Customer Reviews

Songs for Lovers

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It's ironic that an artist once primarily known for his trumpet-playing should have such a sweet, smooth tenor. Chet Baker's silky voice winds through his songs in a way that can sound both melancholy and hopeful at the same time. His vocals here provide the perfect counterpoint to the ultra-romantic titles found on "Songs for Lovers."

Standouts include a haunting rendition of "Come Rain or Come Shine," which along with some unique arrangement and instrumentation also shows off Baker's unique vocals to perfection. On this version Baker's fragile, sweet tenor gives the wistful impression of a guy who's going to stick around even if he may not be altogether worthy.

Some up-tempo standouts include "That Old Feeling," an example of Chet at his more cheerful, plus some terrific renditions of "Darn that Dream," "Embraceable You," and a don't-miss version of "Lush Life" from a guy who had certainly lived the song inside out.

Highly recommended! Also, don't miss "Chet Baker Sings" and, for later Chet, "Let's Get Lost."

I own most of Chet Baker's recordings, and this (for the moment) is my favorite. This disc has one tone, I'd call it romantic melancholia. Even when he sings "happy" songs like "Come Rain or Come Shine" or "Embraceable You" there is a sadness in his voice. The sparse arrangements add to this feeling of quiet, brooding emotion.

The title of the disc "Songs for Lovers" is a little strange, probably dreamed up by a record exec. The inclusion of "Lush Life" (done as an instrumental here, but its lyrics are about a drunk who's wasted his life) and the closer "Goodbye" (one of my favorite tracks, an instrumental arranged by Jack Montrose for 4 horns and rhythm section) are both pretty dark. But don't get me wrong, these are still GREAT tracks.

My favorite song on the disc is "My Ideal," where Chet's pianist Russ Freeman plays celeste (a bell-like keyboard instrument). It provides the perfect backdrop for Chet's imaginings of the ideal woman. Freeman's piano intro on "Lush Life" is well-crafted as well, concise and understated but still clever. David Wheat's guitar playing on tracks such as "Come Rain or Come Shine" has the same understated feel, less really is more here.

Chet's crooning was not fully appreciated in his day. The jazz world of the 1950's favored cool instrumental jazz and what Chet was doing was seen as a tired throwback. Only recently has he gotten the recognition that he deserved. His trumpet playing is superb, nothing too flashy, but his mellow tone and brilliant phrasing make it work.

If you want more of Chet Baker check out "The Best of Chet Baker Sings." I would stay away from the "Jazz 'Round Midnight" disc, it's not his best. For more of his instrumental stuff, check out his albums recorded in Paris in the mid 1950's.

Happy listening!

I have virtually everything that Chet Baker has done...especially the "standards". If you like his vocals, you will like this CD. If you like quiet, yet "rich" Chet Baker, I recommend this one. But, as far as I'm concerned, whatever Chet does is okay by me!

The perfect album for after work; this music really compliments that first wonderful moment when you kick off your shoes, ease your chair back...and relax with a cocktail after a hard day. Chet is my relaxation hero!

This is another of Chet Baker's best albums. I could listen to it every day.

I have been a fan of Chet's since the 1950s. I especially like when he sings. I recommend him to all the friend in my age group.