Customer Reviews

Judy in Love & Alone

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

JUDY IN LOVE is perhaps Garland's greatest studio album. A superb collaboration with Judy in wonderful voice, and arranger Nelson Riddle at the top of his form. Inexplicably, this album is only now making its CD debut in the U.S. Capitol Records seemingly had no interest in releasing it themselves, so they've sublicensed it to S&P Records, who have done a terrific mixing and remastering job. Comparing the sound to a recent UK import is overwhelmingly impressive. The UK release sounds mediocre, and this new issue belies its having been recorded 44 years ago.
JUDY IN LOVE is paired with her monaural ballad album ALONE, which was arranged and conducted by Gordon Jenkins. The two albums together are a distinct contrast and yet only show the versatility and mastery of Garland. The highlight of the ALONE tracks is Jenkins' schmaltzy, yet irresistable I'VE GOT A RIGHT TO SING THE BLUES. ALONE was previously issued on CD by Capitol years ago, but has been long out of print, so this collection is a dream come true for Garland fans.

The 5 Star rating is for the recordings and the way they've been beautifully produced. It does not, however, represent a true rating for the package itself, which has been saddled with awful,
amateurish liner notes which are so poorly written that it's a blatant insult to Garland. What a shame the producers who took such care in creating such a great sounding album, didn't bring the same kind of excellence to the accompanying package. This should not detract anyone from buying this CD, but buyers looking for an interesting commentary on the legendary lady and these specific tracks will have to go elsewhere.

I just received this Judy "double bill" and I can only say it's GREAT!! "Alone" was always one of my favorite Judy albums, and I am more than pleased to have it on CD now. The sound is not stereo, as another reviewer point out, but it never was recorded in stereo. I have the old vinyl, and that's mono too, but also pretty worn, after all these years. The liner notes actually are pretty good too. The original covers are reproduced, with the original liner notes reprinted, AND some fresh liner notes about this re-issue. There, you can read that the "alone" recordings are from 1957, and that "Judy in Love" is from 1958, and was her first stereo album for Capitol.

So why is "alone" my favorite Judy album? Maybe simply because it was one of my first encounters with Judy, when I was 17 years old. I didn't realize at the time that the selection of songs is pretty unusual. It's not the repertoire she sang a lot in her live and TV shows. I love the mostly subdued pathos on this album, although she does belt it out occasionally, in her own inimitable way. The songs are about 'surviving on your own', and some times about finding your inner strength, in a bittersweet way. The album is not very cheerful, but it does make me feel good, in a sentimental way. The arrangements are very good, just right, in the 'proper' fifties style. The strings have a very warm quality, which wasn't always the case in those days. There is also a beautiful large choir singing in the background on some tracks.
Some of the songs are very unknown, which makes this album special too. Happy New Year, for instance, is a beautiful torch song, written over a very slow version of Old Lang Syne in minor key; a real gem of a song! Blue Prelude is also a great song, so don't be discouraged by the titles you may not know.
All in all, a 'must have' for any Judy fan, but also a wonderful introduction if you want to get acquainted with Judy's singing. "Judy in Love" is an excellent example of her warm joyful singing, while "Alone" gives you all those wonderful torch songs. A balanced package, with a passionate Judy in great voice!!

"Alone" and "Judy in Love" were really Garland's only two albums in the true Capitol tradition arranged by the geniuses Gordon Jenkins and Nelson Riddle and recorded in that incomparable Capitol sound with the inimitable Capitol packaging. The songs reflect Garland's savvy and eclectic taste--she was a true raconteur when it came to American popular music and really knew the gems, many of them little known. These albums are magnificen, and taken together breathtaking. Garland is in great voice, great spirits and emotional high pitch. My favorite album is the later "That's Entertainment," where the classic M-G-M Pictures arranger Conrad Salinger enters the picture for a brilliant album which isn't exactly Capitol in feeling but more M-G-M Pictures. Don't miss that one--she is in full-bodied voice at that point, just before doing her legendary Carnegie Hall concert. Judy is a gem still shining brightly. And I met her once--a nicer lady more appreciative of her fans you would never find.

A beautiful compilation of two classic, original "Judy" albums. These are two of the six studio albums she recorded for Capitol in the fifties, and these are probably the best. While Judy's vocal tone is not at its best on "Judy in Love", the song selections and her interprative genius make up for the slight vocal imperfections. "More Than You Know", "I Am Loved" and "By Myself" are absolute delights, and are clearly definitive versions of these songs. In addition, the ballads shine with passion and tenderness. "Alone" is mostly filled with similarly tender songs, and on this one Garland is in fine, full voice throughout. "Little Girl Blue" is a particular standout, and the addition of the never before released "Then You've Never Been Blue" is a special treat for fans and newcomers. Popular singing doesn't come any better than this.

Judy in Love & Alone is a two-fer CD that gives us in magnificent digital sound all the tracks from Judy Garland's two record albums entitled Judy In Love and Alone. The quality of the sound is excellent and the artwork impresses me. This two-fer CD is a must-have for Judy's fans and anyone who appreciates classic pop vocals cannot afford to overlook this fine CD.

The track set opens with "Zing! Went The Strings Of My Heart." Judy sings this with great energy and the faster than usual tempo works very well. The lush musical arrangement is fantastic and Judy belts this out, never singing a superfluous note. "Zing! Went The Strings Of My Heart" is quite a strong number to start off this album. "I Can't Give You Anything But Love" features Judy singing sweetly with all her heart and soul; Judy makes this number a masterpiece in her more than capable hands. Great! Moreover, there's also "More Than You Know." Judy sings this to perfection; and the arrangement makes great use of the strings, drums and more. "More Thank You Know" is a very sweet number that I'm sure you're bound to enjoy.

