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RATING:  
SINGAPORE : Harry Connick Jr, sometime actor and Grammy award winning singer, composer and pianist, has a brand new album out and it's called “Your Songs”.
Unlike most of his previous albums which contained largely original material from the man himself, this time round he's decided to accede to the requests of his fans to surprise us with this collection of only covers.
He’s even brought in the legendary rain maker of the music industry Clive Davis who selected the list of 14 classic pop songs in this 50 minute album.
Harry did write the arrangements himself though giving each familiar song a big band overhaul, and he also invited jazz greats Branford and Wynton Marsalis to play on the album.
On this album, you will find covers of Frank Sinatra's “All The Way”, Nat King Cole's “Smile”, Billy Joel's “Just The Way You Are”, Elvis Presley's “Can't Help Falling In Love With You”, The Carpenters' “Close To You” and The Beatles' “And I Love Her” amongst many others.
The songs were such huge hits that they have become time immortal, so there's no way you won't recognise them or feel a connection to them. And with his mellow gorgeous laid back voice, and the beautiful arrangements, there's really nothing to dislike!
But the downside, I feel, when anyone takes on songs of this level of popularity is you can't quite help but compare it to the original version. And personally, I don't think he's done enough to it to make it better. It's really good, don't get me wrong, but I just still prefer the originals!
As a jazz album, it didn't quite knock my socks off but as an easy listening album, I'm going to give it two thumbs up. Harry Connick Jr's “Your Songs” should definitely have a spot in your CD collection.
- CNA/il
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