening to this wounderful CD, it will surely gladden your heart.
MConnolly ... Read more

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Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat completed the transition from cantata for schoolkids to big-budget glitzfest with Steven Pimlott's 1991 London revival.Here's the 1992 Canadian version of that show, and even if it's not an ideal recording--Janet Metz as the narrator is no match for Laurie Beechman in the original Broadway cast and there's a little too much synthesizer in the orchestrations--this CD is valuable for the performance of former teen pop idol Donny Osmond as the title character.He's in excellent voice, and was so right for the role that he was selected to preserve it for the 2000 video production.And of course the songs are still here, showcasing Rice's witty lyrics and Lloyd Webber's chameleon tendencies--dabbling in country, calypso, French caf&eacute;s, and a King-like pharaoh--as well as favorites "Any Dream Will Do," "Close Every Door," and "Go, Go, Go Joseph."This production also includes the "Joseph Remix" (also known as the "Joseph Megamix"), a nine-minute medley of themes arranged with a heavy beat that was used for a kind of onstage aerobics routine as the show's postscript. --David Horiuchi ... Read more

Reviews (50)

The best recording of the show yet!
Laurie Beecham's narrator on the original broadway cast is still the best out there, but Janet Metz comes in a VERY close second. Donny Osmond is the best joseph! He makes everyone else sound "second rate". When i first heard of this musical, i expected it to be very offensive to catholics ( and others ) who know the biblical version of joseph's coat of many colors. BUT: Mr. Webber has put the show together with such care that it truly is a "family show". Even my grandparents (who are devout catholics) loved the show when they saw it. The music is great, the costumes are great, the performers are great, and above all- you can't lose with a story like this. You need only buy 1 joseph cd, this one. Enjoy!

Osmond shines in Canada's "Joseph"
I have to admit, I purchased the CD of this version of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" mainly out of curiosity over Donny Osmond's performance as Joseph. Well, he is superb. His voice is clear and strong, and he delivers outstanding renditions of the character's songs. The rest of the cast in this, the 1992 Canadian version of this musical play, also does a fine job.

"Joseph," with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, is a consistently entertaining CD. The lyrics re-tell the story of the biblical patriarch Joseph (found in Genesis 37-45), and Rice sticks remarkably close to the source material. "Joseph" has many inventive and humorous touches (such as making the Pharaoh sing his part a la Elvis Presley, or having Joseph's brothers break out into a calypso song).

"Joseph" works because of its combination of a compelling story, clever lyrics, and superb music. If you have heard other CD versions but have not listened to this one, check it out.

Donny Osmond is a perfect Joseph
I must admit, my sister and I went to see "Joseph" when it was in Boston a few years ago, mainly because we had childhood crushes on Donny Osmond! I absolutely loved the show. Donny Osmond was just fantastic in this role and the songs seem to be made for his voice. Whoever thought of casting him was right on. This CD is one you will sing along to while in the car, and even my 2 year old loves the music.

It's ok
my name is Tyson. I'm 16 and have a passion for music. Donny Osmond is by far the best Joseph I have heard out of all the cast recordings. However, I don't care much for the Canadian cast, especially Janet Metz the narrator. Her voice actually starts to annoy me. I think the best narrator is from the l.a. cast. My school is doing Joseph right now, tomorrow night is the last two performances. I am the lightboard operator so I have heard it at least 16 times from our school's cast. My friend Matt definately does an incredible job as Joseph and the best high school OR college Joseph I have heard through my years of ushering and tech for the different shows.

The Best Cast Recording Overall
This is the best overall cast recording of the three revival cast recordings available. After hearing (and seeing in Toronto Canada) Donny Osmond as Joseph, you won't want to hear anyone else in that role. I have all the other recordings of this show, and this is by far the best recording. True, the orchestrations are a bit electronic sounding, but then again, this is Andrew Lloyd Webber and the orchestrations make the best of the available instrumentation. The songs are uncomplicated, the lyrics are playful and witty. Janet Metz as the narrator can be a little wearing on the ears after awhile, but I personally like her performance the best of the three revival casts. The American cast with Michael Damian in the lead is a joke. And the British revival cast recording is mixed differently so that all of the performers seem to be soft and lost within the orchestra. If you want just one cast recording of Joseph, this one is the one to get! ... Read more

