Customer Reviews

Brenda Lee Story

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Miss Brenda Lee, that little girl who grabbed everyone's attention (and heartstrings) in the 60's is one of the finest components of song this world has to offer. Where LeAnn Rimes was a few years ago is territory Miss Lee paved way back when. Who else could put that brave front on the heartbreaking story of "AS USUAL"? All her hits are here, including the great arrangement and brass solo of "LOSING YOU", the bittersweet "YOU CAN DEPEND ON ME", and the bluesy "BREAK IT TO ME GENTLY". Brenda's rockin' sides are also spotlighted in "SWEET NOTHIN'S" and "DUM DUM". Another favorite "TOO MANY RIVERS" is included here, which I haven't seen on other CDs in a long while. Yes, "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree" is missing, but don't us true Brenda fans already have that? A fine collection.

Brenda Lee was among the first and (to these ears) best female teen idols, and "The Brenda Lee Story" is an outstanding overview of her career.

Just a teenager when she recorded many of these songs with producer Owen Bradley , Ms. Lee could even then sing countrypolitan ballads the near-equal of labelmate Patsy Cline (1960's #1 "I'm Sorry," "Fool #1," the elegant "All Alone Am I"). She also fired up teenage pop fluff like "Sweet Nothins" with a rock n' roll growl her contemporary, Connie Francis, could not manage. (Listen to her line, "My baby gives me that special look," for proof.) The collection has a few missteps: Hank Williams' "Jambalaya" is a bit too speedy, "You Always Hurt The One You Love" pales next to Clarence Henry's version. But overall, Brenda Lee's "Story" is a fine introduction to her best work, lacking only her Christmas classic "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree" to make it perfect.

This collection has a wide range of what makes Brenda Lee the unique talent that she is! In fact, it's some of her lesser-known recordings that I am particularly fond of: Losing You, Emotions, etc. What a voice! And the arrangements are marvelous. But who could ever resist her classic, "Break It To Me Gently"? No one can sing that like Brenda can. This collection is truly a must for Brenda Lee fans. They're ALL here!

With so many Brenda albums to choose from, one could be understandably overwhelmed. This CD encompasses BL's Rock years on Decca Records. According to Billboard, BL had 29 chart hits from 1960-1967. 16 of the 22 tracks herein made those charts. BL also (!) had 19 country chart hits from 1971-1985, with one actually released in 1957 when she was 13 years old. That is longevity! No pure country releases are included here but "Fool # 1" and "Too Many Rivers", which both made the rock charts, have distinct country flavors. So too do "Johnny One Time" and "Just Out of Reach", which made neither chart. Favorite tracks are highly subjective but this listener especially liked "Losing You" and "Emotions". The only track that failed to impress was a far too upbeat version of Hank Williams' "Jumbalaya" which does justice to neither country nor rock. That one errant entry aside, "The Brenda Lee Story" ably showcases that talented performer from Lithonia, Georgia. Old fans of Little Miss Dynamite have a safe choice here and these tracks may well produce some new ones.

Brenda Lee's cut of "I'm Sorry" is worth the price of this album by itself. But all of her goodies are also here, like "Break It To Me Gently" and "Too Many Rivers To Cross." Styles change and singers come and go...but it is hard to understand why talent like Brenda's does not continue to have her making top-of-the-chart recordings up to the present. Fortunately, we have these precious gems of BL to listen to - and I do!! Over and over. Classics!

Brenda Lee's cut of "I'm Sorry" is worth the price of this album by itself. But all of her goodies are also here, like "Break It To Me Gently" and "Too Many Rivers To Cross." Styles change and singers come and go...but it is hard to understand why talent like Brenda's does not continue to have her making top-of-the-chart recordings up to the present. Fortunately, we have these precious gems of BL to listen to - and I do!! Over and over. Classics!

I say this, because this album is the creme' de le creme' of Brenda Lee recordings from the studio sessions and is really a compilation of two 'Best of" albums released on phonograph records back in the late 70's by MCA (Decca). In my opinion, no other records of Brenda Lee are needed after you own this set!

I am really reminded of how much range and emotion Brenda brings to songs. Her style for her standards is well represented and some of the other works are a pure joy to listen to.

Brenda Lee's sweet voice and yearning vocals never sound better! Her songs were all innocence and romance of the 60's and take me back to my junior high days. It's amazing how well these standards play even in the 90's.

Contains her biggest U.S. pop hits, but no liner notes. A decent and affordable single-disc collection that should keep even the most casual fans happy.