Search - Julie London :: Sings the Standards

Great album.

Hoc Stercus | Hudson, NY USA | 02/19/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Recently I came across a reference to Julie London, and it occurred to me that I never heard anything recorded by her. I decided to take a chance on this CD....... and I am so glad I did. In this day and age, when you're fortunate to get an album with two or three songs that you really like, it is astounding to come across an offering where nearly every track on it is a winner. This particular production is a super introduction to Ms. London. It convinces me I need to get more of her recordings."

Classy covers by a classy lady

Peter Durward Harris | Leicester England | 12/15/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Julie never thought of herself as a great singer, but this collection and others prove that she was a very fine singer indeed. On this selection of 22 songs made famous by others, Julie's covers are among the best to be found.Although best suited to the slow, seductive ballads, Julie demonstrated that she was well capable of singing mid-tempo songs like Fly me to the moon and Can't get used to losing you. The inclusion of such songs makes the collection more interesting. Some songs were recorded in a fairly straightforward manner, but others sound very different, including Hello Dolly (which starts slowly but builds as the song progresses) and Light my fire (without the driving rock beat, the music is more appropriate to the lyrics).This album is full of classic songs, more famously associated with such great singers as Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Andy Williams, Dinah Washington, Louis Armstrong, June Christy, Nat King Cole and others, but Julie's versions are very enjoyable.This is a lovely introduction to Julie's music if you haven't got any already - even without the song she is remembered for, Cry me a river. Actually, there are so many compilations of Julie's music containing that song that it's quite refreshing to find one without it."

Fine collection of standards sung by the incomparable Julie

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 08/04/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Julie London remains a one of the greatest female vocalists of the entire twentieth century; and every minute of this album proves it. Hers was a talent we just don't get to cherish very often.



The CD track set begins with "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend." The upbeat melody complete with bass sets the tone; and when Julie comes in you know she's the best! Julie's excellent diction bolsters this number as well. The strings work wonders for this number. "Can't Get Used To Losing You" offers a more subdued, somber number even though the melody appears to be light. "Can't Get Used To Losing You" gives us Julie singing about her pain after her love affair is over. Excellent!



"Fly Me To The Moon" begins with a late 1950s/early 1960s Latin beat to make this ballad all the more romantic, although later on the melody get that easy listening feel to it. Julie delivers "Fly Me To The Moon" without a superfluous note--wonderful!



"Hello Dolly" shines in Julie's competent hands; and the slower than usual tempo helps Julie to put her own stamp on this classic number! Great percussion, too. "Light My Fire," a number made famous by The Doors in the 1960s, gets the royal treatment from London, proving that she can even handle the rock and rock classics with grace and style. Impressive!



"You Made Me Love You" sports a few chord changes to once again help Julie to put her own stamp on this classic ballad. The organ works well for "You Made Me Love You." "Call Me Irresponsible" begins with a musical flourish and when Julie comes in she massages the lyrics beyond perfection! The strings play a little too loud in my opinion; but this number sounds great anyway. In addition, "I Left My Heart In San Francisco" showcases Julie's magnificent voice; the piano has a great effect upon this number. Julie London performs "I Left My Heart In San Francisco" with great sensitivity and panache. Excellent!



"As Time Goes By" starts off with some great percussion in the musical intro; and Julie yet again delivers another classic ballad flawlessly. What a treasure!



The liner notes have a fine essay by Martin Hutchinson; he writes about Julie London and her career. You get the song credits; and the front cover artwork reflects good judgment.



Julie London once again proves her mettle with this CD of remarkably well done, thoughtfully delivered classic ballads. I highly recommend this CD for fans of Julie London and classic pop vocals.

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