Customer Reviews

Love Story

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Somewhere beneath the avalanche of accolades for Sinatra and Bennett, Andy Williams remains one of America's most underrecognized pop vocalists. In addition to the sheer beauty of his smokey high baritone, husky falsetto, power, diction, and superb control, Williams is one of the few from the old school who remained open to the changing musical scene that emerged in the 1960s. Eventually, in addition to singing the great standards, he branched out to embrace country, pop, rock, gospel, Christmas, and even disco tunes.

In the late '60s and early '70s, Williams covered many of the hits of the period. "Love Story" illustrates his ability to present these songs in ways comfortable for him, while retaining their contemporary feeling. Where other vocalists might have sounded awkward, Andy pulled it off, because he really got into the spirit of these tunes, as well as the contemporary style in which they were written.

Highlights include intimate versions of Elton John's "Your Song," George Harrison's "Something," and James Taylor's "Fire and Rain." There's a gospel-tinged reading of "My Sweet Lord." Andy even tackles unlikely teen ditties like "Candida" and "I Think I Love You" and turns them into his own. Artie Butler lends his modern horn- and guitar-dominated touches to the arrangements, as he did on charts for Mark Lindsay ("Silverbird," "Arizona") and Helen Reddy ("I Am Woman").

Although concentrating on covers during this period, Williams continued to break his own hits. As the title track proves, he never abandoned the great standards. His sweeping version of the vocally demanding theme from "Love Story" became a top ten hit in 1971 and remains one of his most requested songs. Notably, this album peaked at number three, achieving gold and platinum status in a year when the other top ten slots were occupied by the likes of Janis Joplin, Santana, Jimi Hendrix, and Chicago.

Although Andy Williams went contemporary with the selection of songs on this CD, his innate musical ability carries him through. The arrangements by Artie Butler (one exception being the title tune arranged by Dick Hazzard)help make this a musical triumph. "My Sweet Lord", with its Phil Spectorish wall of sound and gospel choir is amazing, as are "Something", a slowed down "Rose Garden", "We've Only Just Begun" and "For the Good Times". Again, thanks to Artie Butler's arrangement and Andy's innate ability, he manages to carry off "Candida". The collaboration between Andy, producer Dick Glasser and arranger Artie Butler combine in a contemporary classic.

This album was a smash hit for Andy in 1971. The ttile track was a #9 single chart success, with the album earning Gold and Platinum Awards and making it all the way to number 3. This album reminds us once again that some on Andy's best work was in the 1970's, not the 60's which he is more identified with. Other classic songs from Andy during the 70's included the Theme from the Godfather; Solitare; The Other Side of Me, and his very beautiful version of MacArthur Park. But it was this album that reminded America and the world that a then 41 year old crooner could make it happen. He did in 1971, and continues to do so today. Wonderful.

I used to own the actual LP back in the 70s (my mom has it now) so was very happy to see this as an album download. My favorite track was Love Story. But all of the songs are nice covers. If you are a fan of Andy Williams I think you will enjoy this album!

Love Andy Williams and all of his records. He easily rivals the greats like Frank Sinatra and often surpasses. Very powerful and soothing voice.