"I'm Confessin' (That I Love You)" showcases Judy's exquisite ability to emote every emotion in every subtle nuance of all the words in every song she ever sang; and the brass helps the melody along quite well. "Day In-Day Out" is a great number that Judy sings with panache and great sensitivity; the drums add a slight Latin twist to this number which enhances it all the more. Great!

"By Myself" gets a peppy arrangement that features Judy's singing so beautifully I could easily swear I've never heard a sweeter voice anywhere. "Me And My Shadow" is another highlight of this two-fer CD; and Judy never misses a note! The strings work very well on "Me And My Shadow;" I always enjoyed this number the way Judy interprets it.

"I Gotta Right To Sing The Blues" has a tremendous spotlight on Judy who never misses a note; and the brass makes the number shine even more! "How About Me" again places Judy squarely in the spotlight; and she will captivate you with her singularly beautiful and sensitive rendition of this classic love song. "Happy New Year" is a bluesy number about a woman being alone on a holiday; and Judy delivers this to perfection as she always did. The CD ends with the bonus track entitled "Then You've Never Been Blue." Judy sings this so well you'll be yearning for more--and you'll be playing this CD over and over again--Judy's THAT good.

The immortal Judy Garland lives on quite well because of the countless superior contributions she made to the arts. Judy could dance and act--but wow, how she could sing! I hope you enjoy this two-fer CD as much as I did.

Judy Garland was the peerless singing wonder in the fifties & sixties with her great Capitol Records recordings and none were finer that the bright and sunny "Judy In Love" or the torchy & sublime masterpiece "Alone" which feature the great Garland at her bluesy & soulful best! Nelson Riddle created a wonderful backdrop for "Judy In Love" and did Garland ever deliver! Flawless rhythm and timing along with that full rich voice and everything came together...magnificent masterwork show Judy has it all as a great singer who everyone else just seems to compare to. Discussion of finest female vocalists ever always include Garland, Streisand, Lee and Piaf and this stellar collection of two classic Lp's is a clear example why Judy Garland holds top position! From Porter to Gershwin, nobody has ever been able to get inside of these classics & turn them inside out quite like the great Garland and if in doubt get this timeless collection of peerless performances and become a believer...stellar vocal performances throughout make this collection essential.
"Alone" is a haunting and torchy classic that ranks with the finest from Sinatra in his classic "Only The Lonely" period...singing at her peak & deeply emotional, never has anyone come close to the brilliance of this moving and magnificent work as Judy goes deep inside of these songs creating the ultimate sublime 4AM masterpiece brilliantly arranged by legendary Gordon Jenkins beautifully showcasing the finest vocals ever recorded. Over the decades since original release this classic work must have inspired numerous singers to record torchy classics but nobody comes close the perfection of this mesmerizing definitive collection. "I Got A Right To Sing The Blues" becomes a soulful anthem as Judy goes deep inside of this great song defining what deeply-soulful great singing is all about..."I Get The Blues When It Rains" is pure magical bliss, "How About Me" is fine and moving while "Blue Prelude" is a riveting and stunning torch classic and there is no way to describe the greatness of this tremendous masterpiece as it has to be experienced. Bravo Judy, you really did it this time!!! "Happy New Year" is the ultimate blues holiday classic and this memorable collection is a must have for everyone who loves great singing.

The person who wrote the review below is wrong : the "Alone" album was recorded and released in mono sound, in 1957. "Judy in Love" was Garland's first album recorded and released in stereo, in 1958.

The sound on this disc is spectacular. The original session tapes were used, for the best sound possible. It is glorious sound here, folks.

Pehaps the person that wrote the review below is thinking of the previous two-fer of "Judy in Love" from England, a few years back, paired with the "Judy" album. That CD sounded very flat and dry.

Get this new and improved disc, and you'll love it.

Finally, Judy "ALONE" on cd plus the added bonus of "JUDY IN LOVE" what more could one ask ? It was so good to get this cd and reminiece about when I first heard the album. I was 13 and was always scrimping and saving to get my next record album. I joined Capital Record Club and salivated when I received the "ALONE" album and placed it on my record player. Gordon Jenkins mournful strains to the beautiful singing of Judy just made it such a special album and I loved listening to it on a rainy day. Not that I'm a depressed person but just the warm, secure feel of listening to a great entertainer making the most of some great songs.
I hope a new generation will get turned on to a voice that made life alot pleasanter and fun to deal with. Music gives so much more meaning to our lifes and we have been so blessed to have had Judy in our world to make it alot brighter.

These were two of Judy's best albums and I still have my 45s with all the scratches from having played them umpteen times over the years. I was so happy to be able to get them "fresh" on a CD. Diane Barrie

"Alone" and "Judy in Love" were really Garland's only two albums in the true Capitol tradition arranged by the geniuses Gordon Jenkins and Nelson Riddle and recorded in that incomparable Capitol sound with the inimitable Capitol packaging. The songs reflect Garland's savvy and eclectic taste--she was a true raconteur when it came to American popular music and really knew the gems, many of them little known. These albums are magnificen, and taken together breathtaking. Garland is in great voice, great spirits and emotional high pitch. My favorite album is the later "That's Entertainment," where the classic M-G-M Pictures arranger Conrad Salinger enters the picture for a brilliant album which isn't exactly Capitol in feeling but more M-G-M Pictures. Don't miss that one--she is in full-bodied voice at that point, just before doing her legendary Carnegie Hall concert. Judy is a gem still shining brightly. And I met her once--a nicer lady more appreciative of her fans you would never find.