Love Is Blue 1967
Love Is Blue 1967 Cast
After a less than encouraging stint on the Mercury label in the mid-'60s, traditional pop (i.e. Easy listening) vocalist had returned to his former home, Columbia Records. Once back, they gave him the JonMat Records vanity imprint for his output. (1968) is a typical long-player for the time, as the singer doles out readings of then-concurrent popular chart hits, with a few classics mixed in. Adding immeasurably to the project's overall sound are arrangements by -- who had also contributed to the artist's previous long-playing collection, (1967).
Enthusiasts of are treated to his singular vocal styling applied to a host of familiar material -- most of which doesn't stray too far from the originals or hit versions. While certainly not depicted or portrayed as a 'concept' or tribute album, nearly half of the platter contains songs penned by the formidable team of. These include the opener 'I Say a Little Prayer' -- with a slight lyrical alteration from '.put on my makeup.' To '.get shaved and set up.' -- as well as 'The Look of Love,' 'Don't Go Breaking My Heart,' and 'Walk on By.'
-- who was supplying chart-toppers to the likes of the and -- is the source for 'By the Time I Get to Phoenix.' When compared to, imbues the material with a more understated and subtle empathy. Perhaps the entry that is most dissimilar to its origins is the update of the -- or more accurately 's -- 'Here, There and Everywhere.' The slowed tempo and copious orchestration turn the melody into an epic torch song, as opposed to the less heavy-handed treatment heard on the ' Revolver (1966). On the other hand, 'Never My Love' -- a sizable side for the in the early fall of 1967 -- retains a similarly light and otherwise unaffected overhaul. Several of the disc's highlights are left until the end with 'Moon River' arguably besting ' on sheer emotive tone. Another definite upgrade is 'Venus' -- the ballad that sent to the top of the Pop Singles survey in 1959.