The Essential Andy Williams

The Essential Collection arrived on the day we received the sad news of Andy Williams' death. He had a monumental career through all the decades since the 1950s, including numerous hits and other songs we are all familiar with, including Moon River, which was never a single.There don't seem to be any fully comprehensive collections of Andy's hits available at the present time, only selections. This one is exceptional value, with no less than 24 songs, and is gorgeous to listen to as one familar or well-loved song follows another. In his 70s heyday he was sometimes considered "a second-rate Frank Sinatra" or "the TV Frank Sinatra", but there is such strong material here which he sings with heart and soul. I wondered if an album of his songs would appear bland, but there is such variation in pace and style for this never to happen - from crooning classics like Moon River to jaunty pop songs, bordering on camp, like House of Bamboo and Music to Watch Girls Go By. My favourite by far is his hit "Home Lovin' Man" which was the only song here I originally purchased as a vinyl single as a kid. It isn't widely available on compilations, but it is on this one!!There are songs here which I didn't recognise by their titles but immediately grabbed me and reminded me of long-gone days when I enjoyed them upon their original release. This is a very well chosen collection. The only song I distinctly remember by him which is ommitted is his cover of Neil Sedaka's "Solitaire", but as I know all the others this isn't too great a loss. The album kicks off with an updated duet version of "Can't take my eyes off you" with Denise Van Outen, which was a UK hit finding Andy still in amazing voice in his 70s. The original version brings the album to a perfect finish. Sound quality seems very good, with Andy's voice shining through.

There are a few Williams 'Greatest Hits' or 'Best Of' compilations around but in my mind this one is the best of all by a very long way. Starting with his 'Can't Take my Eyes Off You' collaboration with Denise van Outen, made when he was 75 and one of the best male/female one-off duets around. Van Outen gives the song its punch and muscle alongside an ageing and weakened voice Williams. Interesting to hear his earlier 1968 solo version alongside and compare how his voice has changed. This is one of the few compos with 'Home Lovin Man' on it, this is music to cheer you 'Up-Up and Away'. The BBC 2010 Six Nations Rugby coverage gave a new boost to 'Happy Heart'.'Can't Get Used To Losing You' 'Spooky', 'Aquarius' and so it goes on - 24 tracks that even if you're not a true Williams fan will have you drumming on the steering wheel even more than you did to Drivetime Rock.

Andy Williams can weave his magic with almost any song. This album bears testimony to that! He is such a relaxed singer just like Perry Como was. This essential collection is not quite a greatest hits but you can pick up the missing gems on another album such as Love songs. That one includes May each day and Butterfly a number one in the uk in the 50`s. The other missing track on Essential is his number 3 hit can`t help falling in love from 1970. Those apart you have them all here with some other fine covers. A fantastic singer and a legend in his own lifetime. A well recommended album.

well andy Williams lovely

This cd has everything any andy Williams fan could ask for,all his chart hits and a few of his other memorable songs also.this cd is well worth getting as it really does cover very best work he done in his long career.

SUPERB

Bought this CD after I heard a song on the radio from Andy which I had not heard in years and has some great tracks on it as I sang some of them in the School Chior for a concert we done brought back some good memories.

Good value

Loved Andy much more on those Christmas albums, but he's still an excellent singer.

Far as I know,the only source (besides youtube) for the never released One Day of Your Life. Had been wanting a cd quality copy of it for years,and learned about this cd from comments on a youtube posting of the song. Service and price from this seller were excellent, and I'm greatly pleased to have this title in my collection. Had heard Williams live three times-once decades ago,and twice in Branson. I'll miss his voice and easy charm.