Customer Reviews

Absolutely the Best

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Keely Smith is just plain fun. That is all there is to it. Despite having a great set of pipes and the chops to make 'em work, she kinda fell by the wayside over these many long years, lost in the collective shadows of singers such as Rosemary Clooney, Julie London, and Carmen McRea.

This album however, shows that she was cheated somehow, that despite being able to go toe-to-toe with any of these talented ladies, the American public, and the world at large decided to forget Keely for a time. Maybe Rosemary had more restraint and poise, maybe Julie oozed more sex appeal, and maybe Carmen had a greater degree of sophistication, but Keely had more heart.

This cd provides a perfect sampling of Keely's best work from her early career. "Hey Boy, Hey Girl" showcasing the sense of fun she and then-husband Louis Prima were famous for along with toe-tappers "That Ol' Black Magic" and "The Lip."

But it's Keely's solo works that make up the bulk of this album, and they are what truly make me love it. "I Wish You Love" has been covered to death, but I believe Keely's version is the version all others should be measured against. Other standards such as "Fools Rush In," "Stormy Weather," and "There Will Never Be Another You" are delivered with a great sense of emotion without sacrificing phrases. "Someone To Watch Over Me" "The Man I Love" and "Stardust" all transform from dreamy ballads to up-tempo numbers that somehow still communicate the longing in the lyrics, but the way they are sung make you think that this lady means to do something rather than sit and mope!

All and all, this is a great CD to own, and if you like what you hear you should also pick up "Keely Sings Sinatra." You will be amazed that at seventy, this wonderful woman still sounds like the young girl on this album.

This album was without a doubt one of the best that anyone should have if they are a collector of music, period. Keely Smith, in my opinion, is probably one of the most under rated singers of our time. I believe that she had the ability to sing anything, for anyone, with any kind of accompanyment. For her to be able to be the voice that she was, even married to Louis Prima, and to be his straight lady, is even more amazing. Any women, lady, girl, that is interested in being a singer should become familiar with Keely Smith's work.