Search - Michael Franks :: Love Songs

A Pleasent Themed Compilation Of Michael's Back Catalog

James Fenos | Columbus, OH United States | 02/01/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The song selection and the mastering of this set is excellent. A few of the songs here deserved to be on Michael's Anthology and were missed, now they've found a home and given the remastering they deserve. Unlike the Anthology, which featured cuts from every Warner Brothers albums and a cut from "Barefoot On The Beach" on the defunct Windham Hill Jazz Label, some albums this time were skipped in their entirety. "The Camera Never Lies" could have been represented by "Now You're In My Dreams," a duet with session goddess Patti Austin, "Blue Pacific" with "The Art Of Love," "Dragonfly Summer" with "String Of Pearls," and "Barefoot On The Beach" with "Now Love Has No End" with Valerie Simpson. A lot of Michael fans, myself included, were crying for an overhaul of his catalog up to 1990, his "Looking Back" album fueled the desire even more and his "Anthology" pacified that desire. Now listening to this cd and the potential his catalog represents, we're back to the overhauling idea. The repeats of his well known songs like "Popsicle Toes" and "The Lady Wants To Know" do nothing to detract the enjoyment of this well sequenced disc."

Great Songs To Warm The Heart

Rebecca*rhapsodyinblue* | CA USA | 01/20/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Those who haven't heard of the music of Michael Franks don't know what they're missing.... they're missing out on a very talented singer/songwriter and most especially, his wonderful music. Try to remember the '70s and '80s and the songs "Mr. Blue," "Tell Me All About It," "Popsicle Toes," "Down In Brazil" and "Lady Wants To Know" to name a few among countless others. That cool and mellow voice behind these hit songs belongs to Mr. Franks who has worked with Kenny Rankin, The Crusaders, David Sanborn, Ron Carter and Toots Thielemans, etc. Some of the artists who has recorded his songs are Natalie Cole, Manhattan Transfer, Carpenters and lately Diana Krall.



I've collected some of his earliest albums from the very first "Art of Tea" to this recently released CD "Love Songs" which is a superb, tastefully chosen collection of his most famous and remarkable hit songs that would surely warm one's heart! This album was produced by Tommy LiPuma and arranged by Claus Ogerman and Eumir Deodato, and it has an excellent line-up of guests jazz musicians who are my all-time favorites: Joe Sample (piano), David Sanborn (sax), Larry Carlton (electric guitar), Steve Gadd (drums), Brenda Russell (vocals), to mention a few.



All the songs are so remarkable but my highlights are "Tell Me All About It," "Lady Wants To Know," "Vivaldi's Song," "When I Give My Love To You," "Tahitian Moon" and of course the very song that got me hooked to his music, "Mr. Blue."



I wholeheartedly recommend this CD to those who love mellow pop/jazz music. You'll definitely enjoy listening to it!

"

How could you leave off "Inside You"?

Grey Eagle | Chilliwack, B.C. Canada | 11/21/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I've enjoyed Michael's music since 1979 - and have the majority of his albums. "Inside you" is a wonderful tribute to the person you love - up close or from afar. You can't go wrong with any of Michael's songs, but for what it's worth, here's how I would have made this compilation:

St. Elmo's Fire; In the Eye of the Storm; Dear little Nightingale; Lifeline; Inside You; No one but You; Sunday Mornings here with you; When I give my love to you; Now you're in my dreams; All I need; How I remember you; Hourglass; Everytime she whispers; My Present; and close with Still Life.



I also think someone with the bucks should produce a "loss of love" album from Michael's songs too. As Sir Elton John said, "Sad Songs Say so Much" and I agree with the late John Denver- "Sometimes I feel Like a Sad Song", so, my choices?: Mr. Blue; The Lady wants to know; Dear Little Nightingale; When it's over; He tells himself he's happy; No Deposit Love;Now that Your Joystick's broke; Now I know why (they call it fallng); When I think of us; Vincent's Ear; How I remember you; Without your Love; A Walk in the Rain;



Regardless, just enjoy Michael's music - I have for 26 years!"