Search - Gene Kelly :: Gene Kelly At Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer: 'S Wonderful - Motion Picture Soundtrack Anthology

Hey, it's Gene!

05/13/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Gene Kelly sings all the songs on this album. Where to begin? If you're a fan, you've got to have it. You're not buying it for the music, though most of it is pretty good. You're not buying it because you love the movies the songs were in, even though you do. You're buying it because it's Gene. GK never much liked his own voice, but I find it wonderfully warm and real. It's like his dancing - earthy, sensual, emotive, and accessible. In technical terms, it's not a great voice like Placido Domingo's or even his buddy Sinatra's. But he had a special way with a song, and wasn't afraid to let his voice crack or even laugh a little bit when the occasion calls for it. Would I like Gene's voice if it didn't belong to the dancer/director/choreographer/actor we all know and love? Hard telling - maybe I just love his voice because I know it belongs to him. Either way, this is a good collection of some of his best MGM songs. Some of them deserve to stand on their own as some of the best recordings of their era, particularly "You Wonderful You" (such soft, lush vocals) and "I Got Rhythm." His interpretation of "Love is Here to Stay" is simple and direct yet very appealing. "Main Street" is another highlight from a very, very good musical (On the Town). Depending on where I am, I listen to this album two different ways: if I'm at work or in my car, I picture Gene up on the screen doing the wonderful dances that accompany these. If I'm at home, I try to dance the way Gene danced. I'm not too successful, but it's fun just the same. I wish that the sounds Gene's feet made during these songs could have been included. I think that they add a lot to the rhythm and overall texture, but it's not such a glaring omission that you can't enjoy the songs without them. And the liner notes are surprisingly rich - full of great photos and rather a long and affectionate tribute. You can't go wrong here if you like Gene Kelly."

Gene Kelly "Almost like being in love"

Dennis R. Adams | USA | 02/28/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you are any kind of Gene Kelly fan you will want this CD!!! Great songs!! I looked for almost 3 years to find a CD that had all of my favs and songs that were from my fav movies!! I have seen all his movies, some 10-20 times and still watching! LOVE all his songs. I have been a fan all my life,,, You can never get tired of watching this man. I watch dumbfounded at his dancing moves, and swoon over his voice, and enjoyed his "easy" way of going on film. There is nothing like coming home after a hard days work and popping in the movie, American in Paris. His way of life, the lifelike pictures in each shot in the movie makes you feal right at home. And my fav movie of all time, SingenN The Rain. That dancing scene were he is in the rain smiling and just having a ball-well, I must admit, has gotten my butt off the sofa many a times to join in, in what seems a perfect way of life. His voice, movies and most of all dancing is the perfect replica of what Hollywood (and still should be) represented. There will never, EVER be another Gene Kelly- Gene Kelly-I feal in love with his smile, admired his dancing, and grateful for his songs"

A wonderful collection but....

Dennis R. Adams | 08/27/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I have been looking for a Gene Kelly CD to buy. This seemed perfect. Since I love most of his music, I would have it without buying every soundtrack. I wasn't disappointed by the variety or quality. It has been wonderful to be able to listen to the songs whenever I want (especially those with Judy Garland). In my opinion, there is just 1 thing missing. It would be even better if they had left in the "sound effects" - the dance sounds, the tapping, the talking during the song, etc.... Other than that, if you adore Gene as I do, you will derive many hours of pleasure from this CD."