Let’s Face The Music – SHIRLEY BASSEY****

Let’s Face The Music & Dance/I Should Care/Let’s Fall In Love/The Second Time Around/Imagination/All The Things You Are/I Get A Kick Out Of You/Everything I Have Is Yours/Spring Is Here/All Of Me/I Can’t Get You Out Of My Mind/What Now My Love

On Let’s Face The Music Shirley Bassey is supported at the peak of her popularity by the renowned Nelson Riddle Orchestra. Includes the UK top five hit What Now My Love. (UK:12)

“Let's Face the Music is a favourite among her legion of fans. With Nelson Riddle and his orchestra, it includes many classic covers."

“The album is one of the best from each of these celebrated performers. It presents Shirley Bassey at her youthful best, just prior to her finding the definitive Bassey vocal style that would emerge the following year. Although the voice is unmistakably hers, Shirley's knife edge vocal style was yet to fully emerge. Shirley's voice is in prime condition and she receives the incomparable support of master arranger Riddle, who provides a stunning array of backdrops for his singer.”

“A classic interpretation of What Now My Love, a song that has remained a permanent part of the Bassey concert repertoire. Though other singers have tried their hand on this extremely difficult number, Shirley continues to claim it as her own. The poise and complete control she musters, together with the suspense she creates are stunning. The other uptempo piece is a Latin styled account of Cole Porter's I Get A Kick Out Of You, another popular standard that has had many interpretations. However, Shirley's version remains one of the finest accounts of this great song on record. Other gems on this fine album are a dramatic reading of the Kern classic All The Things You Are, Rodgers and Hart's Spring Is Here, and an unusual presentation of Berlin's Let's Face The Music & Dance.”

“From the very first notes of the orchestra on the title track, to the outstanding high note that closes What Now My Love, this album is a masterpiece from Shirley's early years as an artist. I was pleasantly surprised to hear the sweetness in her vocal quality that, even at her surliest, can still be found.”

“Let's Face The Music is a great LP by Shirley Bassey. Many classic pop songs are covered with backing by Nelson Riddle. All the tracks are worth listening to. Shirley Bassey followers will appreciate this LP.”