Youtube Love Is Blue Song
Youtube Love Is Blue Piano
After a less than encouraging stint on the Mercury label in the mid-'60s, traditional pop (i.e. Easy listening) vocalist had returned to his former home, Columbia Records.
Once back, they gave him the JonMat Records vanity imprint for his output. (1968) is a typical long-player for the time, as the singer doles out readings of then-concurrent popular chart hits, with a few classics mixed in. Adding immeasurably to the project's overall sound are arrangements by - who had also contributed to the artist's previous long-playing collection, (1967). Enthusiasts of are treated to his singular vocal styling applied to a host of familiar material - most of which doesn't stray too far from the originals or hit versions. While certainly not depicted or portrayed as a 'concept' or tribute album, nearly half of the platter contains songs penned by the formidable team of.
These include the opener 'I Say a Little Prayer' - with a slight lyrical alteration from '.put on my makeup.' To '.get shaved and set up.' - as well as 'The Look of Love,' 'Don't Go Breaking My Heart,' and 'Walk on By.' - who was supplying chart-toppers to the likes of the and - is the source for 'By the Time I Get to Phoenix.' When compared to, imbues the material with a more understated and subtle empathy. Perhaps the entry that is most dissimilar to its origins is the update of the - or more accurately 's - 'Here, There and Everywhere.'
Youtube Love Is Blue Song
The slowed tempo and copious orchestration turn the melody into an epic torch song, as opposed to the less heavy-handed treatment heard on the ' Revolver (1966). On the other hand, 'Never My Love' - a sizable side for the in the early fall of 1967 - retains a similarly light and otherwise unaffected overhaul.
Youtube Love Is Blue
Several of the disc's highlights are left until the end with 'Moon River' arguably besting ' on sheer emotive tone. Another definite upgrade is 'Venus' - the ballad that sent to the top of the Pop Singles survey in 1959. Here it is served with decidedly more soul than saccharine. Perhaps wanting to save one the of the best inclusions for the conclusion, the title track, 'Love Is Blue,' is tagged on at the very end.
's upbeat Baroque flavor is all but forgotten as chooses passion over strictly pop in his excellent delivery. As is the case with much of his output of the era, exactly which the listener prefers is more a matter of personal taste than the effectiveness of the interpretation.
In 2009, Collectors' Choice Music paired with another late-'60s LP (1967) - both made available for the first time in several decades.