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The manipulation of classic jazz tracks has been part of DJ club culturesince the '80s, as artists have continually scratched, looped, and sampled beatsand phrases. Verve Remixed has been in the planning stages for years,with in-house producers inviting an international cast of remix artists toselect songs from the label's vaults. The results are often tremendouslysuccessful, as the remix artists have picked up and expanded upon elementsalready present in the original. The funky Latin beat ofWillie Bobo's "SpanishGrease" gets new life fromRichard Dorfmeister,along with a prominent new bass line. Similarly, King Britt pumps up the Indianelements of Tony Scott's"Hare Krishna."dZihan and Kamien'strance remix (with tabla drums) ofBillie Holiday's "Don'tExplain" is among the most arresting tracks, creating psychodrama betweenHoliday's original vocal and the new environment.Nina Simone's voiceseems tailor-made for this approach, as if it has always cried out for thelayered rhythmic emphasis.Masters at Work's takeon her "See-Line Woman" is electric in its intensity--cool flute sonorities andmetallic percussion embrace and catapult the original vocal into a new presence.--Stuart Broomer ... Read more

Reviews (58)

Nueva Verve
After listeninig and comparing this dj project to the original recording on the Verve Unmixed LP--- I've got to absolutely declare... Verve Remixed is Amazing!! This astonishing dj project takes some of the hottest house producers and victoriously salutes the art of verve culture! The first and most amazing track has got to be the opening track--- the Willie Bobo remix is incredible. This track is completely uplifting! Mj Cole gives the How Long Has This Been Going On classic a new theme with his poppy almost playful beat. This is no longer a sad song-- but it is still the voice and the notes you have grown to love from this soulful singer. You get the picture. Verve Remixed continues... If you are a jazz lover, a deep house, or lounge music lover --- you have to check this cd. You will love it! Verve Remixed is a CD for the new breed of jazz lovers. Once you bring the legendary voices of coveted jazz singers Astrud Gilberto, Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald, and others into your cypher you wont want their voices to leave! You'll be off curiously buying the Verve Unmixed and then you'll be in search of other Desert Island Discs. This upbeat CD puts a new swing on the classic jazz style. A Must Buy-No Doubt!

A Cosmopolitan, a few friends and just kick back
Loving most of these tracks in the original form I approached this CD with anticipation but at the same time with trepidation. Too often we hear the classics remixed but to what purpose. However, this CD seems to add a layer to the tracks that not only maintains the purity of the original but lifts them into a different sphere.

Nina Simone's See-Line Woman (remixed by Masters at Work) and Dinah Washington's Is You Or Is You Ain't My Baby (remixed by Rae & Christian) enter a whole new dimension of electronica and beats whilst maintaining the integrity of the diva's vocals and nuances. The amazing pair of Rob Garza and Eric Hilton from Thievery Corporation have always defined cool for me and with their remix of Astrud Gilberto they don't disappoint. Joe Clausell's remix of Nina Simone singing Feelin' Good would have to be the funkiest chilled track of the year. That haunting piano remains with a backing of electonic funk. This is a great album for chill out Sunday's, friends for brunch, coming down from Saturday night or just you at home alone with a Cosmopolitan. A must have for fans of Verve and some of todays masters of remix.

Balance
It seems that there are three types of people who purchased this CD.

1. The Jazz fanatic who ends up hating it because the work is not in tack or the artist vocals where rewroked.

2. The uneducated "Techno" (Its a genre of edm not a generalization of edm folks) fan who doesn't get or appreciate the beauty of the classic jazz tracks.

3. The heads who get jazz and understand the mantra like qualities of EDM.

The remixes on this album are mostly fantastic, some are creative and dont hold to a pop format which makes them more uncomfortable than the standard "song"

If you are someone who read Kerouac in high school or university, dug nina and ella and monk and davis and mingus and then discovered the New Jazz (EDM and IDM) then buy this CD. If you are in either of the 2 catagories of uneducated techno fan or old school jazz purist you may have to open you mind to get the beauty of this piece.

Awesome
This is a great album. House meets old jazz. Great energy but also mellow. Get it, it's great!!!

