Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
These lads are WONDERFUL!, May 2, 2005
I am a swing and tap dance teacher in California and love to collect a wide range of old and new music. About three times a year I am brought to various places around the globe to teach, and while there I am introduced to global swing music.
Imagine my surprise last month while teaching in Norway to come across "Westlife." The teacher who'd brought me over was driving me around siteseeing and playing the cd in the car. Of course I recognized the arrangements, but not the voices. When she told me that this group was from Ireland, I couldn't have been happier. Imagine, being so far from home home in Norway, listening to music born in America over sixty years ago done so beautifully by Irish young men now! It pleased me no end that the "Great American Songbook" (as it is now being called) is being embraced by so many around the world!
I think "Westlife" does a fantastic job on all the tunes on this cd, really bringing to life the swing and jazz quality of the arrangements. They clearly love the genre. Well done!
If you are a swing fan, a fan of Frank's, or a dancer... I would definitely recommend adding this cd to your collection!
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Top Notch, December 11, 2004
As 1) a guy, and 2) one who is not familiar with the original songs, I have to say that this is a suprisingly well sung album. I don't see why people criticize a 'lack of soul', or focus on the orchestra. I think that interpretations of what constitutes 'soul' in music varies from person to person. Personally, I think this album has plenty of 'soul', and to spare!
Also, while the orchestra does a great job, the vocals are what I LISTEN to. And, here, the vocals are GREAT.
The songs on this particular album may not sit well with some of the band's admirers given the types of songs that Westlife has sung in the past, but this CD is one that you can just pop into your player and press 'repeat'.
Relaxing, sometimes catchy, sometimes romantic, and otherwise just plain fun melodies, this is one that would be ideal for you if you just want something to relax to or even sing along with. Alternatively, also recommended if you're inviting someone over to your house for a date! :)
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7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An enormous pleasure!, January 13, 2005
I was a long-time fan of Frank Sinatra's while in college, and finally got to see him perform live on his last concert tour. The songs Sinatra chose were timeless classics, as evidenced by the fact that performers are still resurrecting and recording them.
To those who condemn `pop singers' for recording Sinatra's classic old songs, I can only say that Sinatra was a pop singer in his own time, and the songs he recorded were the "pop" songs of his age.
Westlife's brilliant recording of selected songs by Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Tony Bennett, Bobby Darin, and Andy Williams is not only a superb recording, it is also an undeniable reminder of how talented and versatile these four young men are.
For those who are familiar with these songs, this CD is a timeless reminiscence with lavish orchestrations and the lush harmonies that can only be described as `the Westlife Sound." For those who are coming to this music for the first time, this CD is an excellent place to begin.
My only criticism of the album is that it is too short. I wanted more! But, given everything else going on with the group in the past year, I will overlook that.
Thank you, Westlife, for the enormous pleasure you have provided me over the past six years, and thank you for this fabulous album. I hope I am still around to write comments on your 12th CD.
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