Love Songs [Original recording remastered]

I can't think of a recording artist whose work has been reissued in as many compilations as Johnny Mathis, and I groaned when I saw that yet another was to be released. Yet this particular album is much better than most of them.

First, and most importantly, Mathis fans will be thrilled because there are cuts on here never released on CD. Thus, some real thought went into this album. (Too much of Mr. Mathis' material is sitting in Sony's vaults.)

Secondly, there are two unreleased songs on this disc. I can understand why "Love is a Many Splendored Thing" wasn't released, but I find "She Loves Me" a terrific cut, showing his jazzy side.

Thirdly, Columbia's come a long way in its reissue program. I remember when their compilations were rather ghastly, with poor artwork, and terrible sound. The sound on this disc is pretty good, and the artwork is attracive.

This album is well worth the money, and then some.

Love Songs is a Johnny Mathis CD you'll listen to over and over again! This CD is filled with marvelous love songs that are performed by Johnny in excellent form. The artwork is beautiful and the sound quality couldn't be better!

"The Twelfth Of Never" begins the track set with Johnny singing so well; he never sings a superfluous note and the strings add to the beauty of the number. There's a background chorus but it really isn't necessary; Johnny is more than able to handle this tune all on his own. "The Folks Who Live On The Hill" stuns me with its beauty; and Johnny sings this passionately. The musical arrangement perfectly complements Johnny's vocals on this tune.

"My Funny Valentine" begins with a rarely heard opening verse; and when Johnny goes into the main portion of this song this number truly takes flight! The arrangement is very well done and it places Johnny front and center where he deserves to be. "My Funny Valentine" is easily a favorite song of mine. "I Can't Give You Anything But Love" is another wonderful classic pop vocal that Johnny aces effortlessly; his voice is strong and full of warmth on this ballad. Great! Listen also for "Love Is A Many-Splendored Thing;" Johnny shows off the operatic qualities of his voice and "Love Is A Many-Splendored Thing" is also a huge highlight of this album.

"You Are The Sunshine Of My Life" shines brightly as Johnny delivers this with panache; and this time the backup vocalists do enhance the beauty of the number. The arrangement is very energetic and relentlessly upbeat; this works very well for this ballad. "You Light Up My Life" is a particularly touching number that always tugs at my heartstrings; I have fond memories of this song being played on the jukebox as my father smiled at my sister with his fatherly love for her. "You Light Up My Life" gets the royal treatment from Johnny for sure!

The album ends very strong with Johnny performing "What Are You Doing For The Rest Of Your Life?" This number gets a very sensitive treatment from Johnny and the strings bolster Johnny's delivery of this number.

Johnny Mathis fans will consider this a must have for their collections; and people who appreciate great love songs and classic pop vocals will cherish this CD for years to come.

Thank you, Johnny!

I have been a Johnny Mathis fan since 1956. AT 70 plus he still can turn out a fabulous album. I've purchased 2-3 in the past two years and am amazed that the magic is still there.

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 4 reviews  5.0 out of 5 stars