The Love Collection

1. Can't Get by Without You - The Real Thing

2. Kiss Me for the Last Time - Elkie Brooks

3. More Than a Lover - Bonnie Tyler

4. Funny How Love Can Be - The Ivy League

5. Baby, Now That I've Found You - The Foundations

6. Purely by Coincidence - Sweet Sensation

7. Loving Just for Fun - Kelly Marie

8. It's a Heartache - Bonnie Tyler

9. All Day and All of the Night - The Kinks

10. Sad Sweet Dreamer - Sweet Sensation

11. We've Got Tonight - Elkie Brooks

12. Red Red Wine - Jimmy James

13. It's Too Late Now - Long John Baldry

14. Piece of My Heart - Nazareth

The Love Collection,Various Artists,St. Clair Records,Album Rock,British Invasion,Pop,Pop/Rock,Rock,Rock/Pop Collections

Average customer rating: The Andrew Lloyd Weber Collection Andrew Lloyd Webber The Andrew Lloyd Webber Collection The Best You'll See from Sarah The Angel of Music

The Andrew Lloyd Webber Collection Manufacturer: Decca Broadway ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Requiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Brightman, Sarah | A to B | Featured Performers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Love Changes Everything: The Andrew Lloyd Webber Collection, Vol. 2 Sarah Brightman Classics Time to Say Goodbye La Luna Harem ASIN: B00000I0XW Release Date: 1999-06-01

Tracks:

1. The Phantom Of The Opera: The Phantom Of The Opera
2. Song & Dance: Unexpected Song
3. Aspects Of Love: Chanson D'enfance
4. The Phantom Of The Opera: All I Ask Of You
5. Evita: Don't Cry For Me Argentina
6. Evita: Another Suitcase In Another Hall
7. Aspects Of Love: Love Changes Everything
8. Friends For Life
9. Cats: Memory
10. Cats: Gus: The Theatre Cat
11. Aspects Of Love: Anything But Lonely
12. Cats: Macavity: The Mystery Cat
13. Tell Me On A Sunday/Song & Dance: Tell Me On A Sunday
14. The Phantom Of The Opera: Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again
15. Requiem: Pie Jesu
16. The Phantom Of The Opera: The Music Of The Night

Amazon.com essential recording

Sarah Brightman's career was launched by her success in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera, so it's no surprise to hear the soprano paying homage to the composer on this disc. Really a Brightman best-of, the album includes the Phantom theme (a duet with Michael Crawford), the light-opera fare of "Chanson D'enfance" from Aspects of Love, "Don't Cry for Me, Argentina" from Evita, and numerous other Lloyd Webber classics. Throughout, Brightman's diminutive voice lends a fragility to these musical theater tunes that you'll either love or despise. On Evita's "Another Suitcase, Another Hall" and Cats' "Memory," she literally chirps through the vocal lines. No matter. The growing legion of Brightman fans wouldn't have it any other way. --Jason Verlinde

Album Details

Another Compilation of Stage Favourites - Some Tracks Are Hard to Find Elsewhere.

Customer Reviews:

The Andrew Lloyd Weber Collection.......2007-05-12

Sarah Brightman sings in good form classic songs and does a great job!!

Andrew Lloyd Webber .......2007-02-12

Excellent Broadway music--a true master. Sing along or just listen. First heard her on PBS.

The Andrew Lloyd Webber Collection.......2007-01-05

Sarah Brightman has always been a favorite of mine, and this CD is outstanding. The duet with Jose Carreras (Friends for Life) is especially good--worth buying the CD for that song alone.

The Best You'll See from Sarah.......2006-09-09

This CD is - wow! I have so much to say about it and so little time! This album features three pieces from "The Phantom of the Opera" - Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again, The Music of the Night, and The Phantom of the Opera theme. They're all beautiful. The second piece on the album is "Unexpected Song". It has beautiful octaves and orchastrations. Chanson d'Efance is an amazing French piece with vibrato - and then some. I forgot to mention that there is another piece from The Phantom of the Opera - All I Ask of You - except that the song is not sung by the original cast from the musical. The next few pieces are fairly decent, until you get to Memory from Cats. WOW - is it spectacular! Then we get to two other pieces from Cats - Gus: The Theater Cat and Macavity: The Mystery Cat. Gus is a song that just tells about a cat and his history. A man speaks the lines that Gus would say in the actual musical - and it makes the song interesting. Macavity is AWESOME! I know that I said that I didn't prefer this song for Brightman on her album "Surrender". I finally listened to it more carefully, and found that it's really interesting to listen to! My favorite song on the whole entire album - however - has to be "Tell Me on a Sunday". Beautiful lyrics, orchestrations, and overall spectacular voice talent ties the whole song together. Pie Jesu is a fairly nice piece from both Brightman and Paul Miles-Kingston - the 16 year old boy soprano. His voice is pure and straight with minimal vibrato. However, Brightman's voice shows a little bit TOO much vibrato! Overally, it's a good piece from Andrew Lloyd Webber's Requium. THIS CD IS AMAZING! If you love Sarah from the Phantom of the Opera, then this collection of Lloyd Webber's work is just for you.

I also recommend Charlotte Church - (in her earlier career) - including Voice of an Angel and her self-titled album. I also recommend Love Changes Everything - The Andrew Lloyd Webber Collection Vol.2 - just another grouping of Webber's classics. I also recommend Andrea Boucelli - he's awesome!

The Angel of Music.......2006-03-13

This is the third copy of this I've purchased. I wear them out listening to them. Awesome, Awesome music. Sarah's range and depth is so powerful!

Average customer rating: La La Means Great Music Inside Soul Heaven TY BESS(THE MUSIC MAN) The Delfonics were bad! A good start..., and didn't War sing...."where was you at"....!?

La La Means I Love You: The Definitive Collection The Delfonics Manufacturer: Arista ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Philly Soul | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Compilations | R&B | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Best of the Stylistics The Best Of The Moments: Love On A Two-Way Street Blue Magic - Greatest Hits Cowboys to Girls: The Best of the Intruders: Ultimate Collection ASIN: B000002VTL Release Date: 1997-08-26

Tracks:

1. La-La Means I Love You
2. I'm Sorry
3. Break Your Promise
4. Ready Or Not Here I Come (Can't Hide From Love)
5. Somebody Loves You
6. Funny Feeling
7. Loving Him
8. You Got Yours And I'll Get Mine
9. Didn't I (Blow Your Mind This Time)
10. Trying To Make A Fool Of Me
11. When You Get Right Down To It
12. Over And Over
13. Delfonics Theme
14. Hey! Love
15. Walk Right Up To The Sun
16. Tell Me This Is A Dream
17. Think It Over
18. I Don't Want To Make You Wait
19. I Told You So
20. Lying To Myself

Amazon.com

Among the originators of the Philly soul sound of the late '60s and pre-disco '70s, the Delfonics fashioned hit after hit with the same basic formula of ultra-romantic crooning, three-part harmonies, and a supremely mellow accompaniment that came with a pillow of lush string orchestrations. The 20 Delfonics hits collected on La-La Means I Love You--including their best-known songs, "La-La Means I Love You" and "Didn't I (Blow Your Mind This Time)"--amount to R&B easy-listening, often soothing to the degree they become aural wallpaper. At times, though, this stuff can transcend its own schmaltz. --Roni Sarig

Customer Reviews:

La La Means Great Music Inside.......2007-07-16

Delfonics fans-take a listen. Every track is here, excellent recordings, and still the lush group blend that takes you there and back. It's a smooth ride!

