Search - Billy Swan :: Best of

Very Enjoyable.

W. Grandy | windsor, nova scotia Canada | 04/23/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This album needs to revisited if you haven't heard it for awhile. His biggest pop/country hit 'I Can Help' is here as is Kris Kristoffersons' 'Stranger' which is a very good rendition. (he has toured with Kris several times). His own version of 'Lover Please' (he wrote it) is different than Clyde Mcphatter but worth a listen. A totally different version of 'Don't Be Cruel' sounds strange the first time you hear it, but after a couple of times it really sounds good. (it's down tempoed'}. A real surprise I had never heard before was the final cut of this album 'Your Picture Still Loves Me' which is very nice indeed."

Truly Swan's best

James E. Bagley | Sanatoga, PA USA | 06/19/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This sixteen track set rounds up all of Swan's best work on the Monument label in the mid `70s as well as Epic in the early `80s (both now conveniently affiliated with Sony/Columbia). Swan's biggest hit was also his first: the instantly appealing rockabilly plea "I Can Help," which topped both the pop and country charts. "I Can Help" is the epitome of the Swan sound, with his thin voice and not particularly deep subject matter more than compensated for by his charismatic exuberance and an engaging beat. This allure is especially notable on his early Monument covers of Bill Haley ("Shake, Rattle, and Roll"), Buddy Holly ("You're The One"), and Elvis Presley (a nicely slowed-down "Don't Be Cruel"). Swan wasn't limited to covers, however. He had a hand in writing ten of the sixteen hits found here (including "I Can Help"). These originals have some wonderfully quirky moments - particularly the humorous trio of "(You Just) Woman Handled My Mind," "Do I Have To Draw A Picture," and "With Their Kind Of Money And Our Kind Of Love." If you are looking for some rockabilly that's modern and entertaining, you can't go wrong with The Best Of Billy Swan."

Singer, songwriter and more--Billy Swan can do it all

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 09/16/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Singer/songwriter/actor/producer/sideman and more, Billy Swan's music is incredible! His most famous song may be "I Can Help," but the entirety of this album is wonderful for his fans, both new and diehard. He is in excellent form throughout the album! Billy could (and still can) write and do so much more as well as perform; and this CD does a great job of showing us his talent during the years he recorded on the Monument label which is now Columbia Records. In addition, the quality of the sound is excellent.



The album opens up with one terrific hit for Billy, "I Can Help." "I Can Help" made the airwaves sizzle back when it was released; I remember the radio on our school bus frequently playing this song and even as young kids we all enjoyed it very much. "Shake, Rattle and Roll" gets the royal treatment from Billy who does his rendition to perfection--and beyond! His sophisticated phrasing makes his cover of this song a very good one indeed. Moreover, there's yet another gem in "Stranger;" and I really like "Lover Please" with that musical arrangement fitting in perfectly with the lyrics; "Number One" which sounds so pensive and beautiful; "Don't Be Cruel" with Billy squarely in the spotlight; the excellent "(You Just) Woman Handled My Mind" while "Everything's the Same (Ain't Nothing Changed)" is more outstanding music--not to mention another hit single for Billy.



"I Just Want to Taste Your Wine" is romantic indeed; and I always like hearing Billy do other tunes like "Vanessa;" "You're the One" with that backup chorus and the very fine country song "Do I Have to Draw a Picture." I love it!



"I'm into Lovin' You" showcases Billy once more; he aces this as effortlessly as if it were mere breathing--but of course we know it wasn't really all that easy, Billy's talent carries him through every time. "Stuck Right in the Middle of Your Love" is very well done; and Billy Swan does a fine job on both "With Their Kind of Money and Our Kind of Love" as well as "Your Picture Still Loves Me (And I Still Love You)" which closes the album with a number that makes me reach for the replay button on my CD player!



Billy Swan has given us so much wonderful music, covers of great songs and so much more through the years; and we are all better off for his sharing his talent with us. I highly recommend this for any fan of Billy Swan; and newcomers to Billy's artistry will not be disappointed. In addition, fans of rockabilly, country and even pop music from not so long ago would do well to get this for their collections."