JAMMIN @$$ CD!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Verve Remixed Volume 1 is the BOMB!!! I bought Volume 2 first and thought it was the shiz-nit, but Volume 1 is just as good if not better. I absolutely love the the blend of [nice] vocals from the legendary Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Carmen McRae, Dinah Washington and Nina Simone with the electronica (if you will) of today's contemps like MJ Cole, The Dorfmeister, Thievery Corporation, De-Phazz, Rae and Christian, Tricky, Joe Clausell and others. This is a very ambitious series that I doubt will end soon, and may even generate other compilations of its ilk. Well done mixing from all involved! ... Read more

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With a sound made up of equal parts bossa nova and classic chanson transported almost unchanged from the 1960s, plus American jazz, Argentinean Tango, bal musette and the Manouche swing made famous by Django Reinhardt, Paris Combo undeniably personifies that city's aesthetic. French music and film tend to share an elegant, humorless, surreal, coolly theatrical artificiality so ingrained that observed or remembered passion becomes more seductive than the real thing. Style-over-substance is merely a different reality, no less involving than daily life. The band's membership includes a guitarist from Madagascar, a keyboardist/trumpeter from Australia, a French drummer and a French-Algerian guitarist, each of whom contribute whimsical, cosmopolitan images from their own travels. Bandleader-singer Belle du Berry's lyrics are wry metaphors, in which estrangement, loss and desire are experienced in nightclubs under the light of pink lampshades and each carefully posed film-noir frame is wreathed in expensive perfume and cigarette smoke. --Christina Roden ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Solid Album
This is an amazing album.I heard it in a store and said:

1.This is really unique.
2.What are they singing?

The entire album has a retro sound, it's also sung in French.Like most French things, this album is really unique, to the point that it is incredibly quirky.The cover says a lot, with its broad palette of colors, which is representative of the music.I think of it as music that would be playing in a Le Corbusier house with the owner's Citroen (DS) parked in the driveway to boot.

The music itself on this album is what really caught my ear on first listen.Lots of piano, strings and Spanish/ Gypsy guitar make for a varied mix.It reminds me of the Squirrel Nut Zippers and Combustible Edison, but does not sound exactly like either of them.The sound reminds me more like the 30s, unlike the 60s listed in the editorial review posted here.Some songs are downright manic, while others are slow, some sound like they're out of a Broadway musical and some are just plain quirky.

Belle du Berry is a really cool singer.She does all kinds of neat things in her vocal delivery.Sultry lyrics, to hilarious manic repetitions (Baguee).I bet you haven't heard a singer like her too many times before.

This is one album I can listen to without skipping tracks.There's no filler and thus it makes a great addition to a mature individual's music collection.Pick it up.

An enchanting release to relax with or hold your lover by!
Motifs by Paris Combo is one of those comparatively rare CDs you CAN truly relax with--just pop it in and pour yourself a nice glass of wine--and ENJOY! These French songs are creative, soothing (even when discussing sad times, a real feat) and just plain great to listen to. This group of band members from several different countries works hard and they won't fail you with this release.

Another tip: If you like groups like Pink Martini, then you'll REALLY like this album! Their work is every bit as elegant-and just like Pink Martini, and the group is made up of persons from all over the world. This careful arrangement of members and the thoughtful songs they give us make for a particularly pleasing experience.

Now for the songs: It's hard to say definitively which song is my favorite; they all are very well done. One thing is clear, however, the last track, entitled "Je Ne Sais Qui Fumer," is superb! The melody and vocals are just right. Another reviewer put it well when they wrote that the music "(is) jazzy, swing-y, loungy, a little bit Edith Piaf-y." Anything "Edith-Piaf-y can't go wrong! The songs "Discordance" and "Etoile Pâle" were also particularly special in my opinion.Another point: The songs reflect a fanciful and sophisticated image as well.

Even if you don't know French you will notice the elegance and the thoughtfulness of this group on this CD. The sounds of the French language coupled with the carefully arranged music provide the listener with a great experience. You will pick up on the elegance of the CD song tracks and you won't regret adding this CD to your collection!

Now this is an exciting release!
This group defines energy and melding of styles and genres and just lovin' makin' music together.This is eclectic and fun AND it's a big seller.There might be hope for the music industry yet.I'm loving this.

Brilliant
Paris Combo is fantastic.Having just seen them live last night in Chicago, they are every bit as good in the flesh.They are witty and urbane, but unpretentious at the same time.Most importantly the music is fantastic.I don't think I've ever heard a bad song from them.How many groups can you say that about?

I know I should say something specific about the music, but I really don't know how to categorize it.It's jazzy, swing-y, loungy, a little bit Edith Piaf-y.Decide for yourself.

They had people dancing in the aisles.If Paris Combo does not find great success in the music world, it will be a shame.

