Label: EMI
Release Date Mar 13, 2001
Jazz
The out of print 1972 CD from Shirley Bassey, And I Love You So, gets two additional bonus tracks on its 2001 re-release, and the more Bassey in the world the better. Her over the top rendition of pianist Jack Dieval's "The Way of Love" keeps the gender intact, as did Kathy Kirby and Cher on their respective hit versions, of a woman singing a song of heartbreak to another woman, only Bassey puts her trademark style on it bringing it into another realm. Chris White includes two lengthy pages of liner notes in the informative eight-page booklet which includes four lovely photos of the queen diva. Perry Como's hit version of the title track, "And I Love You So," a composition from the pen of Don McLean, might've kept this album from getting more exposure, but it is essential Shirley Bassey which her fan base is well aware of. She makes "Bless the Beasts and the Children" exotic while the Tom Evans and Pete Ham timeless classic, "Without You," gets a sort of Eartha Kitt as "Catwoman" reading, Bassey borrowing a bit but never copying. Johnny Harris forgoes the neo-Phil Spector production of Harry Nilsson's hit version to arrange, produce and conduct a special blend to fit Bassey's vocal stylings. The two Noel Rogers produced outtakes from the album sessions. Like many of the artist's releases, this is a real treasure and a true work of art. [The U.K. version adds two bonus tracks: "If I Should Love Again" and "Let Me Be the One."]
By Joe Viglione, All Music Guide.
**
In the league of the great American belters, but with a voice of truly operatic proportions, Bassey gives the deepest meaning to songs about unrequited love or affairs ending that gives the listener not only pure musical pleasure but also manages to convey some of the lady's strength, bravery and heart. This beautifully remastered CD shows Bassey at her best and whoever is aching over love pains will find heartwarming solace in her rendition of "The Way of love" and "I'll do it all again". if a singer's art is to transcend daily emotions and turn them into something sublime or grandiose, then Bassey does it even better than Liza or Barbra. This lady doesn't die, she soars and takes the listener along with he.
By Amon Emanuel.
**
01.Someday 4:58
02.Bless The Beasts And Children 3:08
03.Jezahel 2:50
04.And I Love You So 4:31
05.The Way Of Love 2:38
06.The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face 4:48
07.Day By Day 2:47
08.Without You 3:34
09.Ballad Of The Young Sad Men 5:29
10.I Don't Know How To Love Him 4:22
11.I'd Do It All Again 3:34
12.If We Only Have Love 3:53
13.If I Should Love Again 2:47
14.Let Me Be the One 2:32
**
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