Two of Roy's greatest MGM albums!

Where to begin with these two.. they're both essentail for Orbison afficiando's, and seeing that these LPs weren't pillaged by bootleggers (like the Don Gibson tribute and Orbison Way), this will bring some unknown yet fantastic songs back to life.



1. Classic Roy Orbison



A masterpiece of baroq-rock, totally on par with Orbison Way. The standout cuts here are the haunting "Never Love Again", the crazy "City Life" and the one-chord madness of "Pantomime". The latter 2 songs show Orbison's maturing songwriting, moving away from cliches and working towards more poetically charged lyricks. Same can be said for "Growing Up". Lush ballads are here as well, and HOW. "Going Back To Gloria" and "Losing You" are just 2 of Roy's finest MGM-era ballads, and ruthlessly obscure. The bouncing "Wait" with thick basslines and tambourine have Roy venturing into the Beat-era and it works amazingly well. The only cut which I don't like all that much is "No I'll never get over you".. it sounds out of place with the rest of the album.



2. Cry Softly Lonely One



Called one of his 'most mature' albums ever on time of its release in 1967, this is one of those chestnut-roasting, wine-sipping albums which never fails. Save for the brilliant singles "She" and "Communication Breakdown", this is also the only source for obtaining Orbison/Dees' finest composition next to "It's Over", the dark "Memories". It was a B-side for "So Good" in 1967 but it's one of those songs which should have been a monsterhit. It's just Orbison, a piano, a drumkit and electric bass