Search - Cliff Richard :: When in Spain / Kinda Latin

Smoooooth, romantic bliss!

Louise Lacaille | Amersham, UK | 03/23/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When In Spain (1962): Ooooh what a lovely CD! This album features some of the most beautiful music (songs, playing AND vocals) that I have ever heard! Forgive me! I'm no expert when it comes to music, but I just want to say that the authentically Spanish-sounding, exotic, mesmerizing sound of the Shadows' guitar work (featuring the Norrie Paramor strings) blending to Cliff's smooth, rich, opulent sweet voice...is sheer bliss! You'll be uplifted by the frenzied power of Cliff and the Shads in some of the faster songs ("Perfidia", "Frenesi", "Quizas, Quizas, Quizas", "Quien Sera") and, while Cliff's evocative vocals remain flawlessly smooth, you get an insight at moments into how well Cliff can "rock" as well as lusciously croon...which lends the songs an almost ethereal feel. "Me Lo Dijo Adela" sounds/feels like honey dripping into your soul; yet the softer ballads transport you to distant sunkissed sands. Pause on "Amor, Amor, Amor" and "Tus Besos" and savour the moment; you and your loved one are alone in a hammock hung between two palm trees on an unspoilt Spanish cove with turquoise waves lapping beneath. In ballads such as these, and "Solamente una Vez", the guitars vibrate over Cliff's tender, lingering notes and make you tingle with delight! "Vaya Con Dios" too will recall golden, romantic, nostalgic moments - the Shadows sound like a Christmas musical box and Cliff sounds like...well, try running your finger along a long, smooth, satin ribbon. "Te quiero Dijiste"...think of a cool, soothing moonlit walk...and for me, the highlight, "Cancion de Orfeo"...still smooth, lush, yet sultrier, the indulgence of Carnival tempts deliciously, your inhibitions vanish and you are floating on air...this is possibly, along with the 1976 "Miss You Nights", Cliff's greatest performance of any ballad...and we're talking possibly about the best ballad singer on the planet.
"Kinda Latin" (1966)...Cliff sings with the Bernard Ebbinghouse Orchestra...well, some of these tracks are better than others; the Shadows are missed and Cliff sings in a jazzier, but still sultry, Latin style. Can I just note that Cliff towards the end of the 60s and early 70s went a little off track; he recorded many lightweight and singalong songs which did not to justice to his vocal prowess nor parade the magical qualities in his voice; this trend ended thanks to the Bruce Welch-produced masteerpiece album "I'm Nearly Famous". The "Kinda Latin" songs are a cut above the songs Cliff would spend the next few years recording; but occasionally he seems almost drowned in the heavy orchestral, jazzy arrangements; as, perhaps in "Blame It On The Bossa Nova" and "Eso Besso". Some people might attack the album for its lack of originality; yet Cliff adds his own essential "Cliff magic" to these fine songs. I don't know a pop vocalist above him. There are many superb tracks on this, such as a sensitive, tender "Girl from Ipanema" and a delighful, mellow cover of Bob Dyllan's fantastic anti-war song "Blowing In The Wind". The songs that work best are the softer ones with less accompaniment, which rely instead on the rich expressiveness and mellifluous beauty of Cliff's voice: "Quiet Nights Of Quiet Stars", "Our Day Will Come", "Come Closer To Me". All in all, this CD is perfect for sleepy summer evenings; perfect for a romantic candlelit dinner; perfect to end the night in someone's arms. And another thing: yes, Cliff still sounds as good as that today; go and see him live - he is sensational!"

Two of the Best "faux Latin" Latin Albums Ever Made

Stuffed Animal | Kansas City, Missouri United States | 11/03/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Cliff Richard's impeccable vocals combine with wonderful (and often, very authentic) Latin arrangements for a pair of '60s albums that you won't be able to get your fill of. Really, they're that good!"

Lo mejor de lo latino

JOAN MANUEL | Queretaro ,Mex. | 01/13/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Este album reune lo mejor de la musica latina en el mundo , no cabe duda que es una muestra mas de la importancia del mercado latino en el mundo , aqui richard hace una de sus mejores interpretaciones al darle un toque muy especial a temas ya clasicos para Mexico y algunos paises de habla hispana"