14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sixties revivalist in the eighties, September 14, 2003
Various compilations have been released on CD with slightly different track listings. This review pertains to the Rhino Best of compilation, the first eleven tracks of which are a straight re-issue of Tracey's original debut album.
Tracey first achieved fame in her native Britain as a comedienne, then had a brief career as a pop singer before moving to America, where she resumed her career as a comedienne. The public are always suspicious of established celebrities becoming pop singers, but make no mistake, Tracey can sing, as this and other collections of her music show. She knew her limitations and worked within them effectively and well.
Tracey recorded two original albums on LP. The first, You broke my heart in 17 places, was pure magic. The second, You caught me out, was quite a good effort with some magic moments. A compilation album was released containing the best tracks from the first two plus some other songs, including My guy, that didn't appear on either.
Tracey's biggest hit, They don't know, was a cover of a song by the brilliant Kirsty MacColl, whose own version of the song had mysteriously flopped. Tracey took the song to number two in the UK and number eight in the USA. It went to number one in Norway and several other countries. After that Kirsty supplied Tracey with other songs - You broke my heart in 17 places, You caught me out, Terry
Tracey had other hits in the UK, all covers. Breakaway (Jackie De Shannon) peaked at four. Move over darling peaked at eight in Britain just as Doris Day's original had done although neither made the USA charts. Sunglasses was first recorded by Skeeter Davis but was quickly covered by Sandy Posey. My guy was originally written and recorded by Madness as My girl. The minor hit Helpless is a Motown song originally recorded by Kim Weston.
Tracey recorded many other covers of songs from the late fifties to the early eighties including Long live love (Sandie Shaw). Shattered (Sandy Posey), Oh what a night (the Dells), Bobby's girl (Marcie Blaine in the USA, Susan Maughan in the UK), Life is a rock but the radio rolled me (Reunion), I'm always touched by your presence dear (Blondie), I close my eyes and count to ten (Dusty Springfield), Baby I lied (Deborah Allen), I don't want our loving to die (the Herd) and Falling in and out of love (Sinceros).
As befitting a comedienne, Tracey's music is upbeat, fun, music not to be taken too seriously but Tracey is no mere novelty singer. This is great party music but can be enjoyed in any setting.
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9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
They Don't Know About Tracey - Fun Pop Album, October 1, 2000
I fondly remember the video for Tracey Ullman's hit single "They Don't Know" with its cameo by Paul McCartney. I tracked down the record at the library and made a cassette copy. Now I have this CD and am the proverbial happy camper. I have always liked girl groups, mainly because I think their songs are usually in my vocal range, plus there is more of a tendency to harmony than you get with boy bands (e.g., "Beatles" versus "Rolling Stones"). "The Best of Tracey Ullman: You Broke My Heart in 17 Places" is something of a throwback to the 50s-60s.
For me this collection starts off a lot stronger than it finishes. In addition to "They Don't Know," the tracks that get the most play at my house are Tracey's cover song: Jackie DeShannon's "Breakaway," Marcie Blane's "Bobby's Girl," the Reunion's "(Life Is A Rock) But The Radio Rolled Me," and the Blondie classic "(I'm Always Touched By Your) Presence Dear." One thing you get with Tracey Ullman is high energy, which always reminds me of Bette Midler. The key difference is that with Ullman the songs are carried more by production values than by her voice, not that there is anything wrong with that. She's a fun singer and this is a fun album that can perk you up in the late afternoon at work.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Finally!!!, December 18, 2004
My mother bought this cassette in our local pharmacy in the early 80's, and with me being born in only '79 it wasn't exactly on the "Hit" list with anyone else my age. It's not exactly "Main Stream". It didn't matter, I love this music! I love her songs! It's just great music! And her vocals are wonderful! I still know almost every word to every song. I am so glad I found this CD on here! I have been looking everywhere for it, and people are like "Tracy Ullman??? You mean that British chick who does a comedy show on HBO? She sings?!! Never heard of it."
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