Search - Joni James :: Platinum & Gold: The MGM Years

Fine collection but....

08/26/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is certainly the most comprehensive collection of Joni's original hits to be released in the CD format. However, there is something that bothers me about the sound mix of this collection. Part of Joni's charm as a vocalist was the subtle and reticent (almost shy) quality of her voice. That seems to be lacking in this new re-mix. Her voice comes through quite clearly but almost in a bold way, as if she is singing really, really close into the mike. Another thing that caused me to do a double-take is the fact that the accompanying liner-note booklet includes absolutely no recording dates for the songs nor does it include biographical dates, etc. Good liner notes should include such historical/statistical data; it's almost as if the producers don't want to acknowledge the 1950's origin of these wonderful recordings. Anyhow, in general, the collection is a good one and certainly a "must" for Joni's fans."

Give that gal a spotlight !!!

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 04/15/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Platinum & Gold: The MGM Years is a two CD set containing many--but not all--of Joni James's greatest hits. Why they leave some out is beyond me; but this is still just about the best single CD set compilation that currently exists for the great Joni James. The sound quality is excellent; and I like that artwork!



"Have You Heard" starts the set off with Joni singing her very beat; her voice is rich, warm, and very vibrant. The strings are also used to great advantage. "Almost Always" is another great hit from Joni; the musical arrangement has that trademark Latin beat that works so well even today. I love it! There's also "Your Cheatin' Heart;" Joni aces this effortlessly and I'm very impressed.



"Why Don't You Believe Me" is a stunning ballad that Joni infuses with so much emotion that it becomes a golden masterpiece in her capable hands; and listen for "You Are My Love." "You Are My Love" has great brass and Joni's voice is as clear as a bell. Excellent!



"When You Wish Upon A Star" is a lovely ballad when Joni sings this so sweetly; and Joni delivers "Danny Boy" with panache; the backup vocalists harmonize well and this enhances the beauty of this classic ballad. Similarly, "You Belong To Me" gets quite a fine interpretation from Joni who sings this passionately.



"In A Garden Of Roses" features Joni front and center--this all works wonders for this tune. "Little Things Mean A Lot" was always one of my favorite love songs; and I suppose it always will be, too. Joni's rendition would make Kitty Kallen proud--it's beautiful and very sensitive. The melody is very pretty, too. "They Really Don't Know You" touches my heart when I hear it; it tugs at my heartstrings and Joni James makes this so wonderful. "I Still Get Jealous" has that late `50s/ early 60s sound that I always enjoy; Joni delivers this flawlessly.



"Maybe Next Time" places Joni James squarely in the spotlight--right where she belongs! Joni never sings a superfluous note, either. "I'll Never Stand In Your Way" is another touching ballad that is very pretty and memorable at once. The CD ends with Joni performing "Am I In Love." "Am I In Love" has a great arrangement and Joni never misses a beat.



My only complaint is that, as other reviewers have noted, not all of Joni's biggest hits made it to this CD set. On the other hand, however, what we do get is perfectly wonderful material, so I will give this two CD set four stars.



Joni James just doesn't get the recognition she deserves. I hope that with sales of CDs like this people will come to know her better. Joni James fans will want this for sure; and people who like classic pop vocals will cherish this CD for years.

"

The Good and the Bad

Jim Holtz | Madison, Wi United States | 05/17/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This should have been Joni James' greatest peformances, not greatest hits. I was pleasantly surprised when this was released. The 1st 12 tracks, [which made up Joni's AWARD WINNING ALBUM] are beyond desription. They are actually an oxymoron: intelligent, sophisticated pop hits. Joni was lucky to have the songwriters & arrangers she did to work on those forgotten treaures; but as time went on, her voice & song quality faltered. I wish just the excellant & the good were put on the cd. Actually I Need You Now should have been included. Ditto for Anyone But Her, an exception to her late releases. It's very listenable. Dinah Washington once said of Joni James. "I sound better when I have a cold" That maybe very true but when Joni had the right material & back up in her early years, she was almost Eydie Gorme or Judy Garland. She was THAT GREAT!"