"As Volume 1, this volume represents some of the best of Connie's Italian recordings. I favor this Volume as it contains several tracks from the beautifully recorded "Love Italian Style" album, Connie's gem among the Italian LPs. Those recordings represent her voice at its best and one cannot help but become mesmerized as one listens to those haunting tracks. I am anticipating the release of that entire album on CD format. It ranks up there with Connie's most superb LPs."
I would give this album 10 stars
W. Soule | Aylett, VA United States | 06/21/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you think Connie Francis is just Where the Boys Are, Stupid Cupid, and Lipstick on Your Collar, you have another thing coming. In her prime, she could not be touched vocally and the albums which make up this CD, were recorded in her prime. Most of the cuts are from one of my favorite albums of hers, Love Italian Style, one of the most beautiful albums ever recorded. Her phrasing was right up there with Ol' Blue Eyes himself. Seriously, if you just enjoy good music sung from the depths of the soul, even if you don't understand Italian, Connie's voice will speak to you of the passion and beauty that is Italy and of this wonderful person who sings it. Treat yourself and buy the CD. In an age where good music is a thing of the past, you will be glad you did. Soft lights, dinner and this album playing in the background, and even Carrot Top could score."
Vol II is also Bellisima
Terry Robertson | Asheville, NC USA | 10/20/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Actually I prefer this disc over volume one only because it contains more material from her best Italian Lp "Love Italian Style". her voice is more supple and the music and voice combined is like warm, soft candlelight, a glass of wine and thou. You can't get any better than Connie Francis. This collection was one of the first attempts to release her best material--her Lp work and I hope this is something we are going to see more of, particularly her latter cuts where she is at her vocal peak. Kudos to Polydor for this 2 set collection. Now that Universal has acquired the material, I hope they have the good sense to follow suit."
The best Italian songs by Connie Francis
Catherine Alexander | Danville, NH United States | 08/26/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Hi I loved it and she has super talent. Her Italian is fabulous sends your emotions soaring. I'm so happy I purchased both Vol.1 and vol.2 Italian collection. I would buy anything Connie Francis sings in Italian. I wish I can tell her myself. Warm Regards: Cathy Alexander(NH)"
Outstanding Songs Of A Great International Singer
masterbill | Long Island, New York | 01/19/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Connie Francis was the most popular American female pop singer from the late 1950's to the early 1960's, but her Italian recordings are markedly superior. Her vocals are more natural and richer in her Italian selections, and her phrasing is outstanding. Unlike some of her American hits, few of Connie's Italian songs sound outdated. Only some of Petula Clark's Italian recordings, particularly Ceux Qui Ont Un Coeur (Anyone Who Had A Heart), approach the quality of Connie's. Even if you prefer up-tempo songs as I do, you will enjoy most of the beautiful ballads on this CD. Connie's impeccable interpretations were dramatic, but precise, and not over bearing, and were a perfect match of her rich, sensual, and powerful vocals. She exhibited a rare combination of confidence, sensitivity, and vulnerability in her music.Every song on this album is excellent, and the quality is so even that it is difficult to identify the stand out tracks. The musical arrangements of all the songs are beautiful. Piscatore 'E Pusilleco is a subdued, sensual ballad with incredible vocals, Souvenir d'Italie, Nun Peccato, Anema E Core, Senza Mamma A Nnammurata, and I Te Vurria A 'MMe are also beautiful, romantic ballads. Guagliione is an excellent, powerful mid-tempo song, La Mamma is an outstanding love song and one of Connie's best English recordings, and Malafemmena is another excellent mid-tempo song, sung in both Italian and English. Scalinatella is a classic intense, dramatic Connie Francis recording and Comm' Bella A Stagione is a dramatic, up-tempo, song. Her live recording of a Neapolitan Medley includes Chillo and Scarricciatiello, which are outstanding, fast, playful selections and the soulful Torna A Surriento.The insert included with the CD is informative and includes several beautiful photos of Connie. This collection is so good that even fans of Hip Hop and Rap music will enjoy listening to these songs as background music."