Dionne Warwick - Promises, Promises/I'll Never Fall in Love Again

When the shoe fits, wear it!

I don't know what else to say but dynamite! James Nobel took an ancient Chinese art of entertainment and ritual and made it into dynamite. It seems this is what happened with the combination of Hal David, Burt Bacrach, and their crowned diva, Dionne. While her aunt (Cissey Houston) and her little sister (DeeDee Warwick) struggled to find an audience, Dionne was secure as the vehicle for the penned tunes of the aforementioned writers. Phil Romones obsession with perfection and his "wall of sound", made this album great! My favorite song is "Let me go to him." I love the way the whole album is arranged with a theme of torch song meets world rythm. The Brazillian influence is clearly heard in "paper mach'e" and other songs. I also love the covers they chose for her. It was almost like a NASCAR crew displaying their dominance then then taking a victory lap with the last tune, "My Way". I think this is one of the greatest marriages in music. Music like this is not happening anymore.This is clearly a case of vocal power properly packaged. her cousin Whitney Houston had the same gift but she hadn't the stating power as did Dionne. Dionne had the right shoes to wear in those days and by heavens gift she wore it! February 24, 2008

Two classics of her late 60s pop era!

Dionne, one of the greatest singers, ever. She makes a piece of easy-listening fluff into an emotional experience, finding the grit and soul of the lyrics and interpreting in her inimitable style, her flawless timing and phrasing.

These are two of my fave Dionne LPs ever, and to find them remastered and paired on a limited edition.... I thought I was dreaming. Rhino has gone all out, packaging, sound, everything.

I know a lot of people prefer the earlier Bacharach stuff, or her later 70s stuff, citing this as easy listening. Nonsense. It's great stuff, and she does Bacharach like no one else could or ever will.

A shame there will be no more in this series.... I was praying for a double-set of Here Where There Is Love and Her I Am. May 22, 2007

Splendorous Dionne in two of her best albums

One of the most original voices and smartest phrasings I have ever heard on popular music. Her repertoire takes the best and the worst from Bacharach & David team along with some other authors.

'Promises, Promises' is the real pearl in this package, the title song is simply brilliant Bacharach-David at their best, and Bacharach's arrangement is pure fire. Also Bacharach-David's originals 'Who Is Gonna Love Me', and 'Whoever You Are I Love You' and pure gems with beautiful Bacharach's arrangements.

There are also some pearls from the original 'I'll Never Fall in Love Again' album and these include the title song as arranged in a collaboration of Burt Bacharach with Larry Wilcox and the single version of the pretty song 'Paper Maché'.

Great arrangers are also present in the package along with Burt Bacharach. Features Peter Matz arranging 'Little Green Apples', the sensational 'Where Am I Going', and the great Armando Manzanero's song 'Yesterday I Heard The Rain' (English version to 'Esta Tarde Vi Llover').

Also features arrangements by the great Don Sebesky on' This Guy's in Love With You', 'Where is Love' and the great Bacharach-David original 'Wanting Things'.


January 3, 2007

Simply Breath Taking

Included here are two of Dionne's original LP's and what a pair they make. Although not a huge fan of the "Promises, Promises" album (with the exception of the title track, This Girl's in Love With You, and Little Green Apples)this album still a huge showcase of this lady's talent. The second album, "I'll Never Fall in Love Again" is one of my personal favorites. The lead track "The Wine is Young" is simply awe inspiring and this awe grows with each song on this second album. Simply put a MUST HAVE for any fan of Ms. Warwick or just plain GREAT music. I also congratulate the studio for their wonderful photos and liner notes which really provide the inside track on these albums. Now stop reading this and go treat yourself with this purchase! July 18, 2006

The cream of the crop

No one but no one did (or does) Bacharach/David music like Ms. Dionne Warwick. This remastered set of albums from 1968-1969 captures the songwriters at their creative peak, and Dionne at the apex of her vocal and interpretive powers.

There are also covers of popular songs of the day such as "Where Am I Going" and "Didn't We" that are superb. If Dionne isn't the Queen of Champagne Soul, I don't know who is. This is lounge music at its finest.

In addition to the brilliant packaging and wonderful liner notes by David Nathan, there are additional bonus tracks that did not appear on the original releases and a ton of rare photos.

The remastering is beyond description -- these recordings sound brand new; crisp, clean, no air/hiss...just magnificent.

This set of music is achingly beautiful. Each song here epitomizes the classic "Dionne Warwick sound," that brand of romantic melodies and arrangements that are sweetly melancholy. Hats off to Rhino for making these classics available again, even if only for a limited time. You owe yourself a copy. July 23, 2004

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