Customer Reviews

Greatest Love Songs

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Hip-O Records presents the power and presence of Tom Jones, with his latest album "Greatest Love Songs", as we hear the legendary crooner weave his spell with some classic love songs. This son of a Welsh coal miner came up the hard way, with his very own television show in the late '60s. Tom sets the mood with emotion that his husky voice conveys with each articulate lyric.

Just think, seventeen selections focusing on one of his big hits "IT'S NOT UNUSUAL", from the 1965 self titled album...where were you when you first heard this one...can you believe this was banned by the BBC. Another favorite is "(IT LOOKS LIKE)I'LL NEVER FALL IN LOVE AGAIN", how many of us have felt that way once or twice in our lives, Tom gives a haunting rendition that stays with you. A very big hit for Eddie Fisher was "WITH THESE HANDS", and "I'll never let you go and I will sing to you", Tom gives one of his best performances. With "HELLO YOUNG LOVERS", he swings lightly with a Nelson Riddle arrangement. This Victor Young composition"WHEN I FALL IN LOVE", is the classic Nat "King" Cole hit from a long running career of standards that made us feel every word. Just "HELP YOURSELF", to my lips and my arms, then let's really start to live...this says it all. Love is the thing that the whole wide world needs plenty of "WITHOUT LOVE(THERE IS NOTHING)", words to live by, specially in these trying times. You are my reason to live, all I own I would give as Tom sings "TILL", from the Roger Williams Songbook, as we look back to the '50s...Mr. Jones sings this from the heart, just in time for Valentines Day.

My own personal stand outs are "MY FOOLISH HEART", another Victor Young composition with lyrics from Ned Washington, the night is like a lovely tune, beware my foolish heart...there's a line between love and fascination...the words grab you immediately, and Tom carefully sets the stage for each syllable. One can reach into the Tom Jones bag of hits and close this review with "LOVE ME TONIGHT", lyrics rise like smoke in the night with "please let my stay, don't send me away, hold me now my heart is breaking, something is burning inside and cannot be denied"...Tom ends this on a high note and holds the same for almost 15 seconds...it could have been longer, gotta love it!

Hip-O has outdone itself with the help of some talented people Bill Levenson (producer), Pat Lawrence & Dana Smart (executive producers), Ellen Fitton (mastered by)...and of course the man who stole our hearts and gave so much of himself...TOM JONES!

Total Time: 52:04 on 17 Tracks ~ Hip-O Records 440-069-586-2 ~ (1/28/2003)

Greatest Love Songs is a budget priced CD that truly gives you a lot for your money. There are seventeen wonderful love songs on this album and it really impresses me. The ladies will be swooning over this one! The sound quality is great and the artwork is thoughtfully done.

"It's Not Unusual" kicks off the track set with one of Tom's greatest hits--ever. Tom handles this like then pro he was and still remains; and the melody is perfect for the lyrics. The melody also gains strength from the drums and percussion. "With These Hands" gives us another stunning love song performed to perfection by the great Tom Jones; he sings this with panache and he never misses a beat. It always moves me when I hear Tom Jones sing this ballad; it's THAT good.

"My Foolish Heart" is an excellent example of how well Tom Jones can deliver a ballad. He truly makes you feel he's singing just for you; and that's a very special talent. Listen also for Tom to sing "Hello Young Lovers" from The Kind And I; this gets a more modern arrangement that took me by surprise the first time I heard it but it all holds its own very well. Awesome!

"(It Looks Like) I'll Never Fall In Love Again" features Tom singing with great sensitivity; and this impresses me greatly. This melancholy ballad lets Tom express a man's feelings at being hurt by his one true love. "Why Can't I Cry" is another exceptional highlight of this album; the melody is both dramatic and beautiful at once. Tom sings this with heart and soul; his excellent diction and his incredible sense of timing make his performance a real treat! "Let It Be Me" also shines as Tom sings this; Tom's rendition would seem to be THE definitive rendition of this classic ballad.

"Without Love (There Is Nothing)" has a great spoken part by Tom Jones; and when he breaks into song this number takes of like a jet! The piano really works well, too. "Can't Stop Loving You" also tugs at my heartstrings every time I hear it; the backup singers enhance Tom's performance very well. The album ends strong with Tom Jones performing "Till." "Till" is truly a classic love song that gets the royal treatment from this masterful singer and it leaves you wanting more by this great artist.

Diehard fans of Tom Jones will want this even if they have many of the tracks already in their collections--it's nice to have all these exceptionally fine love song on just a single CD. This also makes a great starter CD for newcomers to Tom Jones and his artistry.

A fantastic recording! There is not a more romantic voice in the world and this recording shows the master at his best.He has the ability to have every person feel he is singing just to them in person and the CD has the same affect. I have no favorite track. Love th entire thing. Thank you, Tom.

Tom Jones is the man, he was back in the old days and he still is today.
He has a beautiful voice and I like to listen to him at least 3 times a week.

Tom Jones sounds absolutely flawless on this album. I've seen him in concert and have had the privilege of going backstage in Las Vegas MANY years ago. Listening to this album brings those memories back to life for me.

I don't think any true Tom Jones fan could be disappointed with any song on this album... as far as I'm concerned it's vintage Tom Jones and that's the way I like it!

This is a terrific cd as all the songs are excellent and the artist is exceptionally good. I actually have a preference for slower songs by Tom Jones so this cd fits all my needs. I highly recommend this cd for all Tom Jones fans.

This is a great CD for the money. The songs are from back in the day when Tom was in his prime. This is a CD for the diehard Tom Jones fan. He truly owns all of these tracks and sings them beautifully. TJ still rules!!