Soul Heaven.......2007-06-04

A great soul album. I missed out on the Delfonics in the 70's, but was alerted to what they were by the Quentin Tarantino film "Jackie Brown". Great songs, performed with true conviction and musicality.

TY BESS(THE MUSIC MAN).......2006-12-23

Out of all the best of cd,s this collection really has the best of the group!.The classic La la la means i love you,over and over,told you so and didnt i blow your mine is just the tip of the ice berg.A group that thom bell(master producer of the spinners early albums with atlantic records)work with and they nail every song on this cd.The so called r& b out today can,t hold a candle to one of the masters of r&b the mighty delfonics enjoy!

The Delfonics were bad! .......2006-09-17

I remember being able to hit all the high notes you'll hear on this excellent compilation of lush Philly Soul. If I try it now, I'm off work for three days. When I first heard "He Don't Really Love You" (not included here) I was like, "WHO IS THIS?????" By the time they hit with "You've Been Untrue" (also not included), I knew they were a regional group bound for the big-time. Enter La-La (Means I Love You) and the rest is....well you know.... Anyway, I'm proud to own this disc, and like a dream come true, the 4th disc on the nostalgia inducing Cameo-Parkway 1957 - 1967 Box Set contains both of those pre-breakout tunes I've mentioned. The Delfonics? When you get right down to it, these guys were bad!!!!

A good start..., and didn't War sing...."where was you at"....!?.......2006-04-05

Rhythm & blues music listeners were not necessarily Doo-Wop listeners, who did not necessarily move to the new sound of the sixties, Motown etc., and those not necessarily to the sweet soul sound of the early 70s, or on to the disco sound of the later 70s and on......... Point being, music has always had a tendency of impacting (especially teenagers) the listener as tied in to the era released. That does not mean old school music cannot be enjoyed by non era listeners, good music, as Lou Rawls so eloquently put it.... "will last forever" but, as an example if the question is raised "where was you at" when you first heard the 45 "My New Love" by the Delfonics (so often played on urban radio stations in '68 (also on the "Sounds Of Sexy Soul" lp) and an overlooked song on "hits" cds (do the cd song compilers even know?), what is one's reply? Beginning with their debut single, 1966 "He Don't Really Love You" on the obscure "Moon Shot" record label, followed in 1967 by the 45 "You've Been Untrue"- Cameo-Parkway label, through the last album release in 1974 on Philly Groove Records, the Delfonics music has been sought by those who know and love, "East Coast Sweet Soul" and the Philly Sound". It is a type of music! The writer is taken aback when reading, "This stuff can transcend it's own schmaltz"? "Stuff"? Whoa-a! This is music of an era, late 60s - mid 70s. "Where was we at...., when these songs and albums were released? Fifties "Doo-Wop" or 90s "House" music may be far from everyone's taste but, for those impacted by the music of, at the time, just as relevant to them as the various types and era of music listened to and enjoyed by others, are to them. I personally find it difficult to believe a truly insightful review can be written about music unless the writer was "there" during the era of release. An era has it's own "feel". For those who liked/loved the music of the Delfonics, this compilation is a good start, it has 20 songs on it. The reason the Delfonics albums have long since been chased collectible albums is because the songs not on the few, "hits" cds are harbored there, "My New Love", "For The Love I Gave To You", etc., etc., etc., not on the "hits" releases. Recently, all their albums except "Tell Me This Is A Dream"-1972, have been reissued, finally! With "La La Means I Love You"-1967, "The Sounds Of Sexy Soul"-1968, "The Delfonics"-1970, "Alive & Kicking-1974", and the unreleased (in 1976) lp "The Professionals", released on cd, the music of the Delfonics (minus their first 2 releases, the two 45s) is now availible to all, at digital sound quality! This cd, loaded with sweet soul classics but, not all! The album reissues contain more! The Delfonics, it's Buy Time!

Average customer rating: Correction to the entry by "sergiocqh" Fantastic! HATE OPERA? THIS ONE WILL CHANGE YOUR MIND "Ultimate" only if you like your opera "al fresco"! Wonderful Performance but Average Recording Quality

The Ultimate Puccini Collection Giacomo Puccini , Herbert von Karajan , Riccardo Chailly , Stephen Barlow , Tullio Serafin , Lorin Maazel , Sir Edward Downes , Giuseppe Patane , Zubin Mehta , Alberto Erede , John Mauceri , Plácido Domingo , José Carreras , Kiri Te Kanawa , John Alldis Choir , Luciano Pavarotti , London Philharmonic Orchestra , Bologna Community Theater Orchestra , Ettore Bastianini , Carlo Bergonzi , Renato Cesari , Fernando Corena , Cesare Siepi , Renata Tebaldi , Gianna D'Angelo , Saint Cecilia Academy Orchestra , Franco Corelli , Alfredo Mariotti , Regine Crespin , Royal Opera House Orchestra Covent Garden , London Symphony Orchestra , Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Orchestra , Rome Opera House Orchestra , Pilar Lorengar , Berlin Philharmonic Brass Ensemble , Mirella Freni , Rolando Panerai , Jussi Bjorling , Leontyne Price , and Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Caballe, Montserrat | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Crespin, Regine | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Freni, Mirella | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Gheorghiu, Angela | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Nilsson, Birgit | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Price, Leontyne | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Sutherland, Joan | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Te Kanawa, Kiri | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Essential Verdi Nessun Dorma ~ 20 Great Tenor Arias / Pavarotti, Carreras, Domingo, Bergonzi, Aragall, Björling, Di Stefano, Kollo, Corelli, Del Monaco... Puccini Without Words Puccini: Great Opera Arias The #1 Opera Album ASIN: B000007OU1 Release Date: 1998-06-09

Tracks:

1. Turnadot: Nessun Dorma!
2. Gianni Schicchi: O Mio Babbino Caro
3. Manon Lescaut: Donna Non Vidi Mai
4. La Boheme: Musetta's Waltz Song
5. Tosca: Recondita Armonia
6. Madame Butterfly: Un Bel Di
7. TOSCA: E Lucevan Le Stelle
8. La rondine: Il Sogno Di Doretta
9. La Boheme: Che Gelida Manina
10. La Boheme: Si, Mi Chiamano Mini
11. La Boheme: O Soave Fanciulla - Love Duet, Act I
12. Ch'ella mi creda libero
13. TOSCA: Ah, Quegli Occhi...Qual'occhio Al Mondo - Love Duet, Act I
14. TOSCA: Vissi D'Arte
15. Madame Butterfly: Vogliatemi Bene - Love Duet, Act I
16. La Boheme: Donde Lieta Usci
17. Turandot: Signore, Ascolta!
18. Turandot: In Questa Reggia

