Search - Robert John :: Classic Masters: Robert John

Better than expected for a mid-priced piece

Zub | Forks Twp., PA | 02/16/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Robert John's recordings dented the top-100 pop charts sporadically over four decades. Many of his tunes were falsetto-infused reworkings of others' hits, with minor sales impact although his 1972 remake of the Tokens' "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" pushed him into the top-10 for the first time. More of John's remakes dotted the charts in the subsequent years but his signature tune and pinnacle musical achievement came in the form of the self-penned "Sad Eyes", a number one hit in the closing year of the 70's. Unfortunately, few more original chartable tunes were forthcoming and John's remaining chart successes were mostly decent but unremarkable remakes. This collection, one in the EMI Classic Masters mid-priced series, gathers up most of his charting singles. Though not totally comprehensive, amazingly this piece does include tracks licensed from the disparate labels for which he recorded over the years, a not-too-common occurance for mid-priced CD's done by the major labels. Included here are eight of his top-100 singles, a single that just missed it, a couple of b-sides and an album track. Missing are his first charting single on Big Top, "White Bucks and Saddle Shoes" as done by Bobby Pedrick, Jr. and the just-inside-the-top-100 "Hushabye" from 1972. Production quality is decent with all tracks in stereo and a six-page flopover liner notes booklet with some backround and track details. Even with the omissions singles-wise, this is by far the best Robert John compilation to come along."