Customer Reviews

Voice of America

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Kate Smith was a popular singer of the thirties and forties. No compilation of her music contains all her important songs, but they were recorded for several different labels, so you can get them all by buying a compilation from each label. As Kate was such a wonderful singer, this is a very pleasurable exercise, and not too expensive.

The music on this album is from the late forties, and includes a re-recording of her most famous song, Irving Berlin's God bless America, and 21 other outstanding songs, with a nice mix of ballads and uptempo songs. Tears on my pillow must not be confused with Little Anthony's much more famous song with the same title. I'd not heard this particular song before I bought this, but it's a lovely song, well worth hearing.

There are many classic songs here, including I only have eyes for you, It had to be you, Anniversary song, Easter parade, Beautiful dreamer and If I had my life to live over. Kate sings them all (and the others) superbly.

Kate was a very fat lady, but she sang like an angel and this collection is but a sample of her brilliance. If you like music by the ladies of Kate's era, you will enjoy Kate's music.

Kate Smith's singing was superlative--period. Hers was a genius we rarely have the thrill of experiencing. Her sense of timing, her excellent diction and her sophisticated phrasing combined to make everything she ever sang quite memorable. Every song's a winner here; when Kate sang she never let her audiences down. If only I had seen her perform in concert!

"It Had to be You" features Kate Smith singing at her usual very best; she was somewhat younger when she recorded this but make no mistake about it--she already had a tremendous command of her repertoire including this song. "Dreams are a Dime a Dozen" has some vocal backup for Kate but she never really needed backup; her talent carried her through every time. "Memory Lane" is very well done; and listen for Kate to perform "Tears on My Pillow" with panache. "Ask Anyone Who Knows" gets the royal treatment from Kate; the musical arrangement works well with her singing. "Tomorrow" has a great melody; and "The Anniversary Song" shines brightly in Kate's more than capable hands. "Dancing with Tears in My Eyes" may not have the happiest lyrics; but it's terrific to hear Kate sing this flawlessly.

"After Graduation Day" stuns me with its natural beauty; only Kate could make this sound so special! "Feudin' & Fighting" is a somewhat playful tune while "Long After Tonight" is a memorable ballad that I could never tire of hearing--when Kate sings it, that is!

Kate's rendition of "I Only Have Eyes for You" is easily one of the best I've ever heard; and she handles "The Miracle of the Bells" with grace and style. Kate gives "Easter Parade" a sensitive delivery that works wonders for it while "If I Had My Life to Live Over" is very moving. "When I Lost You" is very pretty even with those sorrowful lyrics thanks to Kate's sublime delivery; she never lets go of a single superfluous note and that's grand. "Tallahassee" is excellent; and I really like Kate's outstanding performance of "Beautiful Dreamer."

I always liked "Please Don't Talk about Me When I'm Gone;" and when Kate Smith sings it she makes it sound better than ever! "Bless This House" is most poignant; Kate makes this special! "Now Is the Hour" has a lovely arrangement with Kate in the spotlight and the album ends strong with Kate Smith performing "God Bless America" to perfection--and beyond!

Kate Smith will never be forgotten; and the reason why is clear when you listen to her albums. This is a must-have for Kate Smith fans; they won't be disappointed. This CD is also a good place to start for newcomers to Kate Smith's talent; and people who enjoy classic pop vocals will thoroughly enjoy this music.

What a great collection of songs by the gifted and talented Miss Kate Smith. She really can belt out a song with such feeling. The cover has a beautiful picture of Miss Smith with a great big smile! There is no one like Kate!