Search - Burt Bacharach :: Make It Easy on Yourself (Mlps)

Terribly Sad Uplifting Music

M. Fantino | San Francisco, California USA | 07/16/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My Uncle worked for Burt Bacharach, in some capacity, and through that connection, I have been able to see him twice, and grow up with his songs in one way or another. Though, most of my schooling with Burt Bacharach was deliberate. I have searched him out and always been pleased. There are so many albums to choose from, but I like this one because it's really heartbreaking. I tend to put this one on when I am in love or heartbroken. It seems to work for both occasions (for which I am always one or the other). The title track is sung by Bacharach himself instead of one of his slick hired voices that tend to trap the song in a particular era, his vocals, at least in that song are pretty powerful, and full of depth and range. A terribly sad song. The lushness and velvetiness that his scores have, particularly songs like I'll Never Fall In Love Again and This Guy's In Love With You make you just want to crawl into them and wrap them around you like a blanket. This is cozy, comforting music."

C L A S S I C !

R. Penola | NYC, NY United States | 01/21/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Burt Bacharach exploded into the world of pop music sometime in the mid-60s, and his influence continues to be felt to this day. If you want to know why, THIS is the first album you need to buy. Not only is it a piece of history, it is one of the most perfect pop albums ever made. Non-stop infectious melodies, intricate and dazzling orchestrations, peppery and unique lyrics, courtesy of Hal David -- everything you could ever want -- and more -- is here for the taking. One classic tune after the other -- songs that, once created, take on a life of their own, with lyric and music fused forever more. Though Dionne Warwick and others have interpreted Burt's wildly creative music to great success, for my money, it is Burt's own distinctively broken vocals and dead-on arrangements that really SING. What a wonderful surprise to find this on CD -- everyone should run out and get a copy NOW. You will not regret it."

An Era Caught in Crystal

Erica | Washington State | 04/08/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I once heard some snide reviewer on NPR declare Burt Bacharach's music as "cheezy", and my heart broke. This is the music I grew up with, and as a toddler I learned to pull up on our big hi-fi cabinet with THIS album playing on the turntable. I find it sad Burt's music is being marginalized as dated by supposedly learned critics...to my mind, there is a logical progression from Bacharach to many talented pop writers of the 70's and 80's. It certainly shaped my musical ear, and if you want to form a mental picture of Adult America in the late sixties and early seventies, I can think of no better musical choice than Sinatra's September Song, anything by Herb Albert, and Bacharach's "Make It Easy On Yourself". It was--and is--sophisticated, complicated fare, with hooky, gorgeous melodies, ghostly strings and brass, the quirky trademark time-changes that keep you on your toes, and Hal David's wonderful, compassionate lyrics. Every track stands out, and for me, at least, is drenched in memories. And despite the unfashionably "cheesey" arrangement, "This Guy's In Love With You" (with Herb Albert's understated brass accompaniment) remains one of the most beautiful love songs of all time."