Search - Bing Crosby :: Swinging on a Star

Fine Bing Crosby album--even if it isn't from a soundtrack

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 03/19/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Swingin' on a Star is a charming CD by the immortal Bing Crosby that really lets him show off his great set of pipes! Bing could sing and croon unlike any other; and this fine album makes a great addition to anyone's CD collection. The sound quality is very good; and the artwork is nice, too.



The album starts with "Road To Morocco;" this duet with Bing and Bob Hope shines brightly as they deliver this so well. They harmonize well and the big band style arrangement makes great use of the brass. "Moonlight Becomes You" features Bing squarely in the spotlight; the musical arrangement is lovely with all the strings but it never steals the show from Bing. Bing sings this effortlessly and he celebrates the beauty of his woman in "Moonlight Becomes You." It's a very sweet ballad.



"Constantly" is another love song that Bing delivers flawlessly; he sings this with panache and the music sounds perfect as his accompaniment. "Constantly" is a number that I really like and I predict that you'll enjoy it, too. Listen also for "Sunday, Monday Or Always;" Bing sings this very well and the backup chorus works very well for this number. "Sunday, Monday Or Always" holds its own very well and this is clearly a major highlight of this album.



"Going My Way" is probably of the movie from the same name; and Bing performs this well. The flutes imitate the sounds of birds chirping which could be schmaltzy but it's actually done quite well. Bing handles the tempo changes like the pro he always was! Moreover, Bing shines brightly on "Swinging On A Star;" he sings this playfully; you can tell he had fun recording this tune. The Williams Brothers on backup never miss a beat either!



"Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral (That's An Irish Lullaby)" again showcases Bing at his very best; he sings this lullaby with great sensitivity and this impresses me greatly. Boy, how he could sing!



The album ends with Bing performing "Silent Night." This Christmastime song sounds fresh and new as Bing sings this beyond perfection. "Silent Night" makes a strong ending for the album.

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An excellent CD for a big fan of Bing's movies

D. A. Hosek | 09/28/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This terrific CD is basically a soundtrack from three Bing Crosby pictures: "The Road to Morocco", "Dixie", and the fantastic "Going My Way". There are four songs from what was the best of the "Road Pictures". Most of the songs are not done exactly as they were in this film, but they still sound great. The best of the first four songs is the duet with Bob Hope. This number was the title song in "The Road To Morocco". They always worked very well together. There are two songs from the motion picture "Dixie"; "Sunday, Monday Or Always", and "If You Please". Neither song is brilliant, but both are pleasant, relaxing tunes. The music from "Going My Way" is some of the best material gathered for a soundtrack. The six tracks from this film include its wonderful title song, a light, educational Academy Award winner ("Swinging on a Star"), and two Christmas songs in "Ave Maria" and the always stirring "Silent Night". Once again, if you enjoy Bing's movies as well as the music in them, you really should get this CD."