More than just "White on White"
Kelly Izaj | Pittsburgh, Pa USA | 01/17/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Here in America, Danny Williams is best known for his Top Ten hit single "White On White" (which incidently appears on this compilation), but other than that song, he is relatively unknown. While in Britain, Williams had a string of hits that included his chart topping version of "Moon River" (also featured on this compilation). THE VERY BEST OF DANNY WILLIAMS collects the best of his recordings for EMI's His Master's Voice subsidiary (which were released on United Artists here in the States) and gives the listener an overview of his work and comes off as an excellent introduction to the singer many have called "Britain's Johnny Mathis".
The only thing that keeps this CD from being a definative compilation of Danny Williams' classic recordings (not to mention the only thing that keeps this for getting five stars) are the absences of such notable British hits as "We Will Never Be As Young As This Again", "The Miracle Of You" (both which appear on EMI's 2 on 1 CD MOON RIVER/SWINGING FOR YOU), and "Tears". But considering that the person who compiled this collection was the late Danny Williams himself, he could be excused for not picking tracks that might have been favorites of his fans. But what he did pick forms this excellent compilation. Not only do we get the aformentioned "Moon River" and "White On White", we also get such hits as "The Wonderful World Of The Young" and "Jeannie". Not to mention his versions of such songs as "What Kind Of Fool Am I", "Portrait Of My Love", and "It Might As Well Be Spring" among others.
Although this is not the definative Danny Williams compilation (we'll have to wait until EMI puts that one out), THE VERY BEST OF DANNY WILLIAMS serves as both a collection of his classic recordings to be cherished by his many fans and as a perfect introduction of his recordings to new listeners. Especially to many Americans who are only familiar with the afformentioned "White On White"."
Track Listings (24) - Disc #1