Amazon.com essential recording

Ordinarily, it pays to be wary of collections such as these, which often promise a lot but deliver a mishmash of disconnected excerpts. This disc, however, is something of an exception: you really do get just about all of Puccini's best arias, which is possible, because he didn't write so many operas that choosing the best moments becomes a matter of the producer's personal taste. Also, Puccini's operas are so popular that every major label has excellent complete recordings of all of them, so in making this compilation it was possible to cast from strength: all the singers here are fine. In fact, the only proviso that needs to be made before you rush out and add this disc to your collection is that it's wrong to assume that all of Puccini's best tunes lie in his arias. The opening 10 minutes of any one of his operas will tell you that's not true. So by all means enjoy this disc--then start sampling the operas complete. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Correction to the entry by "sergiocqh".......2005-11-08

"Quando m'en vo" is not omitted from this CD; it is just called "Musetta's waltz song." It is the same aria.

Fantastic!.......2003-10-14

This is one of the first opera CDs I ever got. It's wonderful for just about any body;from the newbies like me or the opera fanatics. I especially like 'In Questa Reggia'. Buy it now!!

HATE OPERA? THIS ONE WILL CHANGE YOUR MIND.......2003-09-04

The Ultimate Puccini Collection features some of Puccini's most arias and will appeal to even the most ardent operaphobes.

A great listening experience featuring some of the greatest opera performers of all time.

"Ultimate" only if you like your opera "al fresco"!.......2002-06-13

The music is without question, among the most beautiful ever written. But the quality of the fidelity tells me that many of the selections were recorded live in concert in outdoor venues. I wish that was clear to me before I bought the disc. So, is the music the ultimate? YES! Is the recording the ultimate? NO!

Wonderful Performance but Average Recording Quality.......2002-02-18

I love opera! I love Puccini! Not only is the vocalism important to me, but the quality of the recording as well. I enjoy my hi-tech sound system. I like to feel as if I am sitting in the front row of the first balcony when I listen to opera. This CD is excellent! The vocalists were well chosen. The technical performances are eloquent and emotional, as Puccini should be. However, the quality of the recording is not very good. No matter how you adjust your sound system, the recording is a bit tinny and as a result, the emotional high points of the arias are not as vibrant as they could be if the recording were of better quality. I would recommend this CD to anyone who loves Puccini and who is not as finicky as I!

Average customer rating: Teddy P.... strong collection

The Love Songs Collection Teddy Pendergrass Manufacturer: The Right Stuff ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Quiet Storm | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: Bedroom Classics, Vol. 1 Greatest Slow Jams Love Songs Teddy Pendergrass - Greatest Hits Beautiful Ballads ASIN: B00011V8B8 Release Date: 2004-01-13

Tracks:

1. Come Go With Me
2. When Somebody Loves
3. Love TKO
4. Can't We Try
5. I Miss You
6. Turn Off The Lights
7. Close The Door
8. Do Me
9. Is It Still Good To Ya
10. All I Need Is You
11. The More I Get, The More I Want
12. You're My Latest Greatest Inspiration
13. Heaven Only Knows
14. The Love I Lost
15. Only To You
16. It's You I Love
17. It's Time For Love

Customer Reviews:

Teddy P...........2005-04-21

His deep-rooted soul and sexy singing burst onto the scene when others were still doing 4 part harmonies, wearing galactic costumes and practicing cheographed steps! He gave to women what no other male solo performer had ever given them; hot, melting, dripping raw sensuality on wax! His "For Women" only concerts were bold, legendary and always Sold Out! Not many artists present or past can touch that! His "Live" shows were something to behold!

This is a nice collection of his "love-making jams" and well worth the investment of your money! It's one solid song after the other...and further illustrates what's missing today with so many soul singers! Good music, good writing and good delivery! His performance on the Ashford and Simpson penned "Is It Still Good To Ya" is enough to make you stop what you're doing and turn the volume all the way up! And my all time favorite TP song is here too "Can't We Try." This CD goes beyond enjoyable, it's just plain necessary for any real soul collection!

strong collection.......2004-02-02

Teddy Pendergrass brought flavor to these cuts.His voice truly is smoking on these cuts. they are as fresh now as when they dropped back in the day.the production&Instrumentation go hand in hand with the Gritty vibe that Teddy Pendergrass brings.

Average customer rating: John Rutter Collection Typically gorgeous Rutter Wonderful! To sample Rutter's best music, this is the one. The Best

John Rutter Collection Rutter , Cambridge Singers , and London Sinfonia Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: The John Rutter Christmas Album Requiem & Magnificat/Rutter, Cambridge Singers Be Thou My Vision Distant Land: The Orchestra Collection Gloria: The Sacred Music of John Rutter ASIN: B00006LIEZ Release Date: 2002-11-12

Tracks:

1. For The Beauty Of The Earth
2. The Lord Is My Shepherd
3. All Things Bright And Beautiful
4. Shepherd's Pipe Carol
5. The Lord Bless You And Keep You
6. Open Thou Mine Eyes
7. My True Love Hath My Heart (From Birthday Madrigals)
8. Esurientes (From Magnificat)
9. Gloria Patri (From Magnificat)
10. Out Of The Deep (From Requiem)
11. Pie Jesu (From Requiem)
12. What Sweeter Music
13. A Choral Fanfare
14. A Prayer Of St. Patrick
15. O Be Joyful In The Lord
16. Behold, The Tabernacle Of God
17. O Praise The Lord Of Heaven
18. A Gaelic Blessing
19. Angel's Carol
20. Matthew, Mark, Luke And John (From Five Childhood Lyrics)
21. Sing A Song Of Sixpence (From Five Childhood Lyrics)
22. Go Forth Into The World In Peace

Customer Reviews:

John Rutter Collection.......2007-02-19

This CD is one of several that features Rutter directing his own choir. It has a good cross section of the John Rutter compositions, and is a good starting place for someone who has not heard Rutter's music before. I think you will be "hooked" if you really love choral music.

Typically gorgeous Rutter.......2005-12-20

I love John Rutter's music. Especially the "For the Beauty of the Earth" that is on this CD. Rutter is not the most inventive or varied composer of modern music, but if you have a taste for traditional choral writing with some angelic children's chorus singing, then you will probably share my enjoyment of Rutter's writing. Unfortunately I cannot give this CD 5 stars when it seems there is a drum set tapping annoyingly away on several of the songs. I do not understand this at all and am bothered by it every time I listen to those songs. It's a shame, because otherwise I love the music, and think it is lushly written, and simply but beautifully performed. I would highly suggest listening to sample track 3 before purchasing -- you can hear what sounds like a ride-cymbal right at the very end of the sample. This sound occurs in several of the songs on this recording.

