Perry Como: Greatest Hits [Original recording remastered]

Perry Como | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 28, 1999)
• Original Release Date: September 28, 1999
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: Original recording remastered
• Label: RCA
• ASIN: B00001NTQV
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #37,766 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Perry Como, An effortless master of Song, September 4, 2000

By 

R. DePalma "robdep3" (New York, New York United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Perry Como: Greatest Hits (Audio CD)

There are possibly only four male singers who could create an intangible magic as they sang.They are and were Sinatra, Cole, Bennett and Como. Despite the poor arrangement of this collection, hidden in this mess is classic Como. Como was always being kidded about his relaxed approach, but in singing relaxation is the sign of total control and supreme artistic confidence.Skip the novelty tunes and go for the ballads like "Till The End Of Time", and marvel at the sheer tonal beauty of his voice.For that reason alone this collection is worth buying. However, I do agree with the reviewer who said that BMG didn't know what they were doing. It is unfortunate that BMG now owns the contents of the RCA Vaults and any truely knowledgeable musician will tell you that there are great treasures in those vaults, most of which will never again see the light of day on CD. For example,during the mid to late sixties which I believe was Como's greatest vocal period, he recorded two albums, one titled "Lightly Latin", and the latter "Perry Como in Italy" a magnificent album recorded in Rome and in my opinion the best sounding Como ever. But to my Knowledge neither of these masterpieces has ever made it to CD. I was never a fan of compilation CD's. I wish they would just release the entire albums that some of these cuts came from, with the songs grouped together as they were originally intended and in their original master form be it Mono or Stereo. But until they do, I'll keep listening to this one!

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars give that man a spotlight !!!, April 16, 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: Perry Como: Greatest Hits (Audio CD)

Perry Como: Greatest Hits is a fabulous two CD set that is worth every penny you'll spend on it! Perry never sounded better--and the sound quality is excellent. The artwork is very nicely done, too.

"Prisoner Of Love" is a charming ballad from Perry's earlier years in show business; and his voice is strong and full of masculine warmth. Perry never misses a note and the arrangement is very beautiful. "Temptation" is another ballad that shines equally bright when Perry delivers this so flawlessly--how impressive! It amazes me whenever I hear this ballad. "I'm Always Chasing Rainbows" is yet another highlight of this set; Perry croons this with all his heart and soul. Just one listen proves it!

"When You Were Sweet Sixteen" has Perry singing an old fashioned ballad--but when he sings this, it truly sounds fresh and new. I love it! Similarly, "Some Enchanted Evening," from South Pacific, never sounded so beautiful as when Perry Como delivers this to perfection--and beyond! In addition, "I'm Gonna Love That Gal (Like She's Never Been Loved Before)" is one of my very favorite Perry Como songs; the big band arrangement enhances the natural beauty of this tune and Perry makes this a masterpiece in his capable hands.

"If" is another huge Perry Como hit; and the strings that accompany him make this a most charming ballad. "Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes" picks up the tempo quite a bit for this upbeat ballad that belies the anxiety Perry's character feels as he leaves and hopes his sweetheart will be faithful to him until he returns to her.

The second CD continues the hits. "Wanted" is a stunning ballad that I always enjoy; Perry never misses a note! The melody is very pretty. "Maybe" has Perry doing a fine duet with the great Eddie Fisher; together these tow men harmonize wonderfully and it all works very well. Great! "Patricia" is also a remarkably beautiful ballad.

"Hoop-Dee-Doo" is polka music that is really very beautiful. "Catch A Falling Star" shines like silver and gold when Perry sings this; and "Papa Loves Mambo" is another tune Perry did to please his adoring audiences. Wow!

"(There's No Place Like) Home For The Holidays" is one of the best Christmastime numbers ever recorded by any artist; and listen for "It's Impossible." "It's Impossible" was recorded in Perry's later years but he sounds so great you'd never know it. "For The Good Times" is yet another fine number that Perry infuses with so much grace and style it actually stuns me with its beauty; and this makes a great ending for the two CD set.

Perry Como was one of the best crooners ever; and this two CD set shows us why. This is a must-have for Perry Como fans; and people who like classic pop vocals and even the "oldies" will want this, too.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Surely the most complete Perry Como collection to date!!!!!, April 5, 2004

By 

Paul Tognetti "The real world is so much more... (Cranston, RI USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Perry Como: Greatest Hits (Audio CD)

No matter how you slice it Perry Como is one of the Top dozen American recording artists of the twentieth century. His appeal was broad and his impact undeniable. From the early 1940's until his final charted hit in the mid 1970's, Perry Como left a legacy of hit recordings that are fondly remembered by generations of Americans. All in all, Perry Como had an astounding 131 charted singles! The genial ex-barber from Canonsburg, Pa. had a total of a dozen #1 hits. And during the 50's and 60's, Como managed to crack the Billboard album chart a total of 26 times. Strange as it might seem, RCA Victor, the only label he ever recorded for never bothered to produce an anthology worthy of this fabulous performer. "Greatest Hits", released in 1999, is in my opinion the first collection to do the man justice. Containing a total of 51 tunes, the collection spans the artists entire career. In all fairness to RCA, it is a monumental undertaking to produce a comprehensive collection for such a prolific artist. But RCA succeeds here. Some of his earliest hits are here including the marvelous "If I Loved You" and the classic "Till The End of Time". "Far Away Places", "Some Enchanted Evening" and "Hot Diggity" are just three of my favorites from the 1950s. The two disc set also includes a pair of big hits from the early 1970's "It's Impossible" and "And I Love Her So." I was disappointed that the bouncy "Seattle" was not included. The remastering job is first rate and RCA has included an informative 16 page booklet. You will not be disappointed with this one. The price is quite reasonable for a two disc compilation this well done. So if you are in the market for a Perry Como collection look no further....this is definitely the one you want.