The out of print 1972 CD from
Shirley Bassey,
And I Love You So, gets two additional bonus tracks on its 2001 re-release, and the more
Bassey in the world the better. Her over the top rendition of pianist Jack Dieval's "The Way of Love" keeps the gender intact, as did
Kathy Kirby and
Cher on their respective hit versions, of a woman singing a song of heartbreak to another woman, only
Bassey puts her trademark style on it bringing it into another realm. Chris White includes two lengthy pages of liner notes in the informative eight-page booklet which includes four lovely photos of the queen diva.
Perry Como's hit version of the title track, "And I Love You So," a composition from the pen of
Don McLean, might've kept this album from getting more exposure, but it is essential
Shirley Bassey which her fan base is well aware of. She makes "Bless the Beasts and the Children" exotic while the Tom Evans and
Pete Ham timeless classic, "Without You," gets a sort of
Eartha Kitt as "Catwoman" reading,
Bassey borrowing a bit but never copying.
Johnny Harris forgoes the neo-
Phil Spector production of
Harry Nilsson's hit version to arrange, produce and conduct a special blend to fit
Bassey's vocal stylings. The two Noel Rogers produced outtakes from the album sessions. Like many of the artist's releases, this is a real treasure and a true work of art. [The U.K. version adds two bonus tracks: "If I Should Love Again" and "Let Me Be the One."] ~ Joe Viglione