Search - Ben E King :: Spanish Harlem / Don't Play That Song

LIKE CHAMPAGNE

CHRIS FITZ | Australia | 12/09/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is wonderful, Ben's voice sparkles all the way through from track 1-24. The first 12 tracks all have a latin feel, which makes it a perfect listen on a summers night. His lush voice breathes a new life into Sway, Besame Mucho and the old favourite Quizas (Perhaps,perhaps,perhaps. He brings the latin sides to a close with Spainish Harlem and let's face it nobody sings Spainish Harlem like Ben. Tracks 13-24 are all strong too
opening up with Don't play that song and follows through with a
string of his first singles and their b sides. It's amazing to think that Stand by me, was backed with First taste of love (I have the original 45) What fantastic value for money! The CD winds up with Brace yourself, which is very fitting as you will be....for another listen.
Finally I would like to say that these are the originals, not some re-recorded effort from the 70's or 80's. Enjoy!"

Most enjoyable

Joe Sampson | 08/22/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The first album contains Latin American songs, all of which Ben sings well, backed By Stan Applebaum's orchestra, which is superb. I think that one of the best tracks is Love Me, Love Me which Ben wrote.Ben does a really good job on Granada and on Frenesi. The second album contains a lot of Ben's singles. Ben has a sweet, soulful voice and over the years has shown himself to be a good composer. His recent CD, Shades of Blue, show him to be still in good form. I think he is the best male pop/soul singer around. I think that only Vikki Carr sings with more emotion."