Greatest Love Songs

Engelbert Humperdinck

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 13, 2004)
• Original Release Date: January 13, 2004
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Hip-O Records
• ASIN: B00016MSZI
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #125,074 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Track Listings

1. Release Me

2. My World (Il Mondo)

3. Take My Heart

4. Last Waltz

5. Man Without Love (Quando M'Innamoro)

6. Shadow of Your Smile

7. Way It Used to Be

8. Winter World of Love

9. I Wish You Love

10. Time for Us

11. Just Say I Love Her

12. Love Me With All Your Heart (Quando Caliente el Sol)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Anyone can merely sing a love song. But it takes audacity and fearless bravado -- and the sterling pipes to deliver them -- to turn a mere three-minute paean to l'mour into something approaching operatic pop aria, which is what former rock 'n' roller Gerry Dorsey turned international pop superstar Engelbert Humperdinck has done with remarkable consistency since the mid-60's. This anthology deftly underscores the point, kicking off with his breakthrough "Release Me" (the record that broke The Beatles string of #1 records in '67), then ranging across another eleven emblematic tracks from his early successes with the Parrot label. His powerful baritone occasionally tips his longtime admiration of Elvis, its deceptively effortless phrasing rooted in Humperdinck's own first instrument, the saxophone. Spiced with Latin rhythmic touches ("Take My Heart") and drama Italiano "Love Me With All of Your heart," A Man Without Love," Rota's love theme from Romeo and Juliet, ) these are the templates for the Big E's enduring romantic oeuvre.--Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Engelbert sold these songs without even trying--BRAVO, ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK !!!, April 6, 2008

By	Matthew G. Sherwin (last seen screaming at Amazon customer service) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)

Greatest Love Songs is a strong CD by Engelbert Humperdinck. The material is so wonderful; Engelbert always sang magnificently. The quality of the sound is also quite good.

"Release Me (And Let Me Love Again)" gets the royal treatment from Engelbert; he sings this passionate song about a man who no longer loves his woman. He now loves another and he wants his freedom from his current lover. Engelbert delivers this with great sensitivity and this impresses me every time I hear it. "My World (Il Mondo)" shows off the operatic qualities of Engelbert Humperdinck's voice as his delivers this flawlessly. The musical arrangement makes good use of the strings and it enhances the natural beauty of this number. Awesome!

"The Last Waltz" was always one of Engelbert's greatest hits; it's certainly one of my personal favorites. Engelbert never misses a note; and his excellent diction and timing make this THE definitive rendition of "The Last Waltz." I predict that you're going to love "The Last Waltz" if you haven't heard it before. "The Shadow Of Your Smile" is a very romantic number that Engelbert aces easily; he sings with all his heart and soul. The music that accompanies him bolsters his performance and I'm amazed at the fantastic sound of this man's voice. Now THIS is talent!

"The Way It Used To Be" has a great backup chorus to go along with Engelbert's vocals; and listen for "I Wish You Love." Engelbert delivers "I Wish You Love" brilliantly with a strings arrangement that tugs at my heartstrings every time I hear this ballad by Engelbert. There's also "A Time For Us (The Love Theme From Romeo & Juliet);" Engelbert handles this effortlessly even with tempo changes; it's a very pretty melody.

The CD concludes with "Love Me With All Your Heart (Quando Caliente El Sol)." I've known this love song for decades and it always moves me with its brilliance and the certain innocence and undying faithfulness of the love expressed in this ballad. Engelbert Humperdinck sings this with panache and "Love Me With All Your Heart (Quando Caliente El Sol)" provides the album with a very strong ending. Great!

Engelbert's fans will want this for their collections. It's one of his better compilation CDs out there. This is also a great budget priced CD that makes it a fine starter CD for people just discovering the artistry of the great Engelbert Humperdinck.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "a dozen of wishful love songs ~ Engelbert Humperdinck", January 13, 2004

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

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 "Englebert Humperdinck Greatest Love Songs", his latest release to his many fans and soon to be followers of this modern day crooner. Much of his popularity is 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, but still clines to the songs that gave him his legendary icon status.

As he delivers demanding performances, inclusive is superb breath control hitting high notes that you would never attempt on a bet. After listening you cannot help but be delighted with the beautiful assemblance of songs this album contains. A special treat for Mr. Humperdinck's fans is the gathering of "TAKE MY HEART", "THE LAST WALTZ", "THE SHADOW OF YOUR SMILE" (one of my favorite Johnny Mandel tunes), "THE WAY IT USED TO BE", featuring musical accents brought out on this CD that will keep you coming back and wanting more of the same.

In closing enjoy his rendition of "I WISH YOU LOVE", with 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...everyday is Valentines Day...gotta love it!

Total Time: 37:47 on 12 Tracks ~ Hip-O Records 95872 ~ (1/13/2004)

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Engelbert in his best, September 8, 2005

By	George Casimir "GCK" (Parlin, NJ USA) - See all my reviews

I follow EH since the first day his voice was on the air /I'm exactly same age/. I can't imagine better performance of all these realy greatest love songs ! I recommend this album to anyone looking for such type of music...Simply excellent !