"This cd has the first 2 albums that I bought in the 60's by the best voice of his generation, Mr. Andy Williams. Thanks to Collectables for doing what Columbia/Sony should have done years ago. Hope Collectables continue to reissue Andy's Columbia Records catalog with the same concept(2 albums per cd) and with latest technology remastering. I highly recommend this cd!"
After all this time ---
Michael P. Vimont | Norton, OH USA | 12/28/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Honey" was an album my brother owned when were only 9 years old. That's right, when other kids were watching cartoons, or listening to the Beatles; we were listening to Andy Williams. Anyway, after all this time I came across this CD and immediately purchased it through Amazon to relive my childhood. I wasn't disappointed. Every song is an adaptation of popular songs during this time, but Andy's fresh, silk-like, soft presentation provides a new way to enjoy the song. In fact, Honey as sung by Andy was the first way I ever heard the song sung, and everyone else who I later singing it came up short. Thanks for the memories "Collectibles" and Andy."
Sixties classics covered by Emperor of Easy
Peter Durward Harris | Leicester England | 09/06/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"These two albums, from 1968 and 1969, are filled with covers of songs that were popular at the time, including no less than four Glen Campbell classics (By the time I get to Phoenix, Where's the playground Susie, Wichita lineman and Gentle on my mind), all of which were written by Jimmy Webb. Another of Jimmy's compositions, Up up and way, is also included.Other great songs here include This is my song (Petula Clark), Happy heart (the only original song here, which Andy and Petula both recorded around the same time), Here there and everywhere (Beatles), Honey (Bobby Goldsboro), Little green apples (Roger Miller), My way (Frank Sinatra), For once in my life (Stevie Wonder), Windy (Association) and Scarborough fair/ Canticle (Simon and Garfunkel).However, the outstanding track here is Abraham Martin and John. Andy covers this Motown classic superbly, even adding a bit about Bobby Kennedy to the three other martyrs.Andy has shown elsewhere that he can sing original material but on this collection, he demonstrates that he is quite content to record covers, stamping his own identity on each song."
Sweet Honey
grooverider | Toluca Lake LA | 01/27/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The album "Honey" came at a time where Andy Williams was hitting a creative peak, teaming with producer Nick De Caro, who truly understood Andy's vocal gifts. The arranging, by Nick De Caro, fits Mr. Williams' voice like a glove. "This Is My Song", originally a hit for Petula Clark, is the best example of his voice being surrounded by an arrangement that expresses the true strength and warmth that makes Andy Williams a superior interpreter of music and lyrics. The arrangements are tasteful ("Scarborough Fair/Canticle", "Theme From Valley of the Dolls") and contemporary ("Spooky"). A stunning album.
The album "Happy Heart" found Andy working with producer Jerry Fuller, who guided Andy from the late 60's through the early 70's. "Little Green Apples" is the highlight, with Andy bringing much warmth and conviction. It must have made the author Bobby Russell proud. What a treat to have three (!) Jimmy Webb compositions: "Where's the Playground, Susie?", the most wonderful "Wichita Lineman and "Didn't We". An especially personal choice was "Abraham, Martin and John", since the Williams family was close friends with the Kennedy family, closes out the album, poignantly.