Pop Music: Golden Era 1951-1975

Various Artists (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 12, 1999)
• Original Release Date: October 12, 1999
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B00001SIFA
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #58,253 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #91 in Music > Rock > Oldies & Retro > Surf Rock

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars two CDs of great pop music that STILL shines brightly !!!, May 10, 2008

By 

Matthew G. Sherwin (last seen screaming at Amazon customer service) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Pop Music: Golden Era 1951-1975 (Audio CD)

Pop Music: The Golden Era 1951-1975 is a strong two CD set that contains wonderful pop music numbers from 1951 to 1975. There are really quite a lot of great tunes here; and the sound quality will not disappoint you. The artwork is very nicely done as well.

The first CD begins with Frank Sinatra performing a sublime rendition of "Birth Of The Blues;" Frank adds a few lines at the beginning to put his own stamp on this ballad and when Frank goes into the main lyrics of the song it really takes off like a jet! The horns sound great on "Birth Of The Blues," too. There's also the great Rosemary Clooney doing one of my very favorite pop tunes entitled "Come On-A My House;" that keyboard work fits in great--I believe it's an organ and this works so well as Rosemary never misses a beat. There's also Johnnie Ray & The Four Lads performing a huge Johnnie Ray hit entitled "Cry." "Cry" really showcases just how well Johnnie could deliver a ballad with heart, soul and true passion; this always stuns me with its beauty. It tugs at my heartstrings, too!

Doris Day sings one of her signature songs, "Whatever Will Be, Will Be (Que Sera, Sera)." Doris' voice is as clear as a bell and "Whatever Will Be, Will Be (Que Sera, Sera)" is a wonderful highlight of this two CD set. Listen for Andy Williams to sing "Moon River" with panache; this always amazes me! In addition, the first CD also has Tony Bennett singing "I Left My Heart In San Francisco" to perfection and beyond; and Barbra Streisand gives us a stunning interpretation of a classic hit, "People." "People" really lets Barbra open up and display the operatic qualities of her voice--it's wonderful.

The second CD continues the hits. The Byrds do their incredible `60s rock tune entitled "Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is A Season);" they harmonize so well and it's beautifully done. There's also a great performance by Scott McKenzie, who sings "San Francisco (Be Sure To Wear Flowers In Your Hair)" with a whole lot of feeling. "San Francisco (Be Sure To Wear Flowers In Your Hair)" uses hand-clapping as a type of percussion that also helps to mark the beat--how creative! I love this tune by Scott. Moreover, "You've Made Me So Very Happy" by Blood, Sweat & Tears combines a soft rock style with a smooth jazz flavor to make this number very strong; I could never forget this awesome number. Simon and Garfunkel also do a timeless, moving ballad that was so well associated with them; "Bridge Over Troubled Water" is a very tender love song that never fails to move me with its beauty.

Looking Glass does good on "Brandy (You're A Fine Girl);" this tune tells the story of a young woman who wants love from one of the sailors who come to port where she works--but, sadly, she doesn't get what she wants. "Brandy (You're A Fine Girl)" is easily a highlight of this two CD set. Billy Swan's "I Can Help" is infectiously catchy and Billy sings this brilliantly--what a great voice he had! In addition, Labelle does a great job with "Lady Marmalade" even if the French isn't always translated correctly!

Fans of pop music would do well to consider this two CD set. It's constructed in such a way that even the tunes you don't know will entertain you a lot. I am baffled as to why this is currently out of print; and I hope that changes soon.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great sampling of pop music!, June 12, 2001

By 

F. Lowell "Midnightdj" (Highland Mills, NY USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Pop Music: Golden Era 1951-1975 (Audio CD)

This is a great mixed bag of pop music from the 50's through the mid-70's. Like any collection, it is missing many pieces that you or I might have chosen to include, but let's face it...there is so much music to choose from and a limted number of songs that can fit on 2 CDs! Keep in mind too that if some of your favorite stars are missing, it is probably because they did not record for labels that today fall under the umbrella of Sony Music...essentially, these are all artists who recorded for Columbia or Epic.

This entire series "A Soundtrack for a Century" is a great opportunity to obtain some of the best songs of the 20th century as well as some very obscure ones...seek out the entire series and buy those volumes that appeal to you!

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thanks for the Memories!, May 4, 2006

By 

Critical Reader (Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pop Music: Golden Era 1951-1975 (Audio CD)

This is a superb review of a superb musical era. Anyone who lived the music of these years will love this set.