Isn't It Romantic: The Standards Album

Johnny Mathis | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 1, 2005)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B0006SSNC8
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #75,408 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Although his commercial triumphs rivaled Frank Sinatra's during his late 1950s breakthrough, Johnny Mathis the pop singer could seem both overshadowed and confined by that early success in the years since. But this rich, often warmly surprising entry into the contemporary Pop Standard Reinterpretation Sweepstakes finds a singer more artistically focused than he's been in years, employing a voice that remains one for the ages. His definition of "standard" here is variously classic (the majestic title track and "Love is Here to Stay"), loose (a take on Jobim's lilting "Dindi" that's the perfect showcase for every delicate nook of the singer's vibrato-rich tenor) and left-field (Herman's Hermits' brit-invasion hit "A Kind of Hush" perfectly recast as prime Mathis ballad), but his performances flow with a deceptively effortless grace that's a tribute to his nearly half-century as a recording artist. Producer/arranger Jorge Callandrelli frames Mathis in spare orchestral backdrops that allow him ample space to soar, then nudge him gently into swing mode on "This Can't Be Love" and "Day By Day." The album closes with an evocative, de facto medley pairing a magically innocent, if unlikely cover of The Muppets' "Rainbow Connection" with Mathis' duet with Ray Charles on "Over the Raindbow," culled from the r&b legend's final album. --Jerry McCulley

Product Description

2005 album from the enduring & popular vocalist was produced by Jorge Calandrelli & Jay Landers & features such classics as the title track, 'Our Love Is Here To Stay', 'Day By Day', 'Dindi', 'There's A Kind Of Hush', & 'This Can't Be Love'.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mathis Back at What He does Best!, February 1, 2005

By 

L. J. Allen (Atlanta, GA United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Isn't It Romantic: The Standards Album (Audio CD)

While no one--including Johnny Mathis--would ever mistake the balladeer for a Jazz singer, he has always had a musical and social pedigree steeped in the genre. He doesn't specifically sing Jazz, but a close listen reveals that he phrases like the best of Jazz singers.

ISN'T IT ROMANTIC places Mathis precisely where he has always done his best work: singing Jazz-influenced Traditional Pop. The title cut, along with LOVE IS HERE TO STAY, and THERE'S A KIND OF HUSH keep Mathis in his trademark lush romantic territory. He included the often excluded prelude to COTTAGE FOR SALE and delivers Jobim's DINDI in a soft samba tempo.

DAY BY DAY, THIS CAN'T BE LOVE, and ALMOST LIKE BEING IN LOVE are performed in mid-tempo to a decidedly upbeat swing. Even Mathis' duet with Ray Charles (OVER THE RAINBOW) works well in this package, in spite of the fact that it's release on Charles' last output (GENIUS LOVES COMPANY) is barely a year old.

Backed by a solid quintet led by the understated piano of Mike Lang, along with a full orchestra arranged by Jorge Calandrelli, ISN'T IT ROMANTIC is one of Mathis' most seamless and thematically cohesive efforts in years--And one that resonates with the Jazz and Standards roots that have served him and his audiences so well for nearly fifty years.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Johnny can sell these songs without even trying--he is THAT good !!!, March 28, 2008

By 

Matthew G. Sherwin (last seen screaming at Amazon customer service) - See all my reviews
(TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Isn't It Romantic: The Standards Album (Audio CD)

Isn't It Romantic: The Standards Album features Johnny Mathis front and center--the way he certainly deserves to be! This fine CD is one of my favorites to enjoy over and over again. Johnny really spreads his wings and flies on this album; and that's quite all right by me!

"Isn't It Romantic" starts the CD set with Johnny singing so beautifully; he never misses a note and the musical accompaniment works wonders for this ballad. Johnny's voice is in excellent form; it's truly just like a finely tuned instrument that conveys every subtle nuance of the lyrics to his audience. "Our Love Is Here To Stay" has a very slow tempo that will make you want to jump up and slow dance with your sweetheart wherever you are--this is wonderful music for lovers! "Day By Day" shines so brilliantly when Johnny delivers this like the pro he was and still remains! The musical interlude is very elegant and pretty, too.

"Dindi" allows Johnny to really sing a song with exceptional grace, heart and soul. "Dindi" has a fine musical arrangement to complement Johnny's vocals. "There's A Kind Of Hush" allows Johnny to cover this tune by Herman's Hermits; and they sure would be proud to hear this rendition! I sincerely believe that Johnny's rendition of this ballad is THE definitive rendition of "There's A Kind Of Hush."

"This Can't Be Love" is a distinctly upbeat number with a jazzy arrangement to make it sparkle; and "Almost Like Being In Love" features Johnny's ability to sing a romantic number practically better than any other crooner ever could.

The album ends with a moving rendition of "Over The Rainbow" by Johnny Mathis and the immortal Ray Charles. These two men sing passionately and "Over The Rainbow" makes a strong ending for this album.

My only disappointment that is the album doesn't have a couple more songs on it. Ten tracks is a bit skimpy and I wish there were another song or two. Disappointment!

Nevertheless, Johnny Mathis fans will want this album in their collections. Johnny sings effortlessly because he remains a masterful crooner with exceptional talent. Fans of classic pop vocals will also be charmed by this CD.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars MATHIS- Greatest Album since 1960s- BUY, BUY, BUY,, March 12, 2005

By 

Vincent "vh" (Scotland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Isn't It Romantic: The Standards Album (Audio CD)

MATHIS ALBUM BEST SINCE 1960s---
Johnny Mathis has done the best recordings since 1960 on this album "Isnt It Romantic" its gone straight in to my top 10 favourite Mathis albums.(I have 100 plus)
The mans voice is astounding, so rich smooth and as usual effortles. The orchestra is just out of this world and the pace of each recording brings a new quality to the lyrics of the Great writers of these classic songs.
I love the song "Dindi" my favourite here, I wish Mathis would record a full album of latin songs like this one, this recording just blows me away. "The Rainbow Connection" is a heart-melter from The Muppets. "A Kind of Hush" tenderly sung and then swings to the orchestrations. Mathis and Ray Charles duet " Over the Rainbow is included here what can be said that already hasnt,a deserved Grammy Winner for being original and so unique.
This album shows that Johnny Mathis is the best singer in the business and I would say Tony Bennett is a close 2nd.
I cant fault this album in any way. The younger stars of today like Bubble and Feinstein 2 other great artists,would struggle to match the quality of this singer. You can hear the difference in Johnny Mathis from yesteryear, naturally, he is nearly 70 but he just doesnt sound it at all.
The voice is not worn or tired in any way. Its richer,deeper, softer,less highly pitched, more baritone- just beautiful.
The Producer and arranger here has to be mentioned "Jorge Calandrelli" whom Ive never heard of before now ,"where have you been all the years Johnny Mathis has been recording?" Please do another album with him soon you have the ultimate compliment together.
To any real collector or appreciation of a Great Voice for jazz or easy listening then this is an absolutley MUST HAVE cd. (Iam going to buy another just for back up) hehe. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do................... AAAAA+++++ 5-STARS