G.I. Jo - Songs of World War II

Jo Stafford | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 11, 1993)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Paulstarr Enterprise
• ASIN: B0000010KE
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #108,124 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. I'll Walk Alone

2. I Left My Heart At The Stage Door Canteen

3. No Love, No Nothin'

4. We Mustn't Say Goodbye

5. You'll Never Know

6. I'll Remember April

7. It Could Happen To You

8. I Don't Want To Walk Without You

9. I Fall In Love Too Easily

10. I'll Be Seeing You

Editorial Reviews

One of the most popular female singers of wartime America reprises some of the era's favorite tunes, including I Left My Heart at the Stage Door Canteen; I'll Be Seeing You; We Mustn't Say Goodbye; It Could Happen to You; I'll Remember April , and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Class Act, May 29, 2000

By 

Michael J. McVay - See all my reviews

This review is from: G.I. Jo - Songs of World War II (Audio CD)

Jo Stafford's collection of songs from the World War II era -- songs of longing and nostalgia --is probably her most moving. Recorded in 1958, this concept album (originally titled "I'll Be Seeing You") boasts lean Paul Weston arrangements, never veering towards the maudlin, of course, and typically seamless phrasings from Stafford. She was born to sing these songs, and her voice and interpretations here are unforgettable. "I'll Be Seeing You" is given the definitive treatment -- Jo's descant above the orchestra's melody on the repeat is indescribably beautiful. The breezy "No Love, No Nothin'" tries hard not to be humorous, and offers a tasteful contrast.

Two tracks from the original LP are missing (Yesterdays and I Should Care), and the remaining tracks are not in the same order as they originally were. As in my review of June Christy's Something Cool, I have to disagree with recording labels that tinker with albums (for whatever reason? ), particularly the very special "concept albums" from the '50s, like this one, which were not intended to be a collection of potential "hits" with arbitrary ordering. On the original LP, the first track, "I Don't Want to Walk Without You," led effortlessly into the second track, "It Could Happen to You," by a common tone -- the last orchestral pitch of the first song turns into the new key of the second song, a characteristic Weston technique.

Regardless of packaging annoyances, this is a loving Memorial Day tribute for our war veterans.

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Surprisingly Good, February 27, 2000

By 

Dwight R. Rhoads (Peoria, Illinois) - See all my reviews

This review is from: G.I. Jo - Songs of World War II (Audio CD)

Jo Stafford's singing career was a little before my time, so it wasn't nostalgia that drew me to this recording; it is just that Jo Stafford is one of the best singers I've ever heard. I'm guessing this recording was made in the late 1950's, as the sound quality is really good, catching all her beautifully subtle throaty nuances, but the recording was probably made two days before stereo. The artistry, both singing and instrumental is first class; every note was crafted with heart. Jo may have been at her singing peak about the time of this recording. It is unfortunate that technology denied recording artists their best chance for posterity until about the mid 1950's, but luckily the confluence of a voice at its peak, along with good sound makes this an excellent recording.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Jo Stafford's heartfelt , moving tribute to the war years, January 26, 2000

By 

Lorenz Maycher (Easton, PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: G.I. Jo - Songs of World War II (Audio CD)

During the years of World War II Jo Stafford was a favorite singer among those men and women at home and abroad in the armed forces, and she was frequently given the nickname "G.I. Jo" because of her popularity. In this album, originally released as Columbia's "I'll Be Seeing You", Jo recreates some of the best known and memorable songs she sang both on live radio broadcasts and recordings during the war years. Her voice is at its richest on this disk, and her heartfelt interpretations are enhanced by her trademark impeccable phrasing and tuning. Here is a great artist at her vocal peak, singing the songs she loves, accompanied with the lush arrangements of Paul Weston and his orchestra. Highlights include "I'll Walk Alone", "I'll Be Seeing You", "I Don't Want to Walk Without You", "I'll Remember April", and this listener's favorite, "We Mustn't Say Goodbye", which melts me every time I hear it. A must for anyone with a heart.