I’ve been a fan of Harry Connick, Jr. since his work on the When Harry Met Sally soundtrack back in the 1989. I never considered myself much of a jazz fan, but that album, and subsequent releases, changed my mind. So, when the One2One Network asked me if I’d be interested in reviewing his latest CD, Your Songs, I jumped at the chance.
Your Songs, Connick’s 25th album, plays tribute to music greats such as Frank Sinatra, Elton John, Elvis Presley and Tony Bennett. As the album name suggests, Connick tackles a group of well-loved songs, most famously attributed to these other artists. From “Mona Lisa” to “Just the Way You Are,” Harry Connick, Jr. holds his own and put his stamp on the classic favorites.
I’ll be honest, the collection of songs in this album aren’t my favorites. In fact, I may not have purchased it based on the 14 song choices. That said, now that I have it, it is one of the CDs I prefer to listen to in the car (it hasn’t yet joined the rest of our music collection in digital format in the house). Connick’s rendering of “(They Long to Be) Close to You,” for example, is preferable to the original in my book.
If you’re looking for something new from Harry Connick, Jr., this CD will be a disappointment. If, on the other hand, you’re looking for a nostalgic and romantic music experience, Your Songs should do the trick. And if, like me, you’re looking for another great Harry Connick, Jr. CD to sing along with in the car, this one is a sure bet.
* I received a free copy of the Your Songs CD in order to write a review. There was no promise of a positive review. The opinions and ideas stated in this blog post are mine.
