This production proves that Paul Anka isn't resting on his laurels. He's in top voice, the arrangements are outstanding, and the big band musicians play with perfection.
One huge disappointment is his gratuitous My Way duet with Bonjovi. Neither performer sounds committed, probably because they likely weren't in the same studio, and recording at the same time. So much for the benefits of technology.
April 19, 2008I guess I expected more I was very disapointed in the vocal aspect of Pauls music.I kept wondering when it would pick up BORING and not my way Give me the old Paul of the 60s.
February 27, 2008 |  | A Groove with Less to Prove |  |
Anka's "Classic Songs" is a different project & cannot fully be appreciated if we try to make it fit the mold of "Rock Swings Vol. 2." While the earlier CD was startlingly excellent, this one mellows into a groove with less to prove and more to explore. Bryan Adams' "Heaven" translates well with a swing arrangement that layers instruments, increasing with number and volume as it moves to the final chorus, "Love is all I need & I find it there in your heart." While the orchestral arrangement works less well for me on Joni Mitchell's classic "Both Sides Now," Anka's vocals are through the roof, expressive and nuanced. Cher sang "Walking in Memphis" on her 1996 It's a Man's World. Anka's version works well with the Marc Cohn's gorgeous melody & lyric, creating a real sense of place, "They've got catfish on the table, they've got gospel in the air, & Rev. Greene would be glad to see you when you haven't got a prayer." One of my favorites on the disc is Anka's version of Foreigner's "Waiting for a Girl Like You" that polishes the lovely melody with a Neil Hefti feel on the brass, "This heart of mine has been hurt before, This time I want to be sure." Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time" energizes the lovely tune with great percussion. While not each track is equally riveting, the home runs on this disc are more than enough to win the game. This is very good work. Enjoy!
January 5, 2008I love it! Except when Jon Bonjovi MURDERED My Way. I can not believe that, Paul Anka, consummate professional, Extraordinary enterainer, and absolute perfectionist would allow Bonjovi to wreck that song like that!
I am a long-term fan of Paul Anka, and I hate what Bonjovi did to Paul's song.
December 16, 2007Always looking for new work from Anka.I have been very dissapointed in this new work. Songs are meant to be different, but some things should not be changed.His "A Body Of Work" album was his last great effort.I could not get enough of it.Please Paul,do what your fans are used to.
Chuck,
New York
December 5, 2007More reviews at Amazon.com ...
(31 reviews)
