Tom Jones Album: “Greatest Love Songs”

Description :

Personnel: Tom Jones (vocals); Les Reed, Johnny Scott, Charles Blackwell, Johnny Harris, Ken Woodman, Johnnie Spence, Gordon Mills (conductor). Producers: Peter Sullivan, Gordon Mills. Compilation producer: Bill Levenson. Recorded between 1965 & 1970. All tracks have been digitally remastered. Playing GREATEST LOVE SONGS on a romantic evening might be a good litmus test for prospective paramours. Whether they melt or run screaming will determine either a) their inability to resist the swaggering, dramatic vocals of Tom Jones or b) their inability to stand the swaggering, dramatic vocals of Tom Jones. This will, consequently, provide guidance for how to proceed with the prospective paramour. If said paramour goes gooey at the first swinging strains of "It's Not Unusual," a showcase for Jones's generous baritone and one of his first and best-loved hits, you can probably uncork the wine. Equally, if said paramour gets weak in the knees at Jones's stirring performance on slow burners like "My Foolish Heart" and "When I Fall in Love," light some candles. The sprightly feel of tunes like "Help Yourself" will provide a welcomed respite from tension, but if the paramour asks to be kissed during the passionate groove of "Love Me Tonight" (complete with mariachi horns) or the swelling orchestrations of "Can't Stop Loving You," you're in. Of course, if said prospective paramour runs screaming when you play GREATEST LOVE SONGS, good riddance. You've still got Tom Jones.

Greatest Love Songs is a budget priced CD that truly gives you a lot for your money. There are seventeen wonderful love songs on this album and it really impresses me. The ladies will be swooning over this one! The sound quality is great and the artwork is thoughtfully done.

"It's Not Unusual" kicks off the track set with one of Tom's greatest hits--ever. Tom handles this like then pro he was and still remains; and the melody is perfect for the lyrics. The melody also gains strength from the drums and percussion. "With These Hands" gives us another stunning love song performed to perfection by the great Tom Jones; he sings this with panache and he never misses a beat. It always moves me when I hear Tom Jones sing this ballad; it's THAT good.

"My Foolish Heart" is an excellent example of how well Tom Jones can deliver a ballad. He truly makes you feel he's singing just for you; and that's a very special talent. Listen also for Tom to sing "Hello Young Lovers" from The Kind And I; this gets a more modern arrangement that took me by surprise the first time I heard it but it all holds its own very well. Awesome!

"(It Looks Like) I'll Never Fall In Love Again" features Tom singing with great sensitivity; and this impresses me greatly. This melancholy ballad lets Tom express a man's feelings at being hurt by his one true love. "Why Can't I Cry" is another exceptional highlight of this album; the melody is both dramatic and beautiful at once. Tom sings this with heart and soul; his excellent diction and his incredible sense of timing make his performance a real treat! "Let It Be Me" also shines as Tom sings this; Tom's rendition would seem to be THE definitive rendition of this classic ballad.

"Without Love (There Is Nothing)" has a great spoken part by Tom Jones; and when he breaks into song this number takes of like a jet! The piano really works well, too. "Can't Stop Loving You" also tugs at my heartstrings every time I hear it; the backup singers enhance Tom's performance very well. The album ends strong with Tom Jones performing "Till." "Till" is truly a classic love song that gets the royal treatment from this masterful singer and it leaves you wanting more by this great artist.

Diehard fans of Tom Jones will want this even if they have many of the tracks already in their collections--it's nice to have all these exceptionally fine love song on just a single CD. This also makes a great starter CD for newcomers to Tom Jones and his artistry.