Search - Vikki Carr :: Must Be Him / Way of Today

Vikki Carr at her best

Wilfredo C. Derequito | Dhahran, Saudi Arabia | 10/25/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"How fast the years roll. Before we even realize it, almost half a century had passed since the roaring '60s, that golden era of songs that saw the emergence of many icons whose musical and artistic influence shaped a whole generation. After the passage of time, it's good to know that an album of one of those icons is now available on CD. Of course I am talking about the incomparable Vikki Carr.During the old 'short pants' days, I would drop whatever I was doing, run towards my old reliable transistor radio and turn up the volume each time this high-pitched singer came on the airwaves telling (or, fooling?) me that she was much better off after ending her relationship with her boyfriend. Only to betray herself the very next moment by admitting to the fact that she'd spent too much of her time just the same, standing by the phone, waiting and praying for the much-hated chap to call her! In retrospect, the 1960's being the starting point of the feminist movement, I just think that 'It Must Be Him' was by no means a good starting place for women trying to assert their independence from men. But heck, that's no fault of Vikki, it's just a song, silly me! And a good, tuneful and well-delivered song at that. Hey, it's real as well. Regardless of gender, who hasn't really experienced that ambivalent feeling immediately after a break-up when we are unable to decide if breaking up is a boon or a bane, freedom or continued bondage?Vikki Carr represents what I like most about popular music. Very discriminating and tasteful in her choice of song materials, she produces gems one after another - the Burt Bacharach/Hal David penned 'Anyone Who Had A Heart', a version of Dusty Springfield's 'You Don't Have To Say You Love Me' and The Beatles' 'Nowhere Man'. She also tries to give Frank Sinatra a run for his money in 'Strangers In The Night' and attempts to be a girl with a flower in her hair in 'San Francisco'. That many of these songs came from varied sources and genres in popular music only attests to Vikki Carr's wide-ranging adaptability to different musical tastes and styles. They tell us what Vikki Carr is all about.Vikki, thanks for bringing back the good ole days!"

A Timeless Classic By a Timeless Artist

Richard Jessen | Grand Island, NE United States | 10/30/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What a release! Two Lp's on one! EMI should release more by this icon of American music. The first is a British release which was rushed into production to commemorate Vikki's U.K. tour in 1967. It's different, yet gives a great sample of what this lady was doing at that time. the second is her outstanding "Way of today!" which helped launch her into the current pop scene. "Can I Trust You?" and "And That reminds Me" are standouts along with other cuts. Vikki carr is such an outstanding performer that it seems unreal that she currently has no record contract. C'mon EMI. Let's hear more from this legendary series by this great star!!"

Worth tracking down

Peter Durward Harris | Leicester England | 03/09/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this twofer when it was still readily available. Although some tracks have appeared on various CD's that are currently available, most have not, so Vikki's fans will want this twofer, made up of two original British albums.The first album is It must be him, but I must make it clear that the British album was very different from the American album of the same title. Collectables eventually released that album on a twofer, coupled with a live set. I've already reviewed that excellent CD, but it does not replace this. The second album, The way of today, has only appeared on CD via this release.Between them, these two albums showcase Vikki singing both ballads and up-tempo songs. Among them are covers of Anyone who had a heart (originally an American hit for Dionne Warwick, a British hit for Cilla Black and a French hit for Petula Clark who recorded it with French lyrics), You don't have to say you love me (Dusty Springfield), Nowhere man (Beatles), Strangers in the night (Frank Sinatra) and My world is empty without you (Supremes). These covers are still available, via the British compilation Standards - most are also on Magic if Vikki Carr, but most of the other songs are not.It must be him, Her heart went to loveland, Look again and Forget you were all included on the American album It must be him, but these were the only four songs common to both the British and American versions.The other songs include None but the lonely heart, How does the wine taste, Should I follow, May I come in, Toys, Can I trust you - little-known gems that Vikki performs superbly. This is definitely a twofer for Vikki's fans to search for - but I'm not parting with my copy. It is a treasure."