Search - Charles Aznavour :: Hier Encore

Better than Sinatra

Michael Cullen | Dublin, Ireland | 02/21/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's very hard to get Charles Aznavour CDs in the shops here, so when I heard a radio programme about him last year, I searched in vain, and then finally turned to Amazon. I took a risk in buying this album on spec, but I was not disappointed. I still know very little about the circumstances in which this album was made, whether it was successful, or even if anyone still listens to it. For me, it took two listens before I was sure that I had not wasted my money. Since then it has become a firm favourite. It's hard to believe that songs like "Hier Encore", which last less than three minutes, can have such power. But for them to be any longer would be pointless. Not for Aznavour the hollow sentiment of Sinatra and most other crooners. Each song says what it has to say, and then is done, without meaningless repeated choruses. The arrangements are polished, without being inappropriate. The songs are excellent, touching, and honestly felt.If anyone is thinking of checking out Aznavour, I would highly recommend this as an introduction."

JAZZ AND DOOMED LOVE

ALAIN ROBERT | ST-HUBERT,QUÉBEC | 09/29/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The two sides of CHARLES AZNAVOUR are well represented here in these two originals LPS of 1964.Jazz oriented songs alterns the love songs who have become a trademark for AZNAVOUR, who favours anguish type of love songs of which he had by then become a master.After years of struggling,first in the shadow of EDITH PIAF(he was once her chauffeur),and then the target of critics who did not accept his character,AZNAVOUR has deserved his reputation in the eyes of his fans.Many songs like HIER ENCORE and A MA FILLE among others, are forever associated with him."