Definition of Love

Engelbert Humperdinck

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 28, 2003)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Hip-O Records
• ASIN: B00007MB5Q
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #62,869 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Track Listings

1. Definition Of Love

2. I Want To Wak Up With You

3. How Slow We Go

4. I Don't Want To Miss A Thing

5. If Tomorrow Never Comes

6. Nothing A Little Love Won't Cure

7. Angels

8. Love Me

9. Volare

10. Brazil

11. Penny Lane

12. This Guy's In Love With You

13. True Love At Last

14. If

15. She

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The seemingly ageless Hump bills this as his 35th anniversary album, but that fudges the numbers just a bit. In fact, it celebrates the year the former Arnold Layne Dorsey segued spectacularly from rock & roll also-ran to romantic balladeer with his massive hit cover of "Release Me," the record that broke the Beatles' own record streak of 12 No. 1 singles in their native England. The Big E celebrates that moment here with a good-natured, if typically laconic cover of "Penny Lane," the song his own budding success stalled at No. 2. While the remainder includes other standards and favorites from his live act (including "Volare," "This Guy's in Love with You," "Brazil," "If"), the veteran crooner invests himself most fully in the originals (highlighted by the title track and "How Slow We Go," a song cowritten by his daughter Louise) and newer material. The Hump's rock roots are revisited on "Nothing a Little Love Won't Cure," one of four tracks livened by the presence of his longtime touring band in the studio. The singer also puts his distinctive vocal stamp on Diane Warren's "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing," Robbie Williams's "Angel," and "If Tomorrow Never Comes" by Garth Brooks. Kitsch king to some, romantic balladeer extraordinaire to others, Humperdinck delivers it all on this emblematic contemporary collection. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Definition of Brilliance, January 31, 2003

By	Lawrence E. LaRocco "Sinatra Fanatic" (Berwyn, Illinois) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

An absolutely stunning new album that ranks with the very best work that Engelbert has ever done, "Definition of Love" absolutely confirms the King of Romance as one of the greatest pop vocalists of the past century. I am just amazed at how underappreciated he is in the U.S. Humperdinck has recorded over sixty albums in his thirty-five year career, and not one of them is any better than, "Definition of Love." It is a superbly creative eclectic mix of the old and new that tugs on your heartstrings. Everything is right about this album: the songs, the lush orchestrations, and, of course, Engelbert. I loved every song, but "Penny Lane," "How Slow We Go," and, "If" are superb. Engelbert's breath control; his effortless phrasing, and his ability to still reach the high notes remind me of Frank Sinatra in his prime with Capitol and and Nelson Riddle. Here is a man who is in his middle sixties and hasn't lost a thing. Five stars isn't really enough to rate this album. It's really that good. If you ever get a chance to see him in concert, he's even better. I also highly recommend his videos, especially his 1985 performance at the Royal Albert Hall in the U.K. But do not miss this CD. It is another gem to place on the crown of perhaps the greatest baritone of all time!

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Englebert is the last of the Romantics", January 28, 2003

By	J. Lovins "Mr. Jim" (Missouri-USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)    (VINE VOICE)

If you are a fan of "The King of Romance" aka Englebert Humperdinck, this is unquestionably his best effort to date. He sinks his heart and soul into "Definition of Love", his latest release to his many fans and soon to be followers of this modern day crooner. Now celebrating his 35th anniversary in show business, due largely to his versatility as well as his enduring style and interpretation. Engelbert still records original material as well as his old vintage standards that moved him up the ladder of success. He is not afraid in attempting new projects, as this album will confirm.

As he delivers demanding performances, inclusive is superb breath control hitting high notes that you would never attempt on a bet. If you enjoy classics from the '40s right up to the moment, then this album has your name on it. Take for instance tunes like "BRAZIL", "VOLARE", "LOVE ME", "PENNY LANE", "THIS GUY'S IN LOVE WITH YOU" and lastly "IF", this song is one of my all-time favorites, performed by Elvis, Jerry Vale, Perry Como and now Engelbert, each with God-Given-Talent!

In closing with have "SHE", a tear in his voice touching our very soul, you can't get any better than this cue. If love songs is your cup of tea, mixed with a voice of the "last of the romantics"...then this is the one you've been waiting for...Engelbert fans and music lovers alike will treasure this now and years to come...every Valentines Day...gotta love it!
Total Time: 58:30 on 15 Tracks ~ Hip-O Records 440-066-113-2 ~ (1/28/2003)

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Definition of Brilliance, February 11, 2003

By	Lawrence E. LaRocco "Sinatra Fanatic" (Berwyn, Illinois) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I cannot recommend this CD too highly. It is a stunningly brilliant, eclectic mix of ballads that ranks near the top of the immense body of work that Engelbert has produced in his long and illustrious career. "Definition of Love" was crafted with tender loving care to every aspect involved in its creation. The selection of songs, the lush orchestrations, Engelbert's phrasing and interpretation of his material collectively reinforce my opinion that he is indeed the greatest baritone of the past century. Every track is an absolute gem, but if I had to select only one song it would be "She." Go out and purchase this CD today; in fact, get two copies and give one of them to someone else who appreciates great music that is saturated with Engelbert's unequaled interpretative artistry. I can only hope that The King of Romance continues with his recording career for many more years because vocal talents such as his only come along once in a lifetime.