Gratefully re-issued...

Connie Francis' second album proves to be a musically rewarding effort. Her first album, "Who's Sorry Now" showed Connie contemporizing some old vaudeville favorites. On this album, Francis turns standards into something much more than this adjective expresses. Songs like "The Bells of Saint Mary's" and "Now Is the Hour" would seem trite in other hands. With lush arrangements, strong balladry and a studio choir, the result is sublime. The greatest moment comes with Connie's rendition of "I Close My Eyes"..a heartbreaking and emotional reading. Definitely an album worth re-issue!

The Story Behind The Album

Inspired by Joni James' brilliant work with "100 Strings and Joni," M-G-M Records sent Connie Francis to London to work the same production team to do two albums, this one and "For the Boys," a tribute to male singers completed but never released (it is now available as part of a Bear Family box set). This album was supposed to be a tribute to British composers, and two other tracks were recorded, another lyric to "I'll Close My Eyes" and "Good Night, Good Luck, God Bless You." When M-G-M got the finished album, it began reconsidering the commercial appeal to the U.S. public of a British music tribute. So the album emerged with no reference whatsoever as to what it was all about, which made no sense at all, and it didn't sell as well as M-G-M hoped. It's still a beautiful project, however.

Welcome Back, Connie!

I don't remember how Connie was introduced into my life, but I do remember the music. When I was in kindergarten back in the late 1960's one of my older sisters had to sing a Connie song with me before I would go to sleep. This was one of the two albums we had, and I just wore the grooves out of them both. Great sentimental ballads all. I'm so excited to have the chance to listen to it again without all the pops and hisses I added as a child! Anyone who likes Ms. Francis' music in the least will enjoy this gem.