Search - Perry Como :: Perry Como: Greatest Hits

Perry Como, An effortless master of Song

R. DePalma | New York, New York United States | 09/04/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"There are possibly only four male singers who could create an intangible magic as they sang.They are and were Sinatra, Cole, Bennett and Como. Despite the poor arrangement of this collection, hidden in this mess is classic Como. Como was always being kidded about his relaxed approach, but in singing relaxation is the sign of total control and supreme artistic confidence.Skip the novelty tunes and go for the ballads like "Till The End Of Time", and marvel at the sheer tonal beauty of his voice.For that reason alone this collection is worth buying. However, I do agree with the reviewer who said that BMG didn't know what they were doing. It is unfortunate that BMG now owns the contents of the RCA Vaults and any truely knowledgeable musician will tell you that there are great treasures in those vaults, most of which will never again see the light of day on CD. For example,during the mid to late sixties which I believe was Como's greatest vocal period, he recorded two albums, one titled "Lightly Latin", and the latter "Perry Como in Italy" a magnificent album recorded in Rome and in my opinion the best sounding Como ever. But to my Knowledge neither of these masterpieces has ever made it to CD. I was never a fan of compilation CD's. I wish they would just release the entire albums that some of these cuts came from, with the songs grouped together as they were originally intended and in their original master form be it Mono or Stereo. But until they do, I'll keep listening to this one!"

Greatest Hits?

townsend@istar.ca | Nova Scotia, Canada | 07/17/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For anyone new to Perry's incredible legacy of recorded works, the frustration of his many fans about this CD compilation will understandably appear strange. The problem with this release is two-fold, the first involving repetition, many of these songs having been released more than thirty times on CD, and the second problem is describing the compilation as Perry's "Greatest Hits" . . . when so many of his popular "greatest hits" continue to go un-released! Considering the plethora of bootlegged Como releases currently released on CD, these songs are all remastered from original RCA tapes and in this respect are outstanding. However, it doesn't appear that BMG actually used first generation sources or else recordings such as "Kewpie Doll" and "Catch a Falling Star" and "Magic Moments" and even "Round and Round" would have been released here in real stereo or binaural two-track! Jumping from 1958 to 1970 appears somehow incredulous considering the large number of recordings in between these years. If we stick simply to singles, where is Perry's 1965 hit "Dream On Little Dreamer", his 1967 signature song "The Father of Girls" and his 1969 runaway hit "Seattle" ? These are only a few. There are many more. If this double CD compilation were called "Greatest Hits Part One" it would still skirt Perry's first fifteen years with RCA Victor! To make matters even worse, BMG is releasing a new CD compilation later this month ( July, 2000 ) titled "The Very Best of Perry Como" with 20 out of 21 songs replicated from this "Greatest Hits" complication, as in fact the majority of songs within this compilation were replicated from the previous popular BMG release! Well "Hubba, Hubba" you say, and well you should because that's the one addition to the new compilation, recorded by Perry in 1945! BMG should be leading off all of these compilations with Perry's 1975 Australian hit single "Let's Do It Again" and then it might all make sense!"

Give that man a spotlight !!!

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 04/16/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Perry Como: Greatest Hits is a fabulous two CD set that is worth every penny you'll spend on it! Perry never sounded better--and the sound quality is excellent. The artwork is very nicely done, too.



"Prisoner Of Love" is a charming ballad from Perry's earlier years in show business; and his voice is strong and full of masculine warmth. Perry never misses a note and the arrangement is very beautiful. "Temptation" is another ballad that shines equally bright when Perry delivers this so flawlessly--how impressive! It amazes me whenever I hear this ballad. "I'm Always Chasing Rainbows" is yet another highlight of this set; Perry croons this with all his heart and soul. Just one listen proves it!



"When You Were Sweet Sixteen" has Perry singing an old fashioned ballad--but when he sings this, it truly sounds fresh and new. I love it! Similarly, "Some Enchanted Evening," from South Pacific, never sounded so beautiful as when Perry Como delivers this to perfection--and beyond! In addition, "I'm Gonna Love That Gal (Like She's Never Been Loved Before)" is one of my very favorite Perry Como songs; the big band arrangement enhances the natural beauty of this tune and Perry makes this a masterpiece in his capable hands.



"If" is another huge Perry Como hit; and the strings that accompany him make this a most charming ballad. "Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes" picks up the tempo quite a bit for this upbeat ballad that belies the anxiety Perry's character feels as he leaves and hopes his sweetheart will be faithful to him until he returns to her.



The second CD continues the hits. "Wanted" is a stunning ballad that I always enjoy; Perry never misses a note! The melody is very pretty. "Maybe" has Perry doing a fine duet with the great Eddie Fisher; together these tow men harmonize wonderfully and it all works very well. Great! "Patricia" is also a remarkably beautiful ballad.



"Hoop-Dee-Doo" is polka music that is really very beautiful. "Catch A Falling Star" shines like silver and gold when Perry sings this; and "Papa Loves Mambo" is another tune Perry did to please his adoring audiences. Wow!



"(There's No Place Like) Home For The Holidays" is one of the best Christmastime numbers ever recorded by any artist; and listen for "It's Impossible." "It's Impossible" was recorded in Perry's later years but he sounds so great you'd never know it. "For The Good Times" is yet another fine number that Perry infuses with so much grace and style it actually stuns me with its beauty; and this makes a great ending for the two CD set.



Perry Como was one of the best crooners ever; and this two CD set shows us why. This is a must-have for Perry Como fans; and people who like classic pop vocals and even the "oldies" will want this, too.

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