Subtitled
The Love Songs Collection, this collection promotes the idea of
Cher as torch ballad singer, a notion not as far-fetched as one would imagine. Taken from five different albums recorded during her '70s stay at the MCA and Kapp labels,
Bittersweet states a strong case for the lung power of
Cher's vocal range, as well as her taste for challenging and off-the-beaten-path material. Her Bittersweet White Light album from 1973 (her first with a full orchestra) is here in its entirety, along with selections from
Foxy Lady,
Dark Lady,
Half Breed and
Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves, all from
Sonny & Cher's second wave of popularity and many featuring
Sonny Bono at the production helm. Highlights include nice readings of "By Myself," "I Got It Bad and That Ain't Good," "Am I Blue," "How Long Has This Been Going On," "More Than You Know," "The Man That Got Away" and "What'll I Do."
Cher as torch singer? If you can suspend belief for the time it takes to pop this one in the player and listen, you're in for a very pleasant surprise. ~ Cub Koda