Romancing the 60's

Frankie Valli & Four Seasons, Frankie Valli | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 2, 2007)
• Original Release Date: 2007
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Motown
• ASIN: B000VDDCII
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #56,642 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Oh, what a story. Frankie Valli, who came to fame in 1962 as the lead singer of the Four Seasons, is hotter than ever in the 21st century. Thanks to the volcanic success of the Tony-winning musical Jersey Boys, which chronicles the life and times of Frankie and his legendary group, such classic songs as "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Walk Like a Man," "Rag Doll," and "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" are all the rage all over again. As the play enters its third sold-out year on Broadway, and two touring companies of Jersey Boys travel around the U.S., the real Frankie Valli is packing concert halls coast to coast, from the Rose Theater, home of Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City, to L.A.'s Kodak Theater, home of the Academy Awards.

Now Frankie salutes the decade that made him a star with his first new studio album in 15 years. In "Romancing The '60s", he puts his own stamp on some of his favorite '60s songs, the ones he always wanted to record but somehow got away.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars We Go Way, Way Back...and Here We Still Are--Amazing!, October 1, 2007

By 

John C. Bergeron (Saint Paul, MN United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Romancing the 60's (Audio CD)

The years fall away as these songs work their magic. I can still remember being 12 years old and visiting a friend who, while we were looking at baseball cards, decided to turn on his older brother's record player. "Rag Doll" happened to be on the platter, and something about that soaring falsetto and the song's poignancy captured my heart. As I listen to this incredible man's newest release over 40 years later, I realize that my heart has never quite been freed. The genius of this recording is that they didn't do what I feared, try to mask the "Sound of Frankie Valli" with over-production and background singers. Apparently, they had the wisdom to realize that there was absolutely no need. Valli has proven again and again over the years that great talent is truly timeless. The choice of songs, the respectful and beautiful arrangements (Gaudio HAD to have a huge hand in this, right?!) and Frankie's amazing voice and masterful phrasing make this a wonderful testament to a great career. Time has moved on and on, and my musical tastes have changed, but if I live to be 100, I'll never forget that Saturday afternoon in my friends basement, and that sad girl in the hand-me-down clothes.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Triumph for the Jersey Boy, October 6, 2007

By 

Charles P. Alexander (New York City) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Romancing the 60's (Audio CD)

In the wake of the megasuccess of the play Jersey Boys, the story of Frankie Valli, the man himself puts his inimitable stamp on classics from the 60s, with impeccable production from Bob Gaudio, an original Four Season. The singing is emotional, the orchestrations are beautifully complex, and the songs are timeless. One highlight is the guest appearance of the cast of Jersey Boys, singing background on--what else?--"On Broadway." My personal favorite is "Any Day Now," and "Spanish Harlem" is another winner. Listen for Paul Shaffer and Will Lee from the Letterman band, among the all-star lineup of musicians.

15 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A Rock N Roll Icon Returns!, October 11, 2007

By 

Anthony Accordino (Massapequa Park, New York United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Romancing the 60's (Audio CD)

With the enormous success of Jersey Boys on Broadway, it's no surprise that Frankie Valli was going to head back to the recording studio along with long time associate Bob Gaudio. If you expect the hard driving harmony sound of the Four Seasons, then you might be a tad disappointed with this latest effort from the 70 year old Valli. "Romancing The Sixties", finds Valli in fine vocal form, but this cd has a totally mellow feel from start to finish. I find nothing wrong with hearing classic tunes Like "Sunny", "On Broadway", "Any Day Now", "What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted", etc, but the truth of the matter is, Valli's prior solo work packs a hell of alot more punch. After listening to this cd a few times, the listener comes away with the feeling that the originals are superior in almost every case. I do not consider this a spectacular effort by any means, and would have preferred some newly written material. I have always been a great fan of Frankie Valli, and I would love to rate this five stars, but if I have to appraise this effort honestly it is average at best.