Search - Various Artists - Soundtracks :: Hollywood's Best: The Fifties - '50s - Motion Picture Soundtrack Anthology

A wonderful CD--even though not quite complete

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 05/02/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Hollywood's Best: The Fifties - '50s - Motion Picture Soundtrack Anthology is a very strong single CD compilation although this could never be truly complete because you just can't fit all the great Hollywood tunes from the 1950s onto any single CD. However, the sound quality is very good and I like that artwork, too!



The album starts off with a really cute, fun tune by Debbie Reynolds & Carleton Carpenter from 1950 entitled "Aba Daba Honeymoon." It amazes me just how fast Debbie and Carleton could sing some of these lyrics--didn't they ever get tongue tied? It's incredible; and I think you'll like "Aba Daba Honeymoon" very much. There's also Louis Armstrong performing his interpretation of "A Kiss To Build A Dream On." Louis sounds terrific and only he could deliver "A Kiss To Build A Dream On" with so much finesse. The music that goes with Louis' vocals perfectly complements his singing.



In addition, Gene Kelly does a great version of "Singin' In The Rain;" this comes from the movie of the same name and Gene sings this very sweetly. The music is also very well done which creates the effect of this being a fine, pleasant and upbeat tune that is irresistibly wonderful to hear. Ann Miller, Tommy Rall, Bob Fosse, Bobby Van all perform "From This Moment On" from Kiss Me Kate;" they perform this like the champs that they were and it impresses me greatly. "From This Moment On" is a very catchy, upbeat tune that you won't forget anytime soon.



Louis Jourdan sings "Gigi" with style, grace--and all his heart and soul. It works so well! Listen also for Judy Garland to perform a number she often performed in her concert years, "Get Happy." "Get Happy" starts with a huge musical flourish and when Judy comes in this number takes flight! "Get Happy" is a major highlight of this album.



Susan Hayward does an old Al Jolson song with a `50s twist; her interpretation of "When The Red, Red Robin Comes Bob, Bob, Bobbin' Along" works well and the brass is used to great advantage. Susan's voice is truly a finely tuned instrument which enhances the natural beauty of this ballad. Tony Martin also weighs in with "Easy To Love;" Tony's voice is very warm and operatic. Tony Martin remains one of the best singers ever.



"What Good Is A Gal Without A Guy?" comes from The DeMarco Sisters; and they sure this one up right! The album also ends strong with Bing Crosby and Grace Kelly performing "True Love;" "True Love" is a beautiful ballad and this classic love song makes a strong ending for this CD.



Sure, this CD doesn't have every Hollywood hit song from the 1950s, but what we do get is choice material. I give this CD four stars for being somewhat incomplete; but I would still recommend it heartily to classic movie buffs and people who enjoy classic pop vocals.

"