Magnifique!!!
A website that has a story about this album categorize it as "World" music. It truly is. A dash of many genres are mixed into this album. If you want to try something non mainstream, I believe this is the one that you should try. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Satisfactory SACD
Overall, I found the sound in this SACD to be very good, as expected. The sorround sound is very well done, and Karen's voice is presented clearer than ever.
I have to disagree with some other opinions expressed here. For instance, I read beforehand that the album should have been called "remixes", and that "Superstar" was a particular case of "new version". Reading that, I thought I was going to hear a very altered version of that song and everything else. But to my surprise, "Superstar" sounded as faithful as the original, within the circumstances (all mixes for 5.1 imply some changes in the original stereo output, no matter how careful they have been to keep the original sound. In this SACD, you will notice stronger bass and drums in the songs). I agree that in the final part, "Superstar" may seem to have lost the sound in the drums that we somehow are used to hear now (mostly because it's a different "take" of drums), but that way this song's sound is closer to the original version that appeared in the original LP in 1970. And by the way, this is the first time in a long while that this song isn't crossfaded with "Rainy days and Mondays". In fact, no songs are crossfaded, they are complete.
My only 2 complaints would be that "All you get from love is a love song" has been left out. Being a song with a "faster" tempo, it would have provided balance to a compilation full of ballads. And it would have been interesting to hear it in sorround mix, because of its instrumentation. And my other complaint is that the grand chorus in the end of "Calling Occupants" is barely heard, when I hoped that in the new mix was something that I was going to hear louder and all around me.
Those minor complaints make me rate this compilation with 4 1/2 stars, downgraded to a 4 because there's no half star qualification. If you like the songs listed, consider this SCAD rated 5 for you. :-)

A Remixed SACD
I really like this SACD very much! I would buy it again in a heartbeat. But, the songs don't sound exactly like I remember them. Although they sound excellent, and I love the crystal clear surround sound, the songs seem to be remixed so that when you are listening, and simultaneously replaying what you remember in your own mind, they don't sound exactly the same. Nevertheless, this release is highly recommended! Like so many other out there, I always anxiously await all new SACD releases in the rock and easy listening categories. There just aren't enough of them which probably accounts for the fact that they aren't selling as many of them as they would like...

I have to disagree. . .
I'm afraid I can't be as thoroughly enthusiastic about this title as other reviewers seem to be. I was hoping for a revelatory listening experience, but was disappointed. Yes, spreading the arrangements out over 5.1 channels DOES help you hear all of the instruments and voices more effectively. Yes, taken on its own, this SACD is pretty impressive. BUT, it's IN COMPARISON that it doesn't stand up very well.

There are two major problems with this release, in my opinion.

The first is the remixes that were done a couple of years ago by Richard Carpenter. He does, of course, have the right to remix his own work. Absolutely. BUT, if you are going to call the disc "SINGLES" then I don't think it's unreasonable to expect to hear a mix very similar to what we heard when the record was first released all those years ago. Case in point: SUPERSTAR. One of the most memorable parts of the instrumentation for me has always been the cymbal at the beginning - that "chick-chick-chick" sound. Well, it's so far down in the mix that you can barely hear it. Also, the bass is punched up a lot, to the point that the chorus of the song is "thumpy." These types of modifications have been made to most of the songs on the disc, to varying degrees. If you're going to change the mix that much, call the Disc "REMIXES."

The second problem is a quality issue. If you go back and listen to one of the pre-remix cd releases of these songs, there is some noticeable hiss in the vocal track. For the SACD and CD releases of "Singles", it sounds as though they applied some noise reduction to try and eliminate the hiss. They DID eliminate it, but took enough of the high end away in the process that the vocals sound ever so slightly, well, dull. Not as natural or lifelike. "Rainy Days and Mondays" is a prime example.

I should mention that I previously purchased the CD version of this title. The problems are there as well. I had hoped that the SACD surround mix would be better, but I was disappointed again.

My advice - if you have fond memories of these songs, look for one of the older collections. Steer clear of "Singles" and "Gold: 35th Anniversary Edition"

State of the Art all the way!
Karen Carpenter possessed one of the most beautiful voices in popular music, but playback technology being what it was when these songs were first committed to tape, we never got to hear the true magnificence of her pipes. Never, that is, until now. Thanks to the Super Audo CD, and the loving remix by Richard himself, we can finally hear and appreciate what a wonderful singer she was. This SACD includes all of my personal favorites by The Carpenters. "Top of the World" never sounded so good; in fact, I was on top of the world as I listened to it. I was thrilled that they reduced the reverb in her voice that was present on the stereo (and quadraphonic) recordings, and the clarity of the instrumental backup made it clear that listening only in two-channel doesn't allow all of what was recorded to be heard. I was also blown away by "Only Yesterday". Heck, my socks were knocked off by every track on this disc! And the sound... well, if you haven't experienced music in full 5.1 discrete surround sound, you're in for a treat. And if you don't own a player for SACD, word is this disc will be soon available on DVD-Audio. All I can say is run, don't walk, to your computer (Oh, you're aleady there!) and ORDER THIS DISC!!!

