Search - Andy Williams :: To You Sweetheart Aloha

Tropical background sounds from an easy listening stalwart

hyperbolium | Earth, USA | 09/01/2001

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Williams' 1958 release for Cadence pairs the balladeering Andy Williams with romantically arranged songs of The Islands. The lush, string-filled charts are more akin to Webley Edwards' "Hawaii Calls" than the jazz-tinged exotica productions of Martin Denny that have recently been in favor with lounge music revivalists. Cadence owner/producer Archie Bleyer used a standard orchestra and Hawaiian-themed arrangements, rather than actual Hawaiian instruments and players, to provide a tranquil, easy listening backing for these erstwhile exotic tunes.In many ways, the somnambulism that results from this mix is a template for vocal background music. Unlike the instrumental productions that dominate the exotica revival, vocal background music is a trickier proposition. On the one hand, the lyrics should be audible, and the singers should be able to ply their emotional craft; on the other, the productions, as a whole, should be able to fade willingly into the background. Williams and Bleyer strike a good balance, with Williams controlled vocals and Bleyer's arrangements providing enough content to withstand a foreground airing, but with a smoothness that allows for passive listening at atmospheric volumes.Those familiar with Williams' best known hits (e.g., "Can't Get Used to Losing You" "Moon River") won't find performances here that pack such haunting, emotional punches. The charm here is distinctly more subtle, as befits background music. The one chart success from this LP, a rendition of "The Hawaiian Wedding Song," was lifted from Williams' earlier "Two Time Winners" LP, and two other titles from that earlier LP ("Blue Hawaii" and "Sweet Leilani") were re-recorded for this album. The earlier versions are included as bonus tracks, along with a single, "House of Bamboo."Liner notes from elevator music expert Joseph Lanza provide an introduction to the album and background on the era in which it was produced, and combined with the bonus cuts and fresh remastering from the original 2-track tapes, this issue is a step up from the version available from the Collectibles label. Fans of Williams' stellar voice and controlled style will no doubt enjoy this turn at Hawaiian melodies.3-1/2 star, if Amazon allowed fractional ratings."