Search - Neil Sedaka :: Neil Sedaka - Greatest Hits

Very Singable Songs

C. W. Emblom | Ishpeming, Michigan USA | 01/27/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Here they are, the songs you think of when you think of Neil Sedaka. Get the lyrics from the internet, print them out, grab some kids, and have a sing along. These are very peppy, singable songs for all to enjoy. It will be a real treat."

Outstanding hits from the great Neil Sedaka

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 05/17/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Neil Sedaka Sings His Greatest Hits has 12 huge, huge hits that made Neil Sedaka a household name even early on in his career. These songs still sound every bit as good today as they did when they were originally released all those years ago. Neil cares a lot about putting out high quality control music; you can tell how much he loves his music by listening to his enthusiasm as he performs these numbers. The only caveat I can think of is that because this album was released in 1962 on vinyl, any songs of Neil's that you may like that were released after 1962 won't be on this CD. However, what we do get is so good this album is still practically a must-have for any Neil Sedaka fan--and it's a great starter CD for people just discovering his singular talent. The quality of the sound on this CD is excellent and the artwork is very well done.



The album begins with Neil doing a rousing ballad, "Next Door To An Angel." This adorable song is infectiously catchy and Neil never sounded better--wow! This is a song that almost anyone can relate to; we can all remember "awaking" one day to "discover" that someone we knew all of a sudden is so attractive! Great! "Oh, Carol" is another very romantic number with just a hint of a Latin flavor added to the music; the music perfectly complements Neil's vocals as he sings this faultlessly. "Oh, Carol" is indeed a major highlight of this fine album.



"King Of Clowns" is a song I haven't heard as much as some of the others; but it's very good and Neil bats this straight out of the ballpark! "Stairway To Heaven" couldn't be any better; Neil sings this passionately and he never misses a beat, either! In addition, there's "Calendar Girl;" this tune is one of my very favorite Neil Sedaka tunes of all time. Neil sings this wonderfully and the backup singers harmonize to perfection--not that Neil needed backup, but they do sound pretty good anyway. I love it.



"Breaking Up Is Hard To Do" gives us the faster version from Neil; and he performs this without letting go of a single superfluous note! The music uses the percussion very well and Neil's excellent diction bolsters his performance all the more. "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do" has a late 1950s flavor to it; and it all holds its own very well. "Happy Birthday, Sweet Sixteen" is another one of Neil's best hits ever; I always loved this number and Neil delivers it with his usual grace and positive energy. "Happy Birthday, Sweet Sixteen" is another number that uses the percussion very well. "Little Devil" is an excellent number that you're bound to remember if you haven't heard this one already. "Little Devil" is very creative as Neil sings of the girl he wants to be his own; and the arrangement is nothing short of perfect. The album also ends well with Neil Sedaka performing "You Mean Everything To Me." This ballad has a slower beat than most on this CD but it sounds every bit as beautiful; the strings sound great and Neil is squarely front and center--right where he belongs!



Neil Sedaka Sings His Greatest Hits truly is a fun CD that any Neil Sedaka fan should own. It's particularly useful as a starter CD for new fans. These tunes are timeless; they will never go out of style and that's grand.



Great job, Neil! Thank you for everything you've given us!

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