Search - Perry Como :: I Believe

Good songs, medium quality, should be in stereo!

townsend@istar.ca | Nova Scotia, Canada | 10/18/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Six of these songs are from one of Perry's first full stereo albums recorded in 1958 but they're released here in monaural! There's only one selection released here in stereo and that's "Ave Maria" which is listed as being the 1959 version with the Male Voices of the Robert Shaw Chorale but, in fact, it's the version recorded in 1968 for Perry's "Christmas Album". The few songs from Perry's original "I Believe" are out of place and out of context here. This set may be reasonable value for the price but it's disappointing nevertheless. It's yet another example of the "KIDS AT BMG" who simply don't know what they are doing . . . except, perhaps, making money by fooling people. These recordings deserve far better treatment than this!"

Fine, inspirational album from the great Perry Como

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 03/19/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I Believe is a very nicely done CD by Perry Como offering his songs of faith in a higher power; and he sings these beautifully. I also send kudos to Mr. Matthew Long for writing what I believe is a superlative review of this album. Getting back to the album (smile), the sound quality is excellent and the artwork is well done as well.



"I Believe" is a fine number that showcases Perry squarely in the spotlight; this song of faith shines brighter than silver and gold when Perry sings it! Perry's voice sounds wonderful as always; and the musical arrangement with those strings really impresses me a lot.



"May The Good Lord Bless And Keep You" is a song that just about anyone would enjoy hearing when they are in crisis and feel the need to pray to their Lord. The elegant arrangement for the harp and piano is lovely and pretty; and Perry delivers this like the master he always was! Perry never misses a beat and his voice is so smooth it sounds like silk! It's truly very sophisticated. In addition, "Onward Christian Soldiers" gets a fine treatment from Perry and the backup chorus bolsters Perry's vocals. The music makes the perfect accompaniment for this wonderful song.



"He's Got The Whole World In His Hands" features Perry again singing with all his heart and soul; I really like "He's Got The Whole World In His Hands." There seems to be just a slight amount of surface noise on this tune but I stress it's very slight. Perry delivers this song with panache and the horns do a splendid job of rounding out the number to make it sound just right. "Scarlet Ribbons" is a charming song I always loved ever since I first heard Harry Belafonte sing it; Perry takes this and makes it his own with his sublime interpretation of "Scarlet Ribbons." "Scarlet Ribbons" lacks nothing--it's THAT good!



"When You Come To The End Of The Day" places Perry right in the spotlight for our enjoyment; and "Ave Maria" never sounded so beautiful than when Perry Como sings it. The CD ends very nicely with Perry performing "All Through The Night" with a backup chorus. "All Through The Night" is a great tune that fits in so well with the religious theme of this album.



Of course, no Perry Como fan will want to pass this one by--even if they're not of the same faith it still will stun you with its beauty. This is also an excellent album for Christmastime.



Thank you, Perry Como! We will never forget you!

"

"I Believe" with Orchestra and Chorus under the direction of

Matthew Long | West Midlands, United Kingdom | 02/02/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD from BMG Special Products is a collection of Perry Como songs of Faith and Inspiration. The most notable point about the CD is the inclusion of an alternate take of "I Believe", with Orchestra and Chorus under the direction of Hugo Winterhalter; not Mitchell Ayres, as on the originally released take.



There is no booklet, just a single paper cover with the track listings on the inside. Other than un-credited information, there is an error. The version of "Ave Maria" is credited as the 1959 version with The Robert Shaw Chorale. The actual version included is Perry's 1968 recording with The Ray Charles Singers.



The CD consists of only 10 songs, of which the majority are from Perry's 1958 RCA Victor Album "When You Come To The End Of The Day".



Considering the title, one might have thought this to be a CD release of Perry's 1956 RCA Victor Album "I Believe"; however, this is not the case. This CD has clearly been put together with little thought. The picture is totally out of context with the tracks included and there is no proper consistancy in the sources used and track sequencing.



Sources appear to be Release Masters or copies of the same - but there are recordings made in STEREO that appear hear in MONO.



The best advice would be to look out for the 2 CD Version of "Perry Como Sings Songs Of Faith And Inspiration". You may be able to locate a copy if you are fortunate enough."