Search - Ed Ames :: The Very Best of Ed Ames

One of the great voices of the 20th century

Brent Ayotte | Riverside, CA United States | 08/07/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album has the best of Ed Ames' hits. He had one of the most powerful and beautiful voices of the 20th century. I saw him at the Hollywood Bowl in 1971 (I was a young teenager)and at one point, he sang without any amplification, and it could be heard all the way to the back of the audience! While he recorded some 30 albums for RCA as a solo act in the 60's and 70's, only 3 of those complete albums have been released so far on CD (His Christmas album should DEFINITELY be re-released next). So, for either the collector, or the person new to his warm and moving style, this is the pick of his best. "My Cup Runneth Over", his biggest single hit, still shows off his ability to sustain a long note powerfully with great warmth, and the anthem "Who Will Answer", though corny by today's standards (think "In the Ghetto" type of sincerity) is still compelling with Ed's restrained, yet "anger beneath the surface" vocal. The album also shows off the growth changes in his style after leaving his brothers' act in the early 60's to pursue a solo career: "Try to Remember", from "the Fantastiks", is the earliest hit on the album; his style here is still leaning classical. "Changing, Changing" was the most recent hit, compare his "swingin' vocals" (for the 70's) to "Try to Remember". Whatever your musical taste, buy this one; you won't be disappointed!"

Very good--but geared toward the casual fan

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 05/14/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Very Best of Ed Ames is a CD that gives us quite a few of Ed Ames' best hits. It still runs a tad short; so they could have--and should have--included at least two more songs to make this a more substantial release. I will take off one star for that because this irks me; however, the sound quality is very good and the artwork is very nicely done.



"My Cup Runneth Over" starts the CD with Ed Ames singing brightly; his voice is in excellent form and his voice has operatic qualities as well. Impressive! The melody is very pretty and "My Cup Runneth Over" makes a good start for this album. In addition, Ed Ames does a great job on "Try To Remember" from The Fantasticks. "Try To Remember" shins bright when Ed Ames sings it to perfection--and beyond! "Try To Remember" is easily a major highlight of this album; and I predict that you'll like it very much.



"All My Love's Laughter" features Ed squarely in the spotlight--and that's quite all right by me! The strings enhance the musical arrangement and Ed never sings a superfluous note! Ed Ames truly delves into this ballad to be able to infuse it with so much more feeling than the average recording artist ever could; and this amazes me. Great! "They Call The Wind Maria" has a bouncy melody to it that's actually rather catchy and this somewhat country flavored ballad is certainly another highlight of this CD.



"Who Will Answer" has Ed singing much higher in his broad vocal range; this moving ballad is quite memorable even though it's not exactly the most upbeat song I've ever heard. "Son Of A Travelin' Man" has a great beat and Ed Ames sings this like the crooner he always was! Ed Ames proves his talent with numbers like this and I really like "Son Of A Travelin' Man." In addition, listen for "There's A Kind Of Hush (All Over The World)." "There's A Kind Of Hush (All Over The World)" gets the royal treatment from Ed Ames who puts his own stamp on this ballad by playing with the tempo and making a few key changes--but make no mistake about it, this is still a very solid number.



"Changing, Changing" is a rich ballad with quite a stunning arrangement and when Ed sings this it takes off like a jet! The percussion on "Changing, Changing" work well, too. "Leave Them A Flower" also sounds very strong when Ed Ames sings it; and the CD ends very nicely with Ed Ames performing "When The Snow Is On The Roses." "When The Snow Is On The Roses" has a pretty melody and Ed Ames gives this all his efforts to make this ballad shine. It leaves you wanting more!



Ed Ames certainly sang with the best of them; and I recommend this album for his fans if they don't already have these numbers. The more diehard fan will want CDs more substantial than this one; this CD may best be geared toward the casual fan who wants a solid entry-level assortment of great songs by Ed Ames.

"

The very best of ed ames

william b gainer | tillamook, or. usa | 06/18/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"i have enjoyed hearing ed ames for many years, first on albums then this cd. he has an excellent voice with feeling and clarity in his songs. i have this cd in my car and it will never get old. i hope he will follow up with another great cd soon. great work from the recording arrangement and most of all the talent of ed ames."