Richard brings Karen into your listening room!
I have been a fan since their career began and I have bought the usual formats that have been released including LP and now CD and now SACD. I have owned a universal player for about a year now and own several dozen recordings in the new SACD and DVD-audio formats. This remastered recording of 21 Carpenter hits in SACD is phenonmenal. Karen's voice is right up front and the backing arrangements are discretely separated into the 5.1 channels so that it is as if you are hearing these recordings for the first time. There is an utterly quiet background and it is hard to imagine that these are 35+ year old recordings. If you have an SACD setup you need this release. Kudos to Richard Carpenter for the immaculate mixing of these wonderful songs. It should be noted that this release will play on any CD player as there are three different layers, CD stereo, SACD stereo and surround. ... Read more

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What is it about erstwhile '60s rock stars nearing 60 that draws them to standards? Just as Rod Stewart has mined the works of Styne & Cahn and Cole Porter for his bankable (if heavy-handed) Great American Songbook series, so, too, has Linda Ronstadt turned to pop classics in the autumn of her career. Of course, Ronstadt has been here before, having enlisted Nelson Riddle to guide her through three standards collections in the '80s. With Hummin' to Myself, the peripatetic vocalist eschews the robust big-band arrangements that marked What's New and its offspring for small-ensemble treatments of the likes of "Miss Otis Regrets" and "Day Dream." With either Alan Broadbent orWarren Bernhardt at the keys and Bob Mann, Christian McBride, and Lewis Nash making up the rhythm section on most tracks, Ronstadt gets more than capable instrumental support from some seasoned jazz pros, and while she won't make anyone forget Ella Fitzgerald, she brings her distinctive brand of brass to "Never Will I Marry" and "Get Out of Town." Meanwhile, she eases through languid takes of "I Fall in Love Too Easily" and "Cry Me a River," the latter borrowing considerably from Julie London's defining version, but substituting melancholy for London's playful sultriness. --Steven Stolder ... Read more

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It's hard to have a more milquetoast image than Olivia Newton-John. Even when she was decked out in stretch pants and stiletto heels at the end of Grease, you never mistook her for a wild girl. Proudly carrying the torch once held high by Karen Carpenter, Newton-John embodied the safer and, yes, blander side of the '70s and early '80s. But just like Carpenter went on to be rehabilitated as a pop singer, Newton-John's career deserves a second look--and this compilation is a good way to start. Even if the singer's precise touch was audible as early as 1973 (on the countryish "Let Me Be There"), she reached her peak five years later with Grease and the torchy "Hopelessly Devoted to You." "Physical" may be the best-known episode of the singer's leg-warmer years, but the one to cherish forever remains "Xanadu." On it, Newton-John basically fronted Electric Light Orchestra and the result is one of the most underrated songs of the past 25 years. --Elisabeth Vincentelli ... Read more

Reviews (55)

Another Olivia Lover from Fredericksburg, VA
I am giving this CD 5 stars only because it does contain excellent music. However, as much as I do adore and love Olivia Newton-John, I have to agree with my fellow Fredericksburg reviewer. How many more times are record companies going to keep re-releasing and re-packaging all these old tunes from Olivia's hey-day? How many copies of Olivia's Greatest Hits collections does one person need? Apparently, however, there are still people out there who are willing to buy this stuff because record companies keep coming up with new "greatest hit" collections for ONJ. I have all these songs, already--several copies of them, in fact. But I have reached a point where "enough is enough".

It is time for ONJ to do something new and different. Her last country-pop album was brilliant--but unfortunately, she made the grave error of introducing the album with the remade "I Honestly Love You". Since the new version was so similar to the original, when most people heard it, they assumed it was just an oldie-but-goodie being played on the radio. It certainly did not make people run out to the CD store to pick up a copy of a song they had already heard constantly for the last 25 years. So, the other great songs on the CD never had a chance to get airplay. Basically, the CD went "down under" before it had a chance.