Wonderful!.......2005-12-03

I am a huge John Rutter fan. The lilting melodies, the poignant lyrics and the lush orchestrations make his music not only accessable but also uplifting. This compilation, although drawing from many other previous recordings, is a great composite of his wirk. The sound is exquisite. Even if you own other recordings of this music, this is worthwhile.

To sample Rutter's best music, this is the one........2005-06-30

I purchased this CD as an introduction to the music of John Rutter and went on to purchase many more of his compositions. Still, this remains my favorite collection. It is choral music at its absolute finest. Far from "just church music", this CD has songs of faith, a few Christmas carols, a Celtic song for lovers, and even a child's tune or two. While most of the pieces are peaceful, warm, and thought-provoking, a few are up-tempo and lively. In my opinion, it is a perfectly balanced collection in which one song flows beautifully into the next with no sense of a jarring change of pace. If you have any interest in choral music, begin with the best...John Rutter... and this superb arrangement. Highly recommended.

The Best.......2005-04-29

The John Rutter Collection in my opinion is one of the finest and most perfect works I've ever heard. The Cambridge Singers demonstrates the best vocal discipline and style of any vocal group in the world.

Sidney Vaught

Average customer rating: A handsome Part 2 of Brightman's ALW songbook Lovely listening! a must Love Changes Everything: Andrew Lloyd Webber Vol. 2 A Great New Compilation from Sarah Brightman!!!

Love Changes Everything: The Andrew Lloyd Webber Collection, Vol. 2 Sarah Brightman Manufacturer: Decca Broadway ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Brightman, Sarah | A to B | Featured Performers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Andrew Lloyd Webber Collection Time to Say Goodbye Sarah Brightman Classics Harem Eden (US Release - 16 tracks) ASIN: B000BGR0OW Release Date: 2005-10-25

Tracks:

1. Probably On A Thursday
2. The Perfect Year
3. Only You
4. Love Changes Everything
5. Seeing Is Believing
6. Think Of Me
7. Any Dream Will Do
8. I Don't Know How To Love Him
9. Too Much Love To Care
10. The Phantom Of The Opera
11. Make Up My Heart
12. No Llores Por Mi Argentina
13. Everything's Alright
14. Whistle Down The Wind

Amazon.com

The most surprising track on this collection isn't hidden between blockbusters selections from the blockbuster Lloyd Webber songbook but is located in plain view right at the beginning of the CD. The previously unreleased "Probably on Thursday" was originally written as a pop song in 1967 and indeed sounds very much like a forgotten gem by an obscure 1960s pop singer. It's absolutely delightful and the last thing you'd expect from a composer best known for neoclassical bombast. Another surprise is another previously unreleased song, this one from Sunset Boulevard: "The Perfect Year" is a sweet ballad, and Brightman smartly doesn't oversell it. In fact, the CD decidedly emphasizes the singer's more subtle side rather than her vocal pyrotechnics---"Make Up My Heart" from Starlight Express and "I Don't Know How to Love Him" from Jesus Christ Superstar are particularly nice. The cache of previously unreleased songs also includes guest apperances by the likes of Michael Ball ("Seeing Is Believing") and John Barrowman ("Too Much in Love to Care"), but there's never any doubt as to who the star of this CD is. And deservedly so. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

A handsome Part 2 of Brightman's ALW songbook.......2007-05-25

I've long hoped that one day all of Sarah Brightman's recordings of Lord Lloyd-Webber songs would be released together in one comprehensive collection. This handsome CD, a sequel to her better-known Lloyd-Webber collection, is a treasure-trove of gems, focussing on lesser-known recordings and boasting several unreleased tracks. Brightman tackles a wide range of songs from the Phantom theme to a beguiling Spanish version of Don't Cry For Me, Argentina. But there are rarities on this collection: we get to hear Brightman shine in Mary Magdelene's two songs from Superstar, and kick back in her rendition of Any Dream Will Do, which we normally associate with Donny Osmond or Jason Donovan. Half the CD is made up of rarities and duets. It is a treat o hear her duet with Sir Cliff Richard on the B-side of the All I Ask of You single, Only You, and also her take on the Sunset Boulevard song, Too Much in Love to Care. It is also a treat to hear her in two songs from Starlight Express, and also in the unreeased early ALW song, Probably on Thursday. I konw this collecion reprised her recording of Think of Me from the Phantom London Cast album, and also her lovely rendition of Whistle Down the Wind, but it really makes it a treat to buy this collection without splurging on the other CD. A pity that this CD doesn't include Half a Moment from Jeeves, as there would surely have been enough space. A pity also that the rare song English Girls was left off the CD too, let alone the Spanish version of Amigos Para Sempre. In short, a lovely sequel to her ALW Collection volume 1, and perhaps more worthy than the hastily-assembled Encore collection. Now if only Decca and Really Useful might consider combining all of Brightman's ALW recordings into a comprehensive set...

Lovely listening!.......2007-04-03

Sarah Brightman has a beautiful voice, and this selection of songs is just made for her. I really enjoyed this CD when I first checked it out at my local library -- and then I decided to buy it new, something I don't do except when I REALLY like the CD and intend to listen it it over and over.
The quality of her voice, the other performers, and the variety of Webber songs makes for an excellent combination!

a must.......2007-01-30

an outstanding collection of songs that prove the consummate vocalist in all her glory. No one else has so wonderfully bridged the gap between opera and pop. This one's a keeper.

Love Changes Everything: Andrew Lloyd Webber Vol. 2.......2007-01-13

The CD was ok, but I prefer Vol. 1

A Great New Compilation from Sarah Brightman!!!.......2006-04-09

I was a bit sceptical when this album was released since I owned 3 other albums with Sarah Brightman singing ALW songs: "Sarah Brightman Sings ALW" "Surrender: The Unexpected Songs" and "The ALW Collection Vol. 1" But when I read the song list, it does sound interesting to me so I decided to just go and grab one.

I was totally surprised at how this album was presented. I really like this side of Sarah Brightman. We usually portray Miss Brightman as a big powerful high-pitched soprano kinda singer, which sometimes nice but can get a bit annoying at times. But this album features more of Sarah's relaxing side. She sings all the songs softly and beautifully with a little flair of pop music as well. Most of the songs end with a fade out not with a big powerful Broadway-like ending. And her repertoire here is really interesting. Firstly, it doesn't repeat other albums that much. It also has 7 previously unreleased songs out of 14. That's half the album! Here's my thoughts on each of them:

#1 PROBABLY ON THURSDAY: This was an unreleased song. It sounds more like a pop song than traditional Broadway. But Sarah sings it wonderfully.

#2 THE PERFECT YEAR: From Sunset Boulevard, This unreleased version resembles Dina Carroll's version to me but Sarah has her own take on the song which makes it more gentle and beautiful.

#3 ONLY YOU: From Starlight Express, I'm sure we all have heard Sarah's duet with Cliff Richard in All I Ask of You. But here's another wonderful duet, previously unreleased.

