Customer Reviews

Andy Williams - Greatest Hits

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What a great cd!!! Eleven of his greatest songs are here, from the marvelous BORN FREE, the magic feelings of MOON RIVER, DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES, the precious and inspired MORE, the nostalgic CHARADE, the romantic DEAR HEART, the excellent ALMOST THERE...one of the best collections of all time, and for playing and enjoying for hours!!!

I am astonished that the reviewer from Canada would contend that this is not a greatest hits colletion. The album it self was a top 40 hit on the album charts in 1970, selling in excess of 800,000 copies and earning a GOLD album award. More than that however, this is by far the best selling "hits" collection of Andy's entire catalogue. Every song on this album came from a Gold Album winner from ANDY. Anyone who knows much about Andy Williams knows that his streangth from 1955 to 1980 was in albums, not the singles charts---though he had some great successes there as well. He has over 20 Gold and Platinum albums to prove this point. An EXCELLENT COLLECTION INDEED!!!

Throughout my life, there was always one song, I had listened to that stuck with me from a young man until today! Whether, it was Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, or the Monkees. Andy Williams, was among those artists, who stands out as, one of the greatest singers of all time. I recently purchased the audio CD, "Andy Williams' Greatest Hits", and I love every song on this CD, but there is one song, in paticular that stands out the most, the song titled, Almost There. I first heard this romantic piece, in the 1961 movie: I'd Rather be Rich, which starred such greats as, Maurice Chevalier, Sandra Dee, Robert Goulet, another all-time great, and Andy Williams himself, who portrayed a character, by the name of Warren Palmer! During one part the movie, as Andy, and Sandra Dee, are driving to an unknown destination, he begins singing this lovely song to her. I can still see that image in my mind. The song itself, coupled with Andy Williams' unique voice etched that moment in my mind, for almost 50 years. Joe Scalise.

On a plane trip to San Francisco in 1981, the L1011 we were on had multiple music channels available. One of them was titled "The Golden Voice of Andy Williams". I was already a lifelong Andy Williams fan, so I listened to that channel a lot. The title resonated with me, and I thought it was a very apt description of the voice of this wonderful entertainer.

Andy's voice, for decades, was both strong and silky smooth. He had marvelous range, and you couldn't have made him miss a note and sing one off key if you pinched him by surprise mid-song. He even hums better than most other professional singers sing! LOL Unfortunately Andy lost some breath as he aged, but during the 50s, 60s, and 70s in particular he never gave less than a stellar performance of any song.

Here you have his famous performances of "Born Free" and "Moon River". Other famous movie themes are "Days of Wine and Roses", "Dear Heart", and "Charade". Most of the music here moves along at a rather mellow tempo, but "Happy Heart" and "Can't Get Used to Losing You" both have sprightly up-tempo sections. The covers of "Hawaiian Wedding Song" and "More" are top notch.

I've listened to this album so many times over the last 30+ years that I can hear Andy singing the songs in my head as I mention them while writing this.

As a tip, however, if you are considering buying this album you may want to consider his "16 Most Requested Songs" instead. The biggest songs from this album are also there, and in addition you get 'Canadian Sunset", "Danny Boy", "Emily", "Maria" (from West Side Story), "What Now My Love", "A Time for Us" (from Romeo and Juliet), and "The Impossible Dream". You do miss out on "Charade" and "Happy Heart" if you only get that one though.

Andy Williams is definitely one of my very favorite vocalists of the twentieth century. Although he's not remembered the way Bing Crosby or Sinatra are he deserves the honor very much. This CD is geared toward the casual listener; it gives us several of Andy's biggest hits. The quality of the sound is very good.

The album opens with Andy crooning one of his signature songs, "Born Free." Andy's vocals demonstrate his ability to sing in an operatic style like few other classic pop vocalists ever could. "Days Of Wine And Roses" features Andy's vocals squarely in the spotlight while the instrumental arrangement makes good use of the strings, brass and piano. Moreover, listen for "Dear Heart;" Andy makes this a great ballad and a sweet story both at once.

"More" again features Andy's strong voice with its operatic qualities; and Andy never misses a beat. The percussion and strings enhance the natural beauty of this number; and I predict that you will like "More" very much.

"Charade" is a great ballad from the movie of the same name; and Andy again sings this to perfection. The strings on "Charade" impress me as well. I really like "Can't Get Used To Losing You;" Andy sings this with a slightly folksy twist to it and he pulls it off rather well. The strings also enhance "Can't Get Used To Losing You."

The album ends very nicely with "May Each Day." Andy sings this number flawlessly as he expresses his hopes for the best for everyone. Great!

The artwork on the cover is beautiful.

Andy Williams scored so many hits it's impossible to put them all on one single CD. However, this is one of the better overviews out there; and I highly recommend it especially for casual fans of Andy Williams who don't want the expense of buying every album he recorded.

Though I haven't seen Andy on TV for quite awhile, I have heard him on the radioHe is still one of the best there ever was rating up there with Sinatra, Crosby, Martin and a host of others. Every song is truly a hit and has brought great enjoyment to me and I'm sure it will to you as well. I definately recommend this CD.

This disc is wonderful! Years ago, this was one of my very favorite albums, and this version sounds just the way it should. The recording quality is terrific and Andy's songs can't be better. My own favorites are "Happy Heart," "Can't Get Used to Losing You," and "Moon River," of course.

Buy the album! Great price and delivered fast. Your looking for great love songs, this is the album for your collection. Songs like More and Moon River are some of the best songs ever writen in life. Embrace this album as a gift to your self or a gift to give to someone you care about that loves Andy Williams.

Absolutely beautiful! It reminds me of days gone by. They certainly don't make them like this anymore. Thank you....

I was pleasantly surprised at the sound quality for an old recording.
The CD is excellent.