Customer Reviews

Definition of Love

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

If you are a fan of "The King of Romance" aka Englebert Humperdinck, this is unquestionably his best effort to date. He sinks his heart and soul into "Definition of Love", his latest release to his many fans and soon to be followers of this modern day crooner. Now celebrating his 35th anniversary in show business, due largely to his versatility as well as his enduring style and interpretation. Engelbert still records original material as well as his old vintage standards that moved him up the ladder of success. He is not afraid in attempting new projects, as this album will confirm.

As he delivers demanding performances, inclusive is superb breath control hitting high notes that you would never attempt on a bet. If you enjoy classics from the '40s right up to the moment, then this album has your name on it. Take for instance tunes like "BRAZIL", "VOLARE", "LOVE ME", "PENNY LANE", "THIS GUY'S IN LOVE WITH YOU" and lastly "IF", this song is one of my all-time favorites, performed by Elvis, Jerry Vale, Perry Como and now Engelbert, each with God-Given-Talent!

In closing with have "SHE", a tear in his voice touching our very soul, you can't get any better than this cue. If love songs is your cup of tea, mixed with a voice of the "last of the romantics"...then this is the one you've been waiting for...Engelbert fans and music lovers alike will treasure this now and years to come...every Valentines Day...gotta love it!
Total Time: 58:30 on 15 Tracks ~ Hip-O Records 440-066-113-2 ~ (1/28/2003)

I cannot recommend this CD too highly. It is a stunningly brilliant, eclectic mix of ballads that ranks near the top of the immense body of work that Engelbert has produced in his long and illustrious career. "Definition of Love" was crafted with tender loving care to every aspect involved in its creation. The selection of songs, the lush orchestrations, Engelbert's phrasing and interpretation of his material collectively reinforce my opinion that he is indeed the greatest baritone of the past century. Every track is an absolute gem, but if I had to select only one song it would be "She." Go out and purchase this CD today; in fact, get two copies and give one of them to someone else who appreciates great music that is saturated with Engelbert's unequaled interpretative artistry. I can only hope that The King of Romance continues with his recording career for many more years because vocal talents such as his only come along once in a lifetime.

An absolutely stunning new album that ranks with the very best work that Engelbert has ever done, "Definition of Love" absolutely confirms the King of Romance as one of the greatest pop vocalists of the past century. I am just amazed at how underappreciated he is in the U.S. Humperdinck has recorded over sixty albums in his thirty-five year career, and not one of them is any better than, "Definition of Love." It is a superbly creative eclectic mix of the old and new that tugs on your heartstrings. Everything is right about this album: the songs, the lush orchestrations, and, of course, Engelbert. I loved every song, but "Penny Lane," "How Slow We Go," and, "If" are superb. Engelbert's breath control; his effortless phrasing, and his ability to still reach the high notes remind me of Frank Sinatra in his prime with Capitol and and Nelson Riddle. Here is a man who is in his middle sixties and hasn't lost a thing. Five stars isn't really enough to rate this album. It's really that good. If you ever get a chance to see him in concert, he's even better. I also highly recommend his videos, especially his 1985 performance at the Royal Albert Hall in the U.K. But do not miss this CD. It is another gem to place on the crown of perhaps the greatest baritone of all time!

Thirty-five successful years in the music business is quite an accomplishment, and this album is a great way to celebrate, with the first half a selection of some marvelous songs that are strong lyrically and have a country feel, and the best of them is one co-written by Engelbert's daughter, Louise Dorsey, and tracks 9 -15 are a potpourri that includes some international hits, including "Penny Lane", which was the Beatles song kept off the # 1 chart position by Engelbert's "Release Me" in 1967. It all makes for a pleasing mix, and terrific listening.

Highlights for me are:
"How Slow We Go" (Agee/Dorsey/Collins) is a gorgeous song, and I'm surprised it hasn't been a massive hit and covered extensively by other artists. It's enhanced here by lovely guitar work by Hugh Burns.
The unusual, relaxed take on the Elvis hit "Love Me" (Lieber/Stoller), the beautiful melodic "If" (Gates), that was a hit for Bread, and what must be Engelbert's first rendition of a Charles Aznavour song, "She".

