Romantic to the nth degree
D. MCGOVERN | New Zealand | 10/07/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This collection of love songs from Mario Lanza's 1951-52 radio show features the tenor in mostly fine form. What's noteworthy here is that none of these recordings was ever intended for posterity. Recorded as one-off broadcasts, with rehearsal time often minimal at best, it's amazing how many of them are true knock-outs, displaying all of the golden qualities of The Student Prince and other Lanza studio recordings of the same period.
The lesser tracks here (My Romance - regrettably *not* the superior take found on the "B" side of the original Student Prince LP; Valencia; One Alone; and a handful of others) are easily outnumbered by the excitement and romance of the best material. Standouts include Yesterdays, The Moon Was Yellow, Begin the Beguine, I'll See You Again, and The World Is Mine Tonight. On all of these tracks, the unmistakable passion and individuality of Lanza's singing are on full display, coupled with a tenor voice of unequalled brilliance. Magically phrased, not a word is neglected in Lanza's total identification with his material.
BMG has also done the tenor proud with their superb sound quality and attractive cover.
"
In Love with her? After this I must be
Ron Stevens | Sheffield, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom | 05/16/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"What a sensational collection of sugary romance this is. Mario at his lovey feel-good best. Just listen to "My Romance" and try not to feel all good inside. And then try "When You're In Love" and try not to be infatuated by the person sitting next to you. This is heart-wenching stuff from the King Of The High C's. Simply wonderful. Derek Mannering has done a marvellous job with this fine album."
Glowing!
Ron Stevens | 09/27/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a must album for those of you who are Mario fans such
as I am. At first I thought that it was only worth about 5
tracks, until I decided to go ahead and listen strait through.
I loved everyone of them! A wonderful CD with some songs that
really stand out. Buy this one!"