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The Absolute Best Compilation Of Julio's Great Ballads!

Jana L. Perskie | New York, NY USA | 06/20/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

""We do not remember days, we remember moments." So said Cesare Pavese, Italian novelist and poet. We all have had glorious "golden moments" in our lives, and poignant memories of these times return occasionally, consciously and in dreams. Sometimes the lyrics and melody of a song can bring back a flood of remembrances. The voice of Julio Iglesias, singing the ballads he made famous, especially from the 1970s, invariably brings to mind a world gone by, and people, very dear, who are now lost to me - but not to my inner world. Which brings me to the album, "Julio Iglesias: The 24 Greatest Songs."



Yes, I am an eternal romantic. And Julio Iglesias is the all-time master of the romance ballad. Few other vocalists can communicate the intensity of love, its joys, melancholy and suffering as well as he does, (and everyone who loves, suffers, at least a little). Some men are turned off by all the schmaltz. But women, worldwide, love Iglesias and his repertoire. I lived for many years in Mexico and Latin America - some of my best years, in fact, and listening to these 2 wonderful CDs brings back, to my mind's eye & ear, the faces and voices of people so special to me; moments spent in the tropical sunshine and others in the crisp mountain air of the Andes; and, of course, starlit nights, romance and friendship also. I remember laughing and crying with my girlfriends to these very same songs - comparing notes about the capriciousness of love. The first time I listened to "33 Anos," (33 Years), I was 33 years-old...and felt as if I were rapidly moving toward middle age, as does Julio in the song. Many years later, now, I have to laugh!



Originally released in 1978, the 2 CD compilation was re-released in 1998. Although the lyrics in many of the 24 songs are exceptionally beautiful, one does not have to speak Spanish to appreciate the quality of Sr. Iglesias' warm velvety voice or the romantic orchestral backup. Are these his 24 greatest songs? Disc 1 is absolutely on target. There's not a single cut that should be omitted, although I wish I could have added some. The music and lyrics of the nostalgic "Me Olvide De Vivir," and the exquisitely tender love song "A Flor De Piel," are favorites. The raw emotion in "Abrazame," and "Por Un Poco de Tu Amor" could bring forth tears from a stone. Disc 2 is more upbeat, and although many of the cuts are excellent, I could eliminate some tracks easily. I love the Mexican classic, "Cu-Cu-Rru-Cu-Cu Paloma," the dramatic "Candilejas," and the beautiful "Jurame, and "Caminito" are highlights. I have never been a fan of "Manuela," although it doesn't bother me to listen to it. However, "Un Dia Tu, Un Dia Yo" is an awful song, and I could do without "Quiereme" also.



Make no mistake though, this is probably the best collection ever of Julio Iglesias' great ballads and it is definitely a 5 Star album. I am being picky, that's all. I want all 24 songs to be superb - but my taste is not everyone's, and what pleases me most might not do the same for others. "Julio Iglesias: The 24 Greatest Songs" is a truly great album. I highly recommend it.

JANA"

Awasome!

Jana L. Perskie | 08/25/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wonderful romantic languages i.e. Castlillean, Galician, etc. all mixed with a profound Spanish/Latin feeling that only Julio can express."