"Magic Moments: The Definitive Burt Bacharach Collection" is a compilation album that features the timeless music and genius of the renowned American composer Burt Bacharach. Released in 2008, this collection provides a comprehensive overview of Bacharach's career, highlighting his immense contribution to the world of popular music. Bacharach's signature style, characterized by intricate melodies and sophisticated harmonies, has influenced generations of musicians and continues to resonate with listeners today. His collaborations with lyricist Hal David resulted in some of the most memorable and enduring songs in the history of popular music. The album includes iconic hits such as "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head," "I Say a Little Prayer," and "Walk On By." What sets this collection apart is its curation of lesser-known gems from Bacharach's extensive discography.
CD1:
1. Jackie DeShannon - What The World Needs Now Is Love
2. The Carpenters - (They Long To Be) Close To You
3. BJ Thomas - Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head
4. Nancy Wilson - Reach Out For Me
5. The Shirelles - Baby It's You
6. Dionne Warwick - Walk On By
7. Dusty Springfield - The Look Of Love
8. Tommy Hunt - I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself
9. Doris Day - Send Me No Flowers
10. Frankie Avalon - Gotta Get A Girl
11. Jack Jones - Wives And Lovers
12. Cilla Black - Alfie
13. Herb Alpert - This Guy's In Love With You
14. Tom Jones - Promise Her Anything
15. Cliff Richard It's Wonderful To Be Young - Alternate Take
16. Gene Vincent - Crazy Times
17. Charlie Gracie - I Looked For You
18. The Five Blobs - The Blob
19. Jackie DeShannon - So Long Johnny
20. Shirley Bassey - A House Is Not A Home
21. Burt Bacharach - Nikki
22. Andy Williams - Don't You Believe It
23. Jimmy Radcliff - (There Goes) The Forgotten Man
24. Billy J Kramer - Trains And Boats And Planes
25. Herb Alpert - Casino Royale
26. Dionne Warwick - Anyone Who Had A Heart
27. Bobbie Gentry - The Windows of the World
28. Nat King Cole - Once In A Blue Moon - Instrumental
With long-time collaborator Hal David, Bacharach wrote signature songs for Dionne Warwick including a string of 39 consecutive chart hits including Walk On By , Don t Make Me Over , and I ll Never Fall In Love Again. No matter how perfect Bacharach s melodies, Hal David s lyrics were sometimes even better as on I ll Never Fall in Love Again Bobbie Gentry s version is the perfect one, resigned but still hopeful; Warwick s sounds oddly prissy.
" What sets this collection apart is its curation of lesser-known gems from Bacharach's extensive discography. It delves into his work as a songwriter, arranger, and producer for a diverse range of artists, including Dionne Warwick, Dusty Springfield, and The Carpenters. The album also features Bacharach's own interpretations of his songs, showcasing his unique musical sensibilities.
The Burt Bacharach Discussion Forum
"Magic Moments" not only celebrates Bacharach's musical accomplishments but also provides a glimpse into the cultural influence he had during the 1960s and 1970s. His compositions captured the spirit of the era, with their combination of pop, soul, jazz, and R&B elements. The album serves as a time capsule, transporting listeners back to a time when Bacharach's music was the soundtrack of a generation. Beyond its nostalgic appeal, "Magic Moments" showcases Bacharach's enduring relevance in contemporary music. His songs have been covered by countless artists across various genres, proving their timeless and universal appeal. The collection serves as a testament to Bacharach's status as one of the greatest songwriters of his generation. In conclusion, "Magic Moments: The Definitive Burt Bacharach Collection" is a must-have for any music lover or fan of Bacharach's work. It encapsulates the magic and artistry behind his compositions, providing a comprehensive journey through his illustrious career. This collection serves as a reminder of his immense talent and enduring musical legacy..
Reviews for "The Essential Burt Bacharach: Celebrating the Magic Moments in Music History"
1. Sarah - 2/5
I was really disappointed with "Magic Moments: The Definitive Burt Bacharach Collection." The songs lacked the depth and emotion that I loved about Bacharach's original versions. The production felt overdone and overly polished, stripping away the rawness and authenticity of his music. I also found the selection of songs to be quite poor, with some of his iconic hits missing from the compilation. Overall, this collection failed to capture the essence of Burt Bacharach's music for me.
2. John - 1/5
As a longtime fan of Burt Bacharach, I was excited to listen to "Magic Moments: The Definitive Burt Bacharach Collection." However, I found this compilation to be a big disappointment. The arrangements lacked the creativity and uniqueness that I associate with Bacharach's music. The reinterpretations of his classic songs felt forced and unnecessary. It felt like the artists on this album were simply trying to imitate Bacharach's style rather than bringing their own flair. I would not recommend this collection to any die-hard fans of Burt Bacharach.
3. Lisa - 2/5
"Magic Moments: The Definitive Burt Bacharach Collection" fell flat for me. The choice of artists on this compilation was questionable, and their performances lacked the charm and charisma that Bacharach's songs deserve. The album felt disjointed and lacked a cohesive flow. Additionally, the remastered versions of his hits done for this collection were poorly executed and ended up sounding dull and lifeless. I would recommend listening to Bacharach's original recordings instead of wasting your time on this compilation.
4. Mark - 2/5
"Magic Moments: The Definitive Burt Bacharach Collection" was a letdown for me. The album lacked the energy and excitement that I associate with Bacharach's music. The performances felt bland and uninspired, failing to capture the magic of his original recordings. The production was overly slick and polished, detracting from the soulfulness of his songs. If you're a fan of Burt Bacharach, I would suggest looking elsewhere for a more authentic and engaging collection of his music.