Search - Johnny Mathis :: I'm Coming Home

More Than Just the "Romantic Singer"

L. J. Allen | Atlanta, GA United States | 07/07/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"
In the 1970s Johnny Mathis proved beyond a shadow-of-a-doubt that he was more than just a "Romantic Singer." Blessed with the Pop-Soul-cum-Classical compositions and arrangements of Thom Bell, along with the tender lyrics of Linda Creed, Mathis placed his mellifluous vocals on the "original" recordings of "Life Is a Song Worth Singing", "A Baby's Born", "Sweet Child", and others.



Many of the tracks featured here became, and continue to be, Mathis concert favorites (e.g. "I'm Coming Home", the title track). A rather overlooked gem is "Foolish", a song in perfect mid-tempo that utilizes Mathis' exquisite lower register singing lryics that remind us of the risks and virtues of performing acts of human kindness.



A crystal clear remastering is rendered here. This CD should be a welcome addition to anyone who wishes to upgrade from their original vinyl LP. Additionally, this CD is the perfect purchase for younger fans who are just beginning to discover the diversity of Mathis' prodigious--and steadily growing--discography."

Classic Philly Soul!!!

Reno Melons | Athens, Georgia | 01/13/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When I read about this album the two things that caught my eye were Thom Bell and Johnny Mathis. I'd never heard of this album or that Mathis and Bell collaborated. I bought the CD without hearing a single track. I must say that it's the best money I've spent. This is the best collaboration that Bell has done with any artist. This tops his collaborations with Ronnie Dyson & Elton John. Every single song on this album is fantastic, especially "Foolish". If "Foolish" would have been released and pushed the right way it would have been a hit. "Foolish" still has the potential to become a Quiet Storm classic. I highly recommend this album. Thanks to Columbia for unearthing such a great treasure!!!"

An album deserving of remastering and rediscovery!

Reginald D. Garrard | Camilla, GA USA | 10/26/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Almost twenty years after his debut and establishing himself as the "king of romantic ballads", Johnny Mathis tried something different. Allying himself with lyricists/producers Thom Bell and Linda Creed, themselves having scored major hits with other artists, Mathis released "I'm Coming Home", a MOR collection that comes closest to being (as Mathis could) an R & B album. As a previous reviewer has stated, Mathis does well in his interpretation of the title cut (a hit for The Spinners), "I'm Still in Love With You" and "Stop! Look! Listen" (both songs topping the charts for The Stylistics), and "Foolish", also recorded by Deniece Williams). However, it's on the non-covers where the singer has his greatest successes. "A Baby's Born" is sheer heaven while "And I Think That's What I'll Do" and "I Just Wanted to Be Me" reveal a side of Mathis that had been previously untapped. Had his company pushed the album a little harder, this might have been one of the bestsellers of 1973. Maybe, three decades later, some respect (and increased sales) may be attained."