Platinum & Gold: The MGM Years

Joni James (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 8, 2002)
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Collector's Choice
• ASIN: B00006B1L3
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #79,058 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. Have You Heard

2. Almost Always

3. Purple Shades

4. Your Cheatin' Heart

5. Why Don't You Believe Me

6. Is It Any Wonder

7. Wishing Ring

8. My Love, My Love

9. How Important Can It Be?

10. You Are My Love

See all 21 tracks on this disc

Disc: 2

1. Is This the End of the Line?

2. In a Garden of Roses

3. Dansero

4. There Goes My Heart

5. Little Things Mean a Lot

6. There Must Be a Way

7. Be My Love

8. I Still Get a Thrill

9. We Know

10. They Really Don't Know You

See all 21 tracks on this disc

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fine collection but...., August 26, 2002

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Platinum & Gold: The MGM Years (Audio CD)

This is certainly the most comprehensive collection of Joni's original hits to be released in the CD format. However, there is something that bothers me about the sound mix of this collection. Part of Joni's charm as a vocalist was the subtle and reticent (almost shy) quality of her voice. That seems to be lacking in this new re-mix. Her voice comes through quite clearly but almost in a bold way, as if she is singing really, really close into the mike. Another thing that caused me to do a double-take is the fact that the accompanying liner-note booklet includes absolutely no recording dates for the songs nor does it include biographical dates, etc. Good liner notes should include such historical/statistical data; it's almost as if the producers don't want to acknowledge the 1950's origin of these wonderful recordings. Anyhow, in general, the collection is a good one and certainly a "must" for Joni's fans.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good collection of songs, but . . ., February 6, 2003

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Platinum & Gold: The MGM Years (Audio CD)

If you're looking for a single CD set that contains most of Joni James big hits, this is a good purchase. However, as suggested by another reveiwer, there is something dissapointing about the sound quality, and not just because of the vintage of the recordings. To my ear, it is not as rich as on Joni James CD's produced by Taragon. Hence four stars instead of five.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars give that gal a spotlight !!!, April 15, 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: Platinum & Gold: The MGM Years (Audio CD)

Platinum & Gold: The MGM Years is a two CD set containing many--but not all--of Joni James's greatest hits. Why they leave some out is beyond me; but this is still just about the best single CD set compilation that currently exists for the great Joni James. The sound quality is excellent; and I like that artwork!

"Have You Heard" starts the set off with Joni singing her very beat; her voice is rich, warm, and very vibrant. The strings are also used to great advantage. "Almost Always" is another great hit from Joni; the musical arrangement has that trademark Latin beat that works so well even today. I love it! There's also "Your Cheatin' Heart;" Joni aces this effortlessly and I'm very impressed.

"Why Don't You Believe Me" is a stunning ballad that Joni infuses with so much emotion that it becomes a golden masterpiece in her capable hands; and listen for "You Are My Love." "You Are My Love" has great brass and Joni's voice is as clear as a bell. Excellent!

"When You Wish Upon A Star" is a lovely ballad when Joni sings this so sweetly; and Joni delivers "Danny Boy" with panache; the backup vocalists harmonize well and this enhances the beauty of this classic ballad. Similarly, "You Belong To Me" gets quite a fine interpretation from Joni who sings this passionately.

"In A Garden Of Roses" features Joni front and center--this all works wonders for this tune. "Little Things Mean A Lot" was always one of my favorite love songs; and I suppose it always will be, too. Joni's rendition would make Kitty Kallen proud--it's beautiful and very sensitive. The melody is very pretty, too. "They Really Don't Know You" touches my heart when I hear it; it tugs at my heartstrings and Joni James makes this so wonderful. "I Still Get Jealous" has that late `50s/ early 60s sound that I always enjoy; Joni delivers this flawlessly.

"Maybe Next Time" places Joni James squarely in the spotlight--right where she belongs! Joni never sings a superfluous note, either. "I'll Never Stand In Your Way" is another touching ballad that is very pretty and memorable at once. The CD ends with Joni performing "Am I In Love." "Am I In Love" has a great arrangement and Joni never misses a beat.

My only complaint is that, as other reviewers have noted, not all of Joni's biggest hits made it to this CD set. On the other hand, however, what we do get is perfectly wonderful material, so I will give this two CD set four stars.

Joni James just doesn't get the recognition she deserves. I hope that with sales of CDs like this people will come to know her better. Joni James fans will want this for sure; and people who like classic pop vocals will cherish this CD for years.