Search - Marty Robbins :: Love Songs

Career-spanning collection of love songs

hyperbolium | Earth, USA | 02/20/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Outside of country music, Robbins is mostly recalled these days for his Western throw-back hit "El Paso," and for the occasional spin of 1957's "White Sports Coat." But this is the prototypical tip of his catalog's iceberg. As a Columbia artist for over 30 years, this collection has a tremendous range of material to draw upon, and sampling tracks from 1957 through 1977, it is a concise showcase of the variety that Robbins' brought to one of his strongest suits: ballads.



Robbins' was equally comfortable on a twangy, Hank Williams-styled remake of Gene Autry ("Have I Told You Lately That I Love You") as he was crooning a song actually covered by Williams ("Half as Much"). He covered pop hits ("Unchained Melody") and standards ("I'm in the Mood for Love" "Misty") that had strong associations with their hit versions and lent them an original feel. His cover of "All the Way" may not make you forget Sinatra's, but it will certainly command your attention.



His 1970s takes on songs associated with Elvis ("My Happiness" "Love Me Tender" "Can't Help Falling in Love") show off a voice that's still strong, even if the arrangements are a bit soft. More successful is a lush Billy Sherrill production of "I Don't Know Why (I Just Do)" and the South of the border "Return to Me." Additional highlights including the Western harmonies of 1961's "To Each His Own" and Mexicali style of 1962's "Yours (Quiereme Mucho)."



A recording career as vast as Robbins' could hardly be captured in 14 tracks; even his ballad singing is broader than a single disc. Still, this collection provides a nice sample of 20 years of work."

Marty Robbins - The Master Performer

James A. Turner | 08/26/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There is no one that can compete with this Performer.

Marty Robbins is the man. Country, Comedy, Love Songs,

Cowboy Songs. Nobody can outshine this guy. Too bad he

died before his time.



A Superstar singing great Love Songs."