Engelbert sounds in top form, pouring his heart, soul, and artistry into every song, and the musicianship throughout is superb, with first-rate arrangements and production. Completing the celebratory package is a booklet insert with detailed recording credits, loads of photos and liner notes by Engelbert. The sound is excellent and total playing time is 58'30.

Lovely collection of songs by a living legend. How slow we go - wonderful - written by his talented daughter.If tomorrow never comes a garth brooks song. Engelbert has now made it his own and sings it like no one else could.Volare good sing-a-long brilliant!!!. You should purchase this cd. Well worth the money.

Having heard Engelbert perform "She" in concert a couple of times and eagerly awaiting the release of an album containing the song, we would've gladly purchased the cd just for that one song alone. The entire album is excellent!

You just can't lose buying any Engelbert CD, and this one is the Best yet! He truly shows the intimate feelings we would all like to be able to express, but only Engelbert has the fabulous voice to arouse our deepest feelings, and Love. He is truly the Definition of Love, and that's why he is the "King of Romance".
Just a NOTE to Amazon: Please correct his name, it is
"Arnold George Dorsey, not Arnold Layne Dorsey.
Thank you,
Marilynn Sacker, Michigan

The "definition of love" cd is one of his best yet! It just proves once again what a talented and smooth voiced singer he is.
Romantic, calming and certanily knows how to capture you. He does an absolutely lovely job of singing "I dont want to miss a thing" as well. In fact he does a wonderful job with singing all of his songs. Listening to this cd will just want you to want more...THIS IS A MUST HAVE....DEFINITELY WORTH PURCHASING......YOU WONT REGRET IT.

AFTER LISTENING TO ENGELBERTS NEW CD DEFINITION OF LOVE.I REALIZE AS A NEWSPAPER REVIEWER WHY I HAVE PURCHASED AND COLLECTED OVER 1000 RECORDINGS OF THIS MAN OVER 35 YEARS.AND HAVE REVIEWED HIM IN CONCERT MORE TIMES THEN I CAN COUNT.MY FIRST OPINION OF HUMPERDINCK IS THAT SINATRA PRESLEY AND JONES COULD ONLY DREAM OF HAVING A QUARTER OF THE TALENT THIS MAN HAS.I HAVE SEEN THEM ALL AND BELIEVE ME THEY COULD NOT PUT A PIMPLE ON THIS MANS NOSE!THIS ALBUM AS WITH ALL HIS OTHERS IS PURE GOLD.THE SONGS ARE ELEGANT.THE PHRASING.MORE THEN PERFECT.AS HUMPERDINCK IS HIMSELF.THE MAN EXUDES CLASS AND STYLE LIKE NO PERFORMER BEFORE HIM.OR ANY PERFORMER EVER COULD PRESENTLY OR AFTER HIM.PURCHASING THIS CD.IS LIKE PURCHASING A PIECE OF FORT KNOX.TAKE THE GOLD AND TREASURE IT CAUSE YOU CANT PUT A PRICE ON FOUND TREASURE.ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK.THE GREATEST ENTERTAINER AND VOICE OF THE CENTURY.GO FOR IT.YOU'LL BE GLAD YOU DID.AND I GUARANTEE YOU WILL BE OUT LOOKING FOR EVERY HUMPERDINCK COMPILATION YOU CAN FIND!

We know the title of the CD is Definition of Love, however I want someone to define the word "Singer".The only honest definition I can come up with is Engelbert Humperdinck. Not because I have been a fan for thirty five years but because no modern day singer can sing the way he does. He is the Male version of the likes of Celine and Barbra and once your hear him sing it does'nt matter what song he is singing you will now know the definition of the word "Singer" ..It is Humperdinck, Engelbert Humperdinck.Back to the CD and the purpose if this writing. Of course,you might find a tear in your eye when you hear "She" but when you listen to "If Tomorrow Never Comes" and do not shed a tear or two. then I suggest you listen to the Stones,nobody cries for Jagger.

In closing, I propose that his fans get together and start an "Evening With Engelbert" on national radio. Sponsors would love and so would we. With all my best to Engelbert and many thanks for his "Definition of Singer"

Ed Gibbons