Two of Perry Como's popular albums from the 1970s featuring two of his biggest hits. Perry recorded "It's Impossible" at RCA's Studio A, recording studios, New York City, in May of 1970, arranged and conducted by the legen... more »dary Marty Manning, produced by Ernie Altschuler, but when the song entered Billboard's Top Ten Charts later that year he completed the album at the International Hotel in Las Vegas, under the baton of Nick Perito and produced by Don Costa for release in December of that same year. In 1973 he had another giant hit with "And I Love You So", recorded and produced in Nashville with the legendary Chet Atkins and RCA Victor's Nashville Sound backing. The Nashville album was certified R.I.A.A. Gold shortly following but both hits quickly became Como signature songs.« less
Two of Perry Como's popular albums from the 1970s featuring two of his biggest hits. Perry recorded "It's Impossible" at RCA's Studio A, recording studios, New York City, in May of 1970, arranged and conducted by the legendary Marty Manning, produced by Ernie Altschuler, but when the song entered Billboard's Top Ten Charts later that year he completed the album at the International Hotel in Las Vegas, under the baton of Nick Perito and produced by Don Costa for release in December of that same year. In 1973 he had another giant hit with "And I Love You So", recorded and produced in Nashville with the legendary Chet Atkins and RCA Victor's Nashville Sound backing. The Nashville album was certified R.I.A.A. Gold shortly following but both hits quickly became Como signature songs.
"After year's of putting up with various forms of hits collections, finally the Como connoisseur can get CDs of the actual albums. Thi collection has two of his best from the early 70s. Both are flawless but my preference is "It's Impossible" which is virtually a Greatest Hits easy listening album. On this one, Perry Como actually pulls it off and makes "I Think I Love You" into a great song.Thanks are owed to whomever finally got these out of the RCA vaults. Fans of Como and easy listening should get this immediately!"
Smooth, cool and relaxed
Candace Scott | Lake Arrowhead, CA, USA | 07/20/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Though purists would argue that Perry's voice was at its apex in the 40's and 50's, I've always prefered his style and his voice in the later years. This is the reason I love this album, because it showcases the more mature Como sound, with more contemporary arrangements and an easier listening style than some of his novelity songs of the 50's. Perry's voice became more of a pure baritone as he aged and I defy anyone to think he was in his 60's when most of these songs were recorded. Like fine wine, Como aged impecably. You will put into a mellow modd by listening to him effortlessly breeze through these songs.I'll admit to some trepidation when I saw the play list, because I was certain Perry would butcher a song like "I Think I Love You," which belongs lock, stock and barrel to David Cassidy. But amazingly, Perry does a decent job here, and turns in a performance that isn't campy or silly. The same feelings of unease came over me when I first listened to Roberta Flack's "Killing Me Softly with Her Song." Amazingly, Como delivers the goods on this 1971 classic and his cover version is perfectly acceptable, even good. The rest of the songs are are excellent and Perry continues to surprise through the album by putting his own calm, unique stamp on each song. A beautiful record, sung by the amazing Mr. C."
And I Love You so
Candace Scott | 06/18/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The quality of the sound on ths album is the best I have heard on any vocal album. I have other Perry Como LP ablums with music I may even enjoy more and my hope is that the same people that produced this two album set would do the work to release them in the quality of this album."
Fine two-fer CD----BRAVO, PERRY COMO !!!
Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 03/19/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"And I Love You So/It's Impossible is a great CD that has all the tracks from two of Perry Como's record albums entitled And I Love You So and It's Impossible. The sound quality is excellent; and Perry's mature voice really sounds fine, too. The artwork is also impressive.
The CD starts off with Perry crooning his best on "And I Love You So." This tune features Perry front and center as he showcases his incredible set of pipes. The musical arrangement is lush and it's the perfect accompaniment to Perry's singing. "And I Love You So" makes a beautiful beginning to this album. "Killing Me Softly With Her Song" is changed from "Killing Me Softly With His Song;" and Perry aces this like the master he always was. The guitars in the arrangement are used to great advantage, too. There's also "For The Good Times;" this ballad shines like gold when Perry sings it beyond perfection. Perry sings with great sensitivity; and I love every minute of it!
"Sing" is a song I associate with Karen Carpenter; Perry makes it his own with a fine interpretation that really is pleasing to the ear; the brass on this number enhances the beauty of the melody. "Tie a Yellow Ribbon 'Round the Ole Oak Tree" is another son that shines equally bright when Perry delivers it with all his heart and soul. The backup chorus works wonders for this tune, too. "I Believe In Music" gets the royal treatment from Perry who performs this with panache and a great chorus in the background.
"It's Impossible" is easily one of Perry's greatest hits--ever. Perry croons this flawlessly and it's a classic love song that will never be out of style. Perry performs this with incredible sensitivity and it gives me chills every time I hear it! "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head" is another marvelous highlight; Perry sings this with all his might and the strings make the melody all the more beautiful.
"Something" is a George Harrison love song that Frank Sinatra once praised as one of the very best love songs ever written. Perry sings "Something" with a few tempo changes that really allow him to put his own stamp on "Something." "(They Long to Be) Close to You" is a splendid "mood music" number with excellent singing by Perry and the backup chorus. Great flutes on "(They Long to Be) Close to You!"
The CD ends with Perry performing "We've Only Just Begun;" this charming ballad is the perfect ending for this lush CD. The arrangement is very elegant and pretty.
Perry Como was and is a giant crooner of the entire twentieth century; and we are far better off for his sharing his talents with us. I highly recommend this for fans of the great Perry Como; and people who enjoy classic pop vocals will not be disappointed.
"
Quality at last
Mr. M. Dunnington | West Midlands, United Kingdom United Kingdom | 05/15/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Of the 6 Cd's released by "Collectables" this is the best transfer. These albums have only been available on Cd in Japan so it is good to see everyone having an opportunity to hear Perry at his very best. Take care with the other 5 Cd's by Perry on "Collectables" you will be disappointed!"
Track Listings (20) - Disc #1
