I generally don't do album reviews. They're difficult for me, am I supposed to review them song by song? The offering as a whole?
Jeff Lynne is the voice of an old friend. I have always been a fan of ELO and to a fault promote them Corny? Yup! But I think the sound of Lynne's voice has a somewhat soothing effect on me and considering the chaos I usually listen to- well its like a warm blanket. How appropriate that Jeff Lynne come out with a collection of quirky standards. Straight out of your grandpa's easy listening cache' but somehow not sounding dated or awkward.
"She" and "I Loved You" are heartfelt croons sung with a pseudo strain that works. I adore strings with rock and roll voices and this fulfills my requirement quite well. I consider these two songs the blenders- they aren't stand outs but they suit the mood very well.
"Love Is A Many Splendored Thing" is God awful. I know why its there for continuity but oh hell no, its dragging and the music seems to be for another voice- awful. Plain awful but in what this song does to kill my vibe "At Last" recovers. Here we go. Lynne shows vulnerability and takes a classic woman's lament and beefs it up. Manly men who love their 'women's' The great ting about this is its just s tiny bit deeper in the vocal than traditional vocals and therefore easier to sing along with and the words are clear as a bell. This is fab..way fab.
"Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered" is another example of how Jeff can take a corny tune and make you want to squeal. The rough tone of his voice coupled with what could be a Lawrence Welk big band behind him, is just the end of the night shuffle that perfect chick flicks are made of. This song is tops.
"Running Scared " is one of the coolest songs of all time, and although the Traveling Wilbury connection, you better have some salt to cover Roy Orbison classics. In this song- Jeff owns it. I have never heard a stronger version. Although there are odd dips in it, the word "skyeerd" instead of 'scared" is odd. Stop trying to be Southern its unflattering. But power? He kicks it in the ass. This is the best song on the album.
"Beyond The Sea" another way familiar song. That Jeff Lynne is able to perform with a moderns swing, yet contain its integrity. Here in a lower octave Jeff paints a picture of forever.
This entire album is well worth a spin. If you are familiar with these songs its a great way to update them in your memory if you're not familiar than Lynne can make you a believer in 'romantic hits'. See its ok to be corny now and then.