Search - Engelbert Humperdinck :: Definition of Love

Definition of Brilliance

Lawrence E. LaRocco | Berwyn, Illinois | 02/01/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"An absolutely stunning new album that ranks with the very best work that Engelbert has ever done, "Definition of Love" absolutely confirms the King of Romance as one of the greatest pop vocalists of the past century. I am just amazed at how underappreciated he is in the U.S. Humperdinck has recorded over sixty albums in his thirty-five year career, and not one of them is any better than, "Definition of Love." It is a superbly creative eclectic mix of the old and new that tugs on your heartstrings. Everything is right about this album: the songs, the lush orchestrations, and, of course, Engelbert. I loved every song, but "Penny Lane," "How Slow We Go," and, "If" are superb. Engelbert's breath control; his effortless phrasing, and his ability to still reach the high notes remind me of Frank Sinatra in his prime with Capitol and and Nelson Riddle. Here is a man who is in his middle sixties and hasn't lost a thing. Five stars isn't really enough to rate this album. It's really that good. If you ever get a chance to see him in concert, he's even better. I also highly recommend his videos, especially his 1985 performance at the Royal Albert Hall in the U.K. But do not miss this CD. It is another gem to place on the crown of perhaps the greatest baritone of all time!"

Definition of Brilliance

Lawrence E. LaRocco | Berwyn, Illinois | 02/12/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I cannot recommend this CD too highly. It is a stunningly brilliant, eclectic mix of ballads that ranks near the top of the immense body of work that Engelbert has produced in his long and illustrious career. "Definition of Love" was crafted with tender loving care to every aspect involved in its creation. The selection of songs, the lush orchestrations, Engelbert's phrasing and interpretation of his material collectively reinforce my opinion that he is indeed the greatest baritone of the past century. Every track is an absolute gem, but if I had to select only one song it would be "She." Go out and purchase this CD today; in fact, get two copies and give one of them to someone else who appreciates great music that is saturated with Engelbert's unequaled interpretative artistry. I can only hope that The King of Romance continues with his recording career for many more years because vocal talents such as his only come along once in a lifetime."

Full of delights and surprises

Alejandra Vernon | Long Beach, California | 01/01/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Thirty-five successful years in the music business is quite an accomplishment, and this album is a great way to celebrate, with the first half a selection of some marvelous songs that are strong lyrically and have a country feel, and the best of them is one co-written by Engelbert's daughter, Louise Dorsey, and tracks 9 -15 are a potpourri that includes some international hits, including "Penny Lane", which was the Beatles song kept off the # 1 chart position by Engelbert's "Release Me" in 1967. It all makes for a pleasing mix, and terrific listening.



Highlights for me are:

"How Slow We Go" (Agee/Dorsey/Collins) is a gorgeous song, and I'm surprised it hasn't been a massive hit and covered extensively by other artists. It's enhanced here by lovely guitar work by Hugh Burns.

The unusual, relaxed take on the Elvis hit "Love Me" (Lieber/Stoller), the beautiful melodic "If" (Gates), that was a hit for Bread, and what must be Engelbert's first rendition of a Charles Aznavour song, "She".



Engelbert sounds in top form, pouring his heart, soul, and artistry into every song, and the musicianship throughout is superb, with first-rate arrangements and production. Completing the celebratory package is a booklet insert with detailed recording credits, loads of photos and liner notes by Engelbert. The sound is excellent and total playing time is 58'30.

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