Search - Dusty Springfield :: Ultimate Collection

Dusty sold her songs without even trying--and that's no smal

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 09/19/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Dusty Springfield could take a song and make it her own with her impeccable sense of timing, her excellent diction and her ability to perform with great sensitivity. This CD gives us a generous twenty songs by Dusty that should appeal to any Dusty Springfield fan.



The track set begins with "Silver Threads And Golden Needles." This early track features Dusty singing wonderfully with The Springfields while they were still together. "Silver Threads And Golden Needles" sports a melody that seems a blend of country and folk rock; Dusty's voice never sounded better! "I Only Want To Be With You" features Dusty Springfield front and center on her own with a backup chorus. The catchy melody helps the song; but Dusty's strong performance makes the number shine. Dusty sings of how she wants only to be with her man now that they are in love. Dusty sings "I Only Want To Be With You" passionately and this undoubtedly helped to make this ballad a classic. Great! Moreover, "Stay Awhile" features Dusty doing a lovely early 1960s love song; and Dusty never misses a beat! Love those strings! The percussion enhances the number even further and the backup chorus helps to keep Dusty squarely in the spotlight.



"Wishin' And Hopin'" was another early hit for Dusty; she sings passionately of how a woman can keep a man she loves. Listen for some great percussion; and Dusty's voice sounds rich, warm and vibrant. "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me" uses strings and drums to create a dramatic melody; Dusty sings this passionate ballad about a love gone awry. Dusty's character is alone after her man leaves her; and she contemplates following him to talk him into staying with her at least a while longer. "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me" is a great torch song that shines like silver and gold in Dusty Springfield's competent care!



"The Look Of Love" showcases Dusty's vocals as she sweetly delivers this number to perfection. The musical arrangement makes good use of the strings, percussion and the brass to make "The Look Of Love" very beautiful. Listen for a lovely horn solo during the musical interlude; and Dusty's voice is in perfect form on this track. "Son Of A Preacher Man" is a country style ballad about Dusty's character and her relationship with the son of a preacher. Dusty delivers "Son Of A Preacher Man" without a superfluous note. Wow.



"The Windmills Of Your Mind" gives us Dusty flawlessly singing yet another classic love ballad; and "What Have I Done To Deserve This?" features Dusty sharing the spotlight with The Pet Shop Boys. Dusty and The Pet Shop Boys sing of their pain after they have been jilted by difficult, demanding lovers.



The liner notes include great pictures of Dusty and Jim Pierson writes an informative essay about Dusty and her career. We get the song credits; and there are comments about each song on this CD by Paul Howes.



Dusty Springfield will never be forgotten. Indeed, she lives on through her great CDs; her music was a gift she gave to the world and we are all better off because of Dusty. Dusty's fans will, of course, consider this album to be a "must-have" for their collections; and people who appreciate classic pop vocals will like this album too.



Enjoy!

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