#4 LOVE CHANGES EVERYTHING: From Aspects of Love, Some of you might think "Oh C'mon, we have this song in ALW Collection Vol. 1" Well, folks, this is another version of it and, may I say, a better one. This unreleased version has a completely new take on the song. She sings it softly and it sounds so relaxing and she didn't go all the way to that strainful high note in the end like in the previous album (which I hate). This version has a soft ending and it's wonderful!!!

#5 SEEING IS BELIEVING: From Aspects of Love, This is so awesome, Sarah, who once played Rose in Aspects, singing with the original Alex, Michael Ball. What more could you ask!

#6 THINK OF ME: From The Phantom, This is taken from the Original London Cast Recording so no doubt that it's wonderful. I think the reason why they chose this songs is that they ran out of songs from Phantom since 4 of them was featured on Vol. 1

#7 ANY DREAM WILL DO: From Joseph, This song can be found on "Sarah Brightman sings ALW" album. But that album is very old and most of the people might not own it. So I think it's good that they included it here in a newer album. The music sounds exactly the same as the cast recording album just with a female voice instead, nice!!!

#8 I DON'T KNOW HOW TO LOVE HIM: From Jesus Christ Superstar, I found this song on 2 albums, "The Very Best of ALW" and "Sarah Brightman sings ALW" The first time I heard this, I thought to myself this is the best version of the song ever. I like Sarah's take on this more than Yvonne Elliman, really. Don't boo me for that.

#9 TOO MUCH IN LOVE TO CARE: From Sunset Boulevard, Here's another of our previously unreleased. Sarah sings this with the brilliant John Barrowman. This is my favourite songs from the show but not many singers recorded it. So I was really excited to see this song on the list and it didn't disappoint me at all.

#10 THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA: Then my nightmare comes. Sorry but I really hate this version of the song. I don't like Steve Harley's style and this song always appear on every compilation album. But one bad song couldn't hurt this wonderful album. Just skip it. As I said, they just need some songs from this show since it's what made Sarah a star. And Michael Crawford's version was on Vol. 1 already.

#11 MAKE UP MY HEART: From Starlight Express, Our last unreleased song. I really like it. I have to admit that I have never heard this song before since I didn't own the new Starlight Express album. But it's wonderful and a little heart-wrenching, don't you think... :)

#12 NO LLORES POR MI ARGENTINA: From Evita, This is the Spanish version of Don't Cry for Me Argentina. I really like it when Sarah sings the songs in other language. It's something about her voice that suits these beautiful languages. This song is also featured on "Surrender".

#13 EVERYTHING'S ALRIGHT: From Jesus Christ Superstar, This song can be found on "Sarah Brightman sings ALW" and "Surrender". It's wonderful to here Sarah as Mary Magdalene. The guys singing here are just so-so. It's Sarah who's the star!

#14 WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND: Then we came to our last song. I'm so glad they included this song on this album. The song only features on "Encore" which I didn't own for I think the repertoire didn't interest me. This song is a wonderful exit music for the album. It's beautiful. It's nice. It's great!!!

Wow, this is a long comment, huh? Anyway, for those of you who are thinking of getting Sarah's album with an all-Andrew-Lloyd songs. Here's the bottom line. If you own the Vol. 1 already, just buy it! It's much much better and the song didn't repeat itself. If you own the other album with Sarah singing Andrew's songs, you should get this too just for the 7 new songs. If you are going to buy your first Sarah's album, I'd recommend this one and "Surrender" (which might be a bit pricy but the songs are great there too) Don't get the Vol. 1, it's not that good! Hope my comments help!

P.S. If you're interested in some other people singing Andrew Lloyd Webber's songs, try "Michael Crawford Performs Andrew Lloyd Webber", it's great too!

Average customer rating: Sublime and ridiculous Eeeeeeeeeeewwwwwww Better than I thought it would be Brava Renee Art is always new.

Haunted Heart Paul McCartney , Gustav Mahler , Joni Mitchell , Emile Paladilhe , Arthur Schwartz , James ("Jimmy") Van Heusen , Various Composers , Heitor Villa-Lobos , Jimmy Webb , Richard A. Whiting , Stevie Wonder , Guy Wood , Bill Frisell , Fred Hersch , and Renée Fleming Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Foster, Stephen | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mahler | Mahler, Gustav | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Villa-Lobos, Heitor | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Villa-Lobos, Heitor | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Sacred Songs Renee Fleming - The Beautiful Voice ~ Gounod, Lehaair, Orff, Puccini, Rachmaninov, Strauss Renée Fleming Handel Renee Fleming: By Request ASIN: B0007Z9QUS Release Date: 2005-05-10

Tracks:

1. Haunted Heart
2. River
3. When Did You Leave Heaven?
4. You've Changed
5. Answer Me
6. My Cherie Amour
7. In My Life
8. The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress
9. Wozzeck/The Midnight Sun
10. Liebst du um Schit
11. My One And Only Love/This Is Always
12. Can do Amor
13. Psych
14. Hard Times Come Again No More

Amazon.com

While countless fans flock to see soprano Renee Fleming's performances of the Countess in The Marriage of Figaro because she's got the voice and the dramatic ability to handle such meaty roles, the versatile singer throws her fans a curveball on Haunted Heart, singing popular standards and ballads as well as a few altered classical pieces. In her liner notes, Fleming calls this album a "look back at the road not taken" -- she played a weekly gig in a jazz club while in school. Nonetheless, her feel for the material here is undeniable. Interestingly, she drops her voice a full octave from her usual tessitura, and the change reveals a robust gospel-oriented approach filled with dramatic breaths and moans. The lyrical Fred Hersch (piano) and the idiosyncratic Bill Frisell (guitar) provide support, and both are adventurous jazz players who create subtle and uniquely haunting backdrops. It adds up to an interesting cross-section of ideas well carried off by the generous talents of all involved. --Tad Hendrickson

\

Interview with Renee Fleming
Renee Fleming speaks about recent projects, including her memoir The Inner Voice and her recent Handel CD, in our interview.

Customer Reviews:

Sublime and ridiculous.......2007-06-13

The sublime: much of the artistry of this recording is about sound, and the subtle blending/responding of voice with guitar sounds and / or piano sounds. It is in the sensitive musical interplay between the artists where this effort shines. Definitely not recommended for road trips!

The ridiculous: Fleming ended the majority of most phrases in most of the songs with a guttural of some sort which for me becomes irritating to the point of distraction. These punctuations are mostly quite awful: really tasteless, clumsy, and overused big time and I'm amazed at how this ever got released. Without these ersatz testifyin' noises this CD would be stunning.

So, if you have the ability and inclination to edit out this garbage from your perception as you listen I think you'll be glad you experienced these artists at work together. (Unfortunately I'm not up to it).

Eeeeeeeeeeewwwwwww.......2007-06-06

Ugh. Like a manufactured home vs. a stick-built house, Fleming's manufactured (aka "training and technique") blues voice compares unfavorably to other jazz/blues singers/lounge acts. Would not, COULD not, listen to this recording straight through--one big long, breathy, minor key train wreck in the making. Took the CD on a road trip and had to pull over and remove from queue--either that or drive into a wall.