Olivia's voice is still in top form. Her live concert CD from 1999 is proof positive of this. It's just that she needs to do something new with it.

"this album is so perfect, it's almost...Magic"
With songs like ~ "I HONESTLY LOVE YOU" (an early favorite of mine), "LET ME BE THERE" and "HAVE YOU NEVER BEEN MELLOW", still give me chills when I hear them...as a popular vocalist in the '70s and '80s, nothing could compare to her pure innocence to a song.

Now comes the diverse entertainer with ~ "YOU'RE THE ONE THAT I WANT" (with John Travolta)..."HOPELESSLY DEVOTED TO YOU"..."SUMMER NIGHTS" (With John Travolta), all from the musical "Grease", which I might add still holds up pretty well by today's standards (in other words a "classic").

Next, are three selections from "Xanadu", starring Olivia and the late Gene Kelly, the songs are haunting, almost trance-like...just listen to "MAGIC", the title tells it all..."XANADU" (Electric Light Orchestra), better known as "ELO"..."SUDDENLY", one of my favorite duets in the world, with Cliff Richard, exceptional performance with screen added to complete the picture, if you remember this film sequence.

Entire album is a trip down memory lane, the final track is a bonus "THE GREASE MEGAMIX - WITH JOHN TRAVOLTA", this my music-loving-friends, will knock your socks off!

Total Time: 75:01 on 21 Tracks ~ UTV Records 314-585-233-2 ~ (2001)

Olivia Is Ok
I checked out some of her CDs, because she does some good songs, and this is the best collection of hers you can get. Let me state that, Olivia is one of the most overrated singers in history (Check out her version of "Jolene" which is the worst of the four (Sherrie Austin, Dolly Parton, and Martina McBride being the others), thank God it is not included here). Back to this CD, it has some good material "Please Mr. Please", "Have You ever Been Mellow", "Xanadu", but this woman does not have enough material (Except Grease) to fill up one entire CD (If no one believes me, check out "Olivia Newton-John radio": On Match Radio, and you will finding yourself skiping most of her material). I cannot believe all of the Olivia completists, writting in here, acting like she is is Patsy Cline. This woman started the decline and abandonment of country music (Notice how she crawls back to Nashville after 20 years, cause her career is dead (Like Linda Ronstadt (Although Linda, is much more talanted)). And since she left, others like, Faith Hill, Shania Twain, and The Dixie Chicks, copied her game plan, which is why there are very few quality country female singers out there today (Sherrie Austin (Olivia's much more superior Australian countrywoman), and Gretchen Wilson come to mind. I would recommend this CD and Grease, and that is it for her career.

Still Missing Songs
This is a nice complilation with some songs that are normally forgotten by the masses like "Little more love" and "Deeper that the night" that were well suited during her Ronstadtesque era. Still when are they going to add some great but forgotten hits like the sexy "Soul Kiss", the Elton John produced "Rumours", her John Travolta duet "Take a chance", as well as the quirky but fun "Landslide". These are songs people might have missed or forgotten but helped make her own style. Speaking of style, we can't forget J Farrar and the incredible work that went into making O N-J well, O N-J. That is the person behind the talent and maybe a commplilation with just his work with O N-J would be a good tribute. You know, since they're making all these greatest hits cds. I'd buy it.

Excellent! My girl Olivia knows how to do it!
Olivia Newton John was one of my favorite singers in the late '70s and '80s. I still remember when she had like 7 to 8 hits in a row from 1978 to 1980, just a nonstop run of hits like her competition Donna Summer, Barry Manilow, the Bee Gees and others. This album justifies that. Her country songs of 1973 and 1974 are still fabulous. "Physical" still sounds funky today! "Heart Attack" just gets you dancing! "Deeper Than The Night" I still love! "Twist Of Fate" still sounds good with its aerobic sound 21 years later! "Magic" opened the music of the '80s quite well when it came out in 1980. "Xanadu" still sounds weird, but I'll take it. Her duet with Cliff Richard, "Suddenly", still sounds smooth. The "Grease" movie songs with John Travolta clash the '50s and 1978 so very well within the same songs! Her willingness to take chances were what made her a good singer. I still like the fact that she overcame her battle with cancer and is still performing and touring today. Her still remaining active just brings everything full circle with this album! Excellent career compilation!!!!! My girl Olivia knows how to do it!!!!! ... Read more