Search - Julie Andrews :: Tea for Two

A truly sparkling, sexy, and unique album

Robert Corbell | 08/11/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a reissue of Julie's album "Love, Julie" originally released in 1987 (USA Music Group). For some reason, this particular album has elicted some strong responses from Miss Andrews's fans, who are somewhat divided over it - either you love it, or can't stand it. Some so-called "fans" truly have gone out of their way to trash this splendid, unique album. In my opinion, this is a real gem of an album, a sparkling and highly-original collection of songs, for Julie truly shows her versatility in a variety of musical styles - among them pop songs, ballads, and standards. According to several sources, Miss Andrews originally recorded this collection of songs as a birthday gift for husband Blake Edwards, and he then encouraged her to release it commercially.We surely owe a great debt to Mr. Edwards for bringing this stupendous album to us. Julie almost melts your heart with her emotional, earnest rendition of "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?" which is just as powerful in its own way as Streisand's 1974 version. She also shows an earthy, strong sensuality on such numbers as Carly Simon's "Nobody Does It Better" (a favorite) and "The Island." In fact, on the first song, it is almost hard to believe this is the same artist who gave us such standards as "Spoonful of Sugar" and "The Sound of Music." This is eons away from Julie's so-called "prim and proper" image, which may account for much of the negative reaction to this album. I also like the emotional intensity of "Come Rain Or Come Shine," which Julie performed in her one-woman concert tour in the summer of 1989. With this song, she clearly ranks right along with such icons as Ella Fitzgerald, Rosemary Clooney and even La Streisand (who also happens to be a favorite of mine). I think one of the reasons (maybe the main one) why a certain segment of Miss Andrews's fans dislike this album so intensely is that it is so completely different from anything she had done musically, up to that time. All the die-hard "Poppins" and "Sound of Music" fans, along with a lot of blue-haired schoolteachers, simply cannot deal with this album precisely because Julie shows such a powerful, warm and at times, red-hot sexuality in her interpretation of the songs. For those who cringe at the thought of listening to this album, I suggest they pull out their well-worn copies of "Mary Poppins" & "Sound of Music" along with the latest Barney the Dinousaur video, and have a pap festival. Perhaps one of the greatest kudos I have read in response to this album is the music reviewer for People magazine, who said that listening to "A Sound Sketch" reminded him of "smoke wafting over mirrors" (January 1988). In my opinion, this album ranks as one of Julie's greatest achievements of her latter career, and in fact it was only one of two record releases by her in the 1980s of "original" albums (excluding the soundtrack of "Victor/Victoria"). Listening to this album makes one realize just how much Julie could have achieved in that period, had she recorded other songs in this vein..."

Some tracks are perfection and some are barely worth hearing

cewing@grey.com | New York City | 08/18/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Julie Andrews' exquisite voice is demonstrated to perfection on several tracks, while seeming inappropriate for others. "What Are You Doing...","Where or When" and "How Deep Is The Ocean" are all quintessential examples of her technical ability coupled with passion. Some tracks, such as "Nobody Does It Better" and "Love" are not particularly suited for her voice. The cd is worth having simply for the few gems it contains."

D-level accompaniment, even Andrews can't overcome record

cewing@grey.com | 08/26/1999

(2 out of 5 stars)

"This recording is also known as "Love, Julie". Recorded in 1990, the syntho backup is abhorrent, and her nodes were bothering her. Anyone who loves Julie will be sorely disappointed, and should pass this one by. Still, if you are a fan who must have everything to complete their collection, as I am, for the price, do it - even though I do not listen to my recording and opt for my old records. (It's a shame SONY MUSIC doesn't re-release her '60s recordings and RCA do the same with her '50s British recordings.)"