Customer Reviews

California Girl

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

A California theme album sounds perfect for Nancy Sinatra, most of them being cover songs. No problem, she did super on covering other people's songs on her previous albums. And I must say, most of the songs are divine slices of orange succulent to the taste.

Songs like Art Garfunkel's "99 Miles From LA" and "How Are Things In California" resurrect that 60's Mamas and Papas-like sound--"You may have the sun, the sand and the sea, but why must you be so far from me?" So does Gordon Jenkins' "San Fernando Valley," which could've fit on her first two albums. And "Hello LA, Bye Bye Birmingham" from Country My Way is included. Her rendition of the Beach Boys' "California Girls" isn't bad either, with backing vocal contributions from Brian Wilson.

There is only one not-too-satisfactory number here. The slowing down that worked on her cover of "Light My Fire" does not work on her version of the Mama and Papas' California Dreamin'." No, Med fruit flies have infested that song, so let's blow dry that into orange Tang drink mix or squeeze them for Fanta Orange soda.

The 40's jazz number "Route 66" works well, as does Chicago's brassy "Saturday In The Park." The best cover is her rendition of Dionne Warwick's "Do You Know The Way To San Jose." The cheesy standard "Hooray For Hollywood" saves this album from complete disaster. As for her cover of "Hotel California," it's okay, I guess.

Yow! She goes into classic rock-and-roll boogie woogie with "California Man" and into soft-rolling bossa-nova with "There's No Place Like Home."

In eying the CD picture of Nancy resting on an orange slice, that would make Nancy a tiptop Valencia or Navel orange.

California never sounded so good! Nancy makes each song on this CD her own. There is no mistaking the talent and workmanship on this one guys...It couldn't be better.

With songs from the sixties to current recordings, Nancy's voice sounds better than ever. If possible, it has matured with more emotion and delivery than ever before. She'll break your heart on songs like "California Dreamin'" and "99 Miles From LA" and take you on a merry go round ride with "How Are Things In California?" (not to be forgotten is Cuando Calienta el Sol) which sung is Spanish is as good as it gets. "Hotel California" makes you want to register at the front desk just to hear more.

All in all, this is one slick, emotion packed CD which Nancy shines on. I for one can't wait until Nancy releases more ear candy for us to listen to. Way to go Nancy.

Keep Rockin!

This is a great compilation-several of these songs can be found elsewhere in Nancy's catalog. This album is a lot of fun. I highly recommend!

Concept album by our Boots never really takes off, but has some great moments. With a terrific band backing her up on the new songs, I'm surprised the CD doesn't rock more(she and the guys were much tougher live when I caught the tour last June). The best song("How Are Things in California?")goes way back(it's an old 45 flip-side), but "99 Miles from LA" is hot stuff and "California Man" is a decent cover. The rest is just a little colorless. But, hey, there are a few terrific photos in the booklet to keep interest during the dull spots. B-

Anyone who has followed Nancy Sinatra's career at all knows she has an electrifying, golden alto voice and a versatile style which covers rock, country, ballads, love songs, and even humor.

This CD is a delight from beginning to end and blends retro-50s rock ("California Man") with a couple of old chestnuts ("San Fernando Valley"), and love songs ("99 Miles From LA") which will break your heart.

Maybe most amazing of all is "Cuando Calienta el Sol", sung in Spanish, with just a guitar and bass. Even if you don't understand a word of it, there's no mistaking it is a tender love song, and Nancy's warm, personal style and ever-so-slightly husky voice are perfect for it. The presence of the recording is so intense, she is standing in your room, singing just to YOU. She also sings her own backup on this song, and the result is a duet of perfectly matched, beautiful alto voices. It is so wonderful as to be eerie.

Don't miss this one! And if it is your first Nancy CD, go back and get the other ones, too!

What a great CD! I am so pleased with the wide variety of songs. My favorites? 99 Miles From L.A., San Fernando Valley, Do You Know The Way To San Jose?, California Man(Nancy rocks!!), and Hotel California. I highly recommend this CD - you definitely won't be disappointed!! Enjoy!!

What a fun album for all Nancy Sinatra fans. Hopefully, she will gain some more with this exceptional release. From beginning to end, the songs are a pleasure. I especially like the new tracks!
Her rendition of "Do You Know the Way To San Jose?" is outstanding. "Hotel California" is very good, although I STILL
don't understand the song! Brian Wilson doing the back up vocals on "California Girls" is a joy. "Cuando Calienta el Sol" is one of the most beautiful songs Nancy Sinatra has ever recorded. I did not understand a word but got choked up while driving! Great job Nancy. A real treat.

What a wonderful cd from Nancy Sinatra ! You can almost feel the warmth of the sun of California when you hear this cd. At times she sings very tenderly but she can also rock you like a hurricane. It's a must have cd ! Don't miss it!

I can't tell you how happy I am that this album is finally out! There's no one more fabulous than Nancy! She was rocking the world before Debbie Harry and before Madonna, and she continues to entertain us! She's touring in support of this new album, so, if you get a chance, you must see her live! I highly recommend this c.d. and all of her great music.

I was wondering if this was a reissue or if it were new. It's new and it's amazing~! "Hotel California", that song is amazing! For her to cover a song is nothing new, but she is someone who covers a song, and makes it her own.