Better than I thought it would be.......2007-04-10

I have to admit, Haunted Heart was a lot better than I thought it would be,especially her recordings of "River", "The Moon's a Harsh Mistress, "My Cherie Amour" and "In my life".
I think this is the most artistically successful recording of Pop/Jazz by a classical singer. I enjoyed it even better than the Anna Sophie Von Otter'/ Elvis Costello CD.
The perspective I am coming from is that of a classical singer who started out as a pop singer/songwriter. I perform and teach cross-genre but love a world class instrument such as Flemming's
I wanted to get the perspective of a friend who used to sing jingles and is also a trained singer but is usually critical of any attempts that opera singers make at crossing -over.
My friend is very familiar with Flemming's voice, but did not recognise it in this context when I played the CD for her. Her reaction was very complimentary, although she did comment that the diction was a bit strange.
She then played it for her brother a well known jazz singer and arranger who had a somewhat negative reaction.He found the singing to be overly dark and round. He prefers a cleaner more 'spoken' approach to this style of singing. I understand this perspective and therefore personally prefer Ella to Sarah as well, but let's not get too picky. Obviously, Rene Flemming is of the Sarah Vaghan School of jazz singing, which is not too shabby.

I will continue to enjoy this CD and will wait for another opera diva to top this one. But, somehow I think the next really good CD of Pop/ jazz from an opera star will also come from Rene.

To those who have been unreasonably mean and negative towards her, I can only say you are not fit to polish her shoes!

Brava Renee.......2007-04-09

This talented woman can sing anything. I really enjoyed this cd with the lights turned down and a glass of wine to relax after a very stressful day at work. Renee could definitely have another singing career outside of opera should she choose. Hearing her drop that gorgeous voice down one octave rivals the best chanteuses in the business - Cassandra Wilson, Nancy Wilson, Regina Belle, Sarah Vaughan, etc. This cd of different musical styles reminds me of Nina Simone and Cassandra Wilson, two great singers whom could interpret any song genre and make their versions special. I loved all the songs and the standouts here are "Haunted Heart", "River", "My One and Only Love", "My Cherie Amour", "Cancao do Amor", and Beatles "In My Life", and "Hard Times Come Again No More".
I hope Renee keeps recording whatever catches her fancy because I'll certainly always listen.

Art is always new. .......2007-03-10

Renee Fleming is an artist bringing us something new, and beautiful. The poor will always be with us as manifest in those who resent other's movement from their established zones. Renee Fleming is a great female voice with accomplishments her detractors will never have, but in their dreams.

I welcome Renee's elan demonstrated with her recent recordings, Love sublime with Brad Mehldau, and Haunted Heart with Fred Hersch and Bill Frissell. Bravery, fun, and talent combined by artists and for people who are listening. Hearing long time favorites Mehldau, Hersch, and Frissell is all the more sublime.

Average customer rating: Musical Pleasure The Premiere Collection beautiful Fair Album with 1 starlight and 0 aspects Superb collection

The Premiere Collection: The Best Of Andrew Lloyd Webber (Original Cast Compilation) Manufacturer: Mca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Requiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Disco | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: Gold: The Definitive Hits Collection The Very Best Of Andrew Lloyd Webber: The Broadway Collection Andrew Lloyd Webber: The Premiere Collection Encore Michael Crawford Performs Andrew Lloyd Webber The Andrew Lloyd Webber Collection ASIN: B000002O5W Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Phantom Of The Opera
2. Take That Look Off Your Face
3. All I Ask Of You
4. Don't Cry For Me Argentina
5. Magical Mr. Mistoffeles
6. Variations 1-4
7. Superstar
8. Memory
9. Starlight Express
10. Tell Me On A Sunday
11. The Music Of The Night
12. Another Suitcase In Another Hall
13. I Don't Know How To Love Him
14. Pie Jesu

Amazon.com essential recording

There are many, many Andrew Lloyd Webber albums out there, including cut-and-paste compilations and songbooks from individual artists, most notably Sarah Brightman, Michael Crawford, and even Jose Carreras. The Premiere Collection is probably as authentic as you can get in a hits album, however. In addition to the most popular selections from the original casts of Evita, Cats, and Jesus Christ Superstar, the 57-minute album includes two selections from Tell Me on a Sunday (also recorded by Bernadette Peters as Song and Dance), the title tune from Starlight Express, the "Pie Jesu" from the Requiem, and a snippet from the Paganini Variations, thereby allowing you to hear the good stuff without having to spring for the complete albums. Note that the three selections from Phantom of the Opera are the 1986 pop singles instead of the cast recordings, meaning Steve Harley rather than Crawford sings with Brightman on the title tune and Cliff Richard subs for Steve Barton on "All I Ask of You." (Crawford does sing "The Music of the Night," of course.) This 1989 compilation was too early for Aspects of Love or Sunset Boulevard, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is ignored, but these omissions are rectified in the follow-up album The Premiere Collection Encore, and the American-slanted version, The Very Best of Andrew Lloyd Webber: The Broadway Collection. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

Musical Pleasure.......2007-07-03

I enjoy all of this music, listening frequently. Some not original cast members, so less than 5 star. Product exactly as advertised.

The Premiere Collection.......2007-01-17

My sister had this and it got destroyed. She wanted an other, This was the only place I have found it!! Very hard to find! I have been to every music store in my area. She loved it!! And was so happy to have it again. Anyone who loves Andrew Lloyd Webber will love this. As it has many songs from some of his most famous plays with the original cast. Great item.

beautiful.......2006-12-21

This CD is a great compilation of some of Andrew Lloyd Webber's hits. If you are just looking for a "quick fix" for your Broadway craving, this is a great value.

Fair Album with 1 starlight and 0 aspects.......2004-07-09

I think this album is F-A-I-R because it has one starlight express song and zero aspects of love songs. This is why i liked the album The reason i said that this is a fair album is that I like Starlight Express better. Song i like are "The Phantom of the Opera", "Take That Look off Your Face", All I Ask of You", "Don't Cry For Me Argentina", "Mr. Mistofflees," "Superstar," "Memory", "Starlight Express", "Tell Me On A Sunday", "Music of the Night", "Another Suitcase in Another Hall", and "I Don't Know How To Love Him". I dislike the following songs:" Track 6" and the last one because the last one was hard to understand and track 6 is instrumental.

Superb collection.......2003-08-11

... It is a collection of the best of ALW's creative efforts, and a collection of great performances. Anyone who loves "Broadway" should have this disk in their collection.

