Brilliant twofer from a lady who could sing as well as act
Peter Durward Harris | Leicester England | 04/18/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Debbie's biggest hit was Tammy, but it did not appear on either of the two original albums. It is a pity that it was not added as a bonus track, but this is still a wonderful collection of music from a very under-rated singer.These albums were recorded in 1959 and 1960, but they owe nothing to the rock'n'roll of the time. Instead, they owe much more to the Great American Songbook, though there are some country songs here too - Am I that easy to forget (Skeeter Davis), City lights (Ray Price) and I love you a thousand ways (Lefty Frizzell) - which are given the lush orchestral treatment, and very nice they sound too.Among the classic songs included here are Moonglow, Hooray for love, I like the likes of you and Time after time. The blue room may not be the famous song in the Rodgers and Hart songbook, but it is a real gem.This collection is dominated by love ballads, but not limited to them, as Aba daba honeymoon demonstrates. If you enjoy music by Peggy Lee, Julie London, Jeri Southern and others like them, give Debbie a listen."
DEBBIE'S ALBUMS ARE EXCELLENT!
Jrn Erik Holt | HAMAR, NORWAY | 02/15/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Debbie Reynolds is one of those multitalented great american stars, who is instantly recognizable when you hear her.
These two albums have her sing a very good collection of songs to good arrangements that are highly enjoyable. As an artist she is capable and brilliant in whatever she is doing (film, shows, singing or whatever she is doing). It would be nice if
there were more recordings from this lady, and dvd's from some of her performances on stage!"
Debbie Reynolds, just PURE talent!
Matthew G. Sherwin | 10/11/1998
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Too few people my age(22) or younger like classic film and/or classic music. To be honest, I must thank George Lucas for this. If he hadn't hired Carrie Fisher for Star Wars, I'd have never enjoyed such great art this album contains. Curious at what Carrie's mother's career was like, a took a listen and watched her films. I became hooked. This album was recorded in 1959 and 1960, when Debbie was going through one of the most difficult times in her life, a divorce from Eddie Fisher. These songs are very evident of that, case in point, "Am I That Easy To Forget?" Debbie could act that's a given, but her singing is just wonderful. Although her biggest hit, "Tammy" is left off, there is plenty of great stuff to listen to. "`You Couldn't Be Cuter," "City Lights," and "Love Is a Simple Thing" highlight this great collection. The music is in the same style of Jazz that Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby sing. This album would take a lot of getting used to, if you don't like Jazz, or don't like Debbie. I don't like Jazz too much at all, but I LOVE Debbie. This album is actually two albums put onto one disc. The first album, simply titled, "Debbie," takes up tracks 1-12; and the second album, "Am I That Easy To Forget?" takes up tracks 13-23. With a beautiful voice behind the songs, they could soar; and they do, so they do. There should be half stars on the ratings, this is actually 4 1/2 stars, 4 is too low."
THREE CHEERS FOR THIS WONDERFUL SONGBIRD !!!
Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 04/11/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Debbie/Am I That Easy to Forget? is a mighty fine twofer CD that has all the songs from two of Debbie Reynolds record albums entitled Debbie and Am I That Easy To Forget? These songs prove that Debbie Reynolds could really sing quite well even though she's not remembered for being the chanteuse that she actually was. What a shame! I also hope that this CD comes back into print soon; it's really very good and a must-have for Debbie Reynolds fans. The quality of the sound is excellent and I like that the artwork incorporates the artwork from the original record album releases.
The CD starts with Debbie singing her heart out on "Love Is A Simple Thing." She could enunciate well and this enhanced her performance all the more. "Love Is A Simply Thing" also sports a very fine musical arrangement. "You Won't Be Satisfied" features Debbie Reynolds in her natural element; she delivers this as a great songbird would and she never falters either. Great! In addition, listen for Debbie to do a wonderful job on "Moonglow;" and "Hooray For Love" absolutely shines brighter than gold in Debbie's capable hands. "Hooray For Love" was always one of my favorite classic pop vocals and Debbie's rendition is very spirited.
"Ev'ry Time" has a pretty melody to go along with Debbie's vocals; and "Mean To Me" show just how well Debbie could take any song and put her own stamp on it to make it all her very own. "Mean To Me" makes good use of the strings although naturally they never drown Debbie out--that's excellent. "Here I Am In Love Again" couldn't be performed any better than the version we get here; Debbie throws herself into this ballad. Debbie practically gives blood to make this quite beautiful and it all holds its own very well.
"Time After Time" keeps Debbie Reynolds squarely in the spotlight--right where she always belonged! "Time After Time" is one of my very favorite songs on this CD and just one listen will tell you why I love it so much. Debbie does this faultlessly. "Am I That Easy To Forget?" has a country flavor to it that works wonders for this ballad; and Debbie also does great on "Ask Me To Go Steady." Another huge highlight of this album would have to be the classic "Aba Daba Honeymoon;" "Aba Daba Honeymoon" amazes me with just how fast Debbie could sing these rather complicated lyrics--what a trooper!
"I Love You A Thousand Ways" is quite pretty; and I really like "Too Young For Love." "Too Young For Love" gets the royal treatment from Debbie who sings with all her heart and soul. "Too Young To Love" charms me completely. "I Can't Love You Anymore" showcases the graceful style of Debbie Reynolds; and the CD ends strong with Debbie Reynolds performing "Love Is A Thing." Wonderful!
Debbie Reynolds could turn out a tune with the best of them; I highly recommend this for her fans. People who like classic pop vocals will also want this album. You won't be disappointed!