Search - Cilla Black :: Beginnings

Black's Back!!

P. N. Clark | Sydney, Australia | 10/10/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I wasn't sure what to make of the concept of yet another Greatest presentation of Cilla's hits, this time packaged within new songs. I am, however, extremely delighted with the end result. The "Hit" songs (alas, mostly not in the USA but just about everywhere else) sound extremely contemporary in amongst the new recordings; almost giving them new life. The "Hit" selection included here ALL made the Top 10 in the UK between 1964 and 1971 but only represent SOME of the hits that Cilla had in the UK, Europe, South Africa and Australia during that time. This selection includes Cilla's outstanding No. 1 sellers "Anyone Who Had A Heart" (which has remained since 1964 the biggest selling single ever in the UK by an English female artist) and "You're My World" which hit the top spot in almost every country it was released. All of these 60's songs serve to remind just how superb those original recordings, all produced by George Martin, were and still are! The new songs are equally excellent, revealing a Cilla for 2003 who is extremely contemporary. Stand out tracks for me amongst the new ones include "Beginnings", "Imagine", "Let There Be Love", "Photograph" and "Anyone Who Had A Heart (Late Night Version)". This comes down to personal taste and doesn't mean that I don't also adore the tracks I haven't mentioned. Cilla is the original 60s Brit diva and she proves with this recording that she can still very much cut it. I especially love the surprise inclusion of the unlisted track 21, Cilla's updated "Step Inside Love". Pure 2003. I recommend this CD to anyone who has ever wondered whether Cilla could still be regarded as a contemporary artist. Hats off to Ted Carfrae for pushing Cilla where David MacKay (Cilla's mid 70s to early 80s producer) feared to tread and BIG CONGRATULATIONS to Cilla. You still rock babe!!!!"

Cilla - Better Than Ever!

neachley | 10/12/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The new album, "Beginnings", which mixes `greatest hits` with new tracks, is a great way for anyone who knows nothing about Cilla, to start.The `greatest hits` tracks, include both her UK No.1s: `Anyone Who Had A Heart` and `You`re My World`, as well as `Step Inside Love` (written fro her by Paul McCartney), `Alfie` and `Conversations`. In total there are eight classic tracks.Of the new tracks, `Beautiful Goodbye`, `My Man (You`ve Changed My Tune)`, and `Imagine` (with backing vocals by Sir Cliff Richard), stand out. Cilla shows that she has lost none of her talent, and retains a voice as good, if not better than in her 60s heyday.The re-working of `Anyone Who Had A Heart`, `I`ve Been Wrong Before` and `Step Inside Love`, also show that she isn`t afraid to update her sound, and that new producers want to work with her. As Cilla celebrates 40 years in showbusiness, and her 60th birthday, this new album is a deserved winner."

Good to hear Cilla singing again

Mr. P. Smith | uk | 01/18/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Quite an enjoyable CD, with some good new tracks. Would really like to see Cilla do an original song again which was specially written for her.
All in all a good return album, which I hope EMI will follow up with some original material."