Average customer rating: Great covers that don't get stale

Labour of Love I II & III: The Platinum Collection UB40 Manufacturer: Virgin Records Us ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Reggae | International | Styles | Music General | Reggae | Compilations | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Pop | Box Sets | Stores | Music General | Rock | Box Sets | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Very Best of UB40 1980-2000 Who You Fighting For? Signing Off Rat in the Kitchen Promises and Lies ASIN: B00009KQBB Release Date: 2003-06-09

Tracks:

1. Cherry Oh Baby
2. Keep On Moving
3. Please Don't Make Me Cry
4. Sweet Sensation
5. Johnny Too Bad
6. Red Red Wine
7. Guilty
8. She Caught The Train
9. Version Girl
10. Many Rivers To Cross

Tracks:

1. Here I Am (Come And Take Me)
2. Tears From My Eyes
3. Groovin' (Out On Life)
4. The Way You Do The Things You Do
5. Wear You To The Ball
6. Singer Man
7. Kingston Town
8. Baby
9. Wedding Day
10. Sweet Cherrie
11. Stick By Me
12. Just Another Girl
13. Homely Girl
14. Impossible Love

Tracks:

1. Holly Holy
2. It's My Delight
3. Come Back Darling
4. Never Let You Go
5. Soul Rebel
6. My Best Girl
7. Good Ambition
8. The Train Is Coming
9. Blood And Fire
10. Mr Fix It
11. Stay A Little Bit Longer
12. Someone Like You
13. The Time Has Come
14. Crying Over You
15. Legalise It

Customer Reviews:

Great covers that don't get stale.......2004-04-11

I agree with the UB40 purists that UB40's covers are not as fundamental as Signing Off etc., but I was surprised at how this triple album boxed set did not fade easily. I copied the lot to my Mac Powerbook for a ten day working trip to Venezuela and have played the entire set 10 times over! That says a lot as I have plenty of other choices on the hard drive. My favorites are Holly Holy, Guilty, My Best Girl, Please don't Make me Cry, The Way you do thye things you do, The train is coming, Blood and Fire and Stay a little bit longer. Why? Well the driving beat on a good pair of headphones, the rythyms, the sheer variety from ballad to reggae pop, 8 Brummies all doing their thing, taking turns to shine.

UB40 is an enigma, a piece of Jamaica that is not entirely Jamaican, a true slice of cosmopiltan Birmingham. 25 years and still going strong - how many 8 piece bands can boast that?

Average customer rating: Andrew LLoyd Webber - Gold Hits The Gold By Andrew The best of Webber THE BEST OF LLOYD WEBBER MADE FOR THE AMERICAN AUDIENCES Super good CD

Gold: The Definitive Hits Collection Andrew Lloyd Webber Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: The Very Best Of Andrew Lloyd Webber: The Broadway Collection The Andrew Lloyd Webber Collection Andrew Lloyd Webber: Now & Forever Greatest Songs from the Musicals Best of Andrew Lloyd Webber: Original Soundtracks ASIN: B0000657XY Release Date: 2002-05-07

Tracks:

1. Superstar - Murray Head w/ the Trinidad Singers (Jesus Christ Superstar)
2. As If We Never Said Goodbye - Barbra Streisand (Sunset Boulevard)
3. The Phantom Of The Opera - Sarah Brightman & Michael Crawford (The Phantom Of The Opera)
4. You Must Love Me - Madonna (Evita)
5. Any Dream Will Do-Donny Osmond (Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat)
6. Memory - Betty Buckley (Cats)
7. Pie Jesus - Charlotte Church (Requiem)
8. The Music Of The Night - Michael Crawford (The Phantom Of The Opera)
9. I Don't Know How To Love Him - Yvonne Elliman (Jesus Christ Superstar)
10. Don't Cry For Me Argentina -Patti Lupone (Evita)
11. Love Changes Everything - Michael Ball (Aspects Of Love)
12. All I Ask Of You - Sarah Brightman (The Phantom Of The Opera)
13. The Perfect Year - Glenn Close & Alan Campbell (Sunset Boulevard)
14. The Vaults Of Heaven - Tom Jones & Sounds Of Blackness (Whistle Down The Wind)
15. No Matter What - Boyzone (Whistle Down The Wind)
16. Oh What A Circus - Mandy Patinkin (Evita)
17. Whistle Down The Wind - Sarah Brightman (Whistle Down The Wind)
18. Amigos Para Siempre (Friends For Life) - Sarah Brightman & Jose Carrerras (1992 Olympics Theme)

Amazon.com

The critical debate over Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical legacy will no doubt rage for decades. Is he the shrewd populist composer who almost single-handedly revived the moribund stage musical--or a crass, Barnum-esque showman (who almost single-handedly revived the moribund stage musical)? This 18-track anthology chronicles the high points of Sir Andrew's enduring songcraft and the irrefutable impact it's made across a remarkably disparate swath of tastes and genres, from Broadway to Top 40 radio and even the classical repertoire.

If some have accused Lloyd Webber's songs--like "The Music of the Night" (from Phantom of the Opera) and the title tune from Whistle Down the Wind, included here--of having all the melodic and lyrical sophistication of a children's lullaby, that's likely the very element that's made them so appealing to a mass audience. If nothing else, it's a compelling argument for that old notion about it being "the singer, not the song." Indeed, there are few contemporary composers whose music could entice divas from Streisand ("As If We'd Never Said Goodbye" from Sunset Blvd.) to Madonna (Evita's "You Must Love Me") and Charlotte Church ("Pie Jesu" from Requiem) to cover it, let alone forge the very careers of artists like Sarah Brightman and Michael Crawford. And if there's any substance to that other criticism of Lloyd Webber lifting the melodic ideas of composers from Verdi to John Williams (we swear that's the theme to Jurassic Park bubbling up in Tom Jones's camped-up take on Whistle's "The Vaults of Heaven"), at least, like virtually every major composer, he's stolen--er, borrowed--from the best. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Andrew LLoyd Webber - Gold Hits.......2007-07-13

I sent this CD to my parents and they love it! It is nice to preview the songs on-line instead of with greasy headphones in a music store! The shipping is always speedy and makes sending gifts across the country so much easier.

The Gold By Andrew.......2007-04-23

This cd is a must have for any Webber fan. It has many great songs from his most sucsessful musicals. But something I don't like about this cd is that some of the singer how sings some of the songs arn't the onse that sings the originals. Like "The Phantom Of The Opera" and "Love Changes Everything". Witch is so sad. Couse the original songs are so much better.
But besides that this cd is very good. With manye nice and difficult songs (I've sung some of the myself in siningclass).
So if you like Andrew's music this most sertanly is a most have.

The best of Webber.......2005-09-12

Although I like Andrew Llloyd Webber and his music very much, this collection earns only 4 stars and it's not because of the quality of the music but the level of performers. If a best of collection is made it should contain the best version ever done and this time it's not true. I could write the same review for the European edition (labeled import here) because the blend of the two would be a perfect best of.

Some examples: this version contains Memory sung by Betty Buckley while the Elaine Page version is light years better. Then it contains Patti Lupone's version of Don't Cry For Me Argentina. Even though Madonna wasn't the best Evita, she definitely sung Argentina in a way no-one could before or will ever. Whistle Down The Wind is represented with 3 songs - the place of the Tom Jones song is not here (the same could be said of Tina Arena's song o the European edition). Instead of the TJ song they could have included Take That Look Off Your Face by Marti Webb - one of the best songs by Webber. Pie Jesu from the Requiem is much better sung by Sarah Brightman. These are the faults.

