Search - Tony Bennett :: Tony Bennett's All-Time Greatest Hits

Bennett Another Great Italian Crooner

arbor | 06/03/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Aside from the classic "I Left My Heart In San Francisco," Tony Bennett's vocalizing is an acquired taste. But Bennett does grow on you. Initially, his voice is a bit grating and the listener may grow concerned that the veins in his neck might pop at any minute. Eventually, however, you realize that while he is not an exceptionally smooth vocalist (like Como or Damone), he is nonetheless a very good one. He has a powerful voice and, while he at times awkwardly tries too hard to swing like Bobby Darin (who, in my opinion, stands alone as a master uptempo vocalist), he usually has good taste in his choice of songs. Tony Bennett may not have the looks, panache, or magnetism of Bobby Darin or Dean Martin, but like his two paisanos, he can sing. Add his name to a list that also includes Vic Damone, Perry Como, Frank Sinatra, Frankie Laine, Nick Lucas, Al Martino, Russ Columbo, Buddy Greco, Julius LaRosa, etc., and you have a veritable who's who of American popular singers, all of Italian descent. His "Greatest HIts" CD is a must for any serious collector of American popular song."

Some don't quite get it

arbor | OR | 06/04/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Sinatra and other crooners are good, no doubt about it. But those who hear only Bennett's "raspy" voice and cannot comprehend SOUL, won't like him. If you appreciate heart and soul, Bennett is for you. If all you want to listen to is polish, maybe you don't quite get what art and music is all about."