What about the rest? Pure joy and material worth of 6 stars. Superstar, Phantom Of The Opera, Music Of The Night, I Don't Know How To Love Him, All I Ask Of You, No Matter What, Oh What A Circus - wonderful songs and wonderful performers. My all-time favorite from Webber will always be Music Of The Night and the version included here is the mesmerizing adaptation of Michael Crawford.

I don't advise anyone not to buy this album - it's good material, however it's far from being perfect.

THE BEST OF LLOYD WEBBER MADE FOR THE AMERICAN AUDIENCES.......2005-01-31

There are numerous compilations out on the market full of Andrew Lloyd Webber's music. As most people know, Lloyd Webber is the most successful musical composer of all time and many of his songs became standards not only in the theatre history, but also as tops on the charts. Even though he's British, his influence on the shape of the modern musical theatre expanded over the West End boundaries long ago and has thus made an enormous impact on Broadway. Two of his shows ("Cats" and "The phantom of the opera") hold the record as two the longest running shows in the history of Broadway. He has also been the only composer to have three of his shows running at Broadway concurrently. This compilation captures some of the best songs he has ever written, he personally supervised it and it is the best thing to have if you can't afford his five-CD compilation called "Now and forever", which was selected and supervised by him as well. You should bear in mind, however, that there are two compilations called Gold out there: The one made for the European and the British market, and this one, made for the American buyers. Some of the songs on both of them are the same, the others are performed by different artists and some can be found only in one of the two. This one here was issued later and it is digitally remastered. Therefore you should check your favourites and buy accordingly, or, if you can, buy them both, since both of them contain interesting songs and performers.

So here are my thoughts about the tracks in this one:

1. "Superstar" and "I don't know how to love him" are both from the concept album of "Jesus Christ Superstar". They sound wonderful as ever, although the orchestrations may seem a bit dated by now.

2. "Sunset Boulevard" is marked here with two songs. Barbra Streisand's powerful voice shines all the way through in "As if we never said goodbye"; it's a shame she never played Norma Desmond on Broadway, since Patti LuPone wasn't allowed to take her Norma to New York, and Glenn Close butchered the role. Her limited vocal abilities were hardly suited for the material, as it is shown by the second Sunset song, "The perfect year", performed by Close and Alan Campbell. They both lack a decent singing voice, so this is the one song I skip regularly. The song itself sounds much better in its single version with pops orchestration, as can be heard on the European version of this compilation, where it is performed by Dina Carroll. This version here can hardly be considered a gold one.

3. "The Phantom of the Opera" is represented by three songs. Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman performance in the song of the same title is amazing. They were both born to play their roles in this show and their voices fit together perfectly. Sarah can hit the high notes in the end like no other Christine. Cliff Richard and Sarah sing the lovely ballad "All I ask of you" with passion, and Cliff has a wonderful warmth in his voice. Finally, Michael Crawford gives his unique and mesmerising interpretation in "The music of the night".

4. The 1996 movie version of "Evita" is Madonna's best role to date and it brought an Academy Award for Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, who wrote "You must love me" especially for the big screen. This is another wonderful ballad with the haunting cello and piano solo. It just proves that Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice were the best collaborators. They really should do another musical together.

5. "The Joseph and his amazing Technicolor dreamcoat" was Webber's first musical and the signature song "Any dream will do" is performed here by Donny Osmond, who also appeared in the video version. I find his rendition even better than London's Jason Donovan, since Donny isn't strictly bound by the notes and so sings it more casually. A wonderful pop piece.

6."Memory" from "Cats" is probably the most famous of all Webber's songs, recorded by numerous artists. This version is sung by Betty Buckley, who was Broadway's Grizabella. Although Betty's performance can't be considered bad, I prefer Elaine Paige, who sung the song first, in the London production. Elaine has a note of sorrow in her at times husky voice, which I found very intriguing. Her performance can be considered definite, as heard on "Cats" DVD or in her latest two-disc compilation, "Centre stage: The very best of Elaine Paige", issued in May 2004. Still, those who prefer Ms. Buckley or who saw her on stage in this role won't be disappointed.

7. "Pie Jesu" is the best known song from Webber's "Requiem", written in 1985 to commemorate the death of his father. I'm not too keen on the version included here, performed by Charlotte Church, because her voice isn't as pretty as Sarah Brightman's on the original recording and the tempo is somewhat faster here.

8. "Don't cry for me Argentina" is among my all-time Lloyd Webber's favourites. I like all the ladies who performed "Evita" on the stage and on the screen (Julie Covington, Elaine Paige, Patti LuPone and Madonna), but on this disc is the version I am most satisfied with, since it is sung by Patti LuPone. Ms. LuPone has a very powerful voice with an amazing range and she deserved her Tony Award for this role. She was able to sound both vulnerable and decisive while singing this, whereas the other leading ladies emphasized one or the other in their interpretation. Mandy Patinkin's "Oh what a circus" is not the best, the orchestration is a little bit weak and his voice sounds thin to me. David Essex on the London cast recording is more suitable.

9. "Aspects of love" boast here with its top song, "Love changes everything", performed wonderfully by Michael Ball. It was his #1 hit and is probably one of the most beautiful love anthems ever written.

10. Three songs come from "Whistle down the wind". The studio release of the same title is one of the reasons I bought this compilation, although I already have the European one. It is performed by Sarah Brightman with Lloyd Webber playing the piano and a symphonic orchestra who nicely takes the lead of the main melody. Sarah voice is angelic; she sings it like a little bird. Very charming. Boyzone's "No matter what" was a huge pop hit in the charts. Again, we have a song with the suitable orchestrations and vocals. And lastly, Tom Jones' deep voice in combination with the back vocals of "The Sounds of Blackness" gives a rocking rendition of the church hymn "The vaults of heaven". It can't be found on the European version and Tom's voice shows it hasn't aged. Way to go.

11. For the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, Webber wrote, together with his long-time lyricist Don Black, this last song, "Amigos para siempre or Friends for life". It's a nice duet between Sarah Brightman and Jose Carreras, their voices sore when bound together. The melody itself is neat, especially when the orchestra takes the lead.

Besides the fact that some of the performers here were not the best for my taste, there is also the fact that some of Lloyd Webber's shows are omitted in this version, most notably, "Tell me on a Sunday". Also, unlike its European counterpart, this compilation isn't aligned chronologically, so we have 1970 Superstar being the first song, 1993 Sunset Blvd comes the second, followed by The Phantom from 1986 and so on. None the less, this CD is excellent as an introduction to Lloyd Webber's music and one can continue with his cast recordings from there. It's also very handy as a single disc compilation for the American fans.

Super good CD.......2004-12-31

The songs on this CD are great. If you also play piano, the book of the same title goes perfectly with the CD. You can following along with the music and learn the songs on the piano.

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6. Two Man Band
7. Welcome Back 1986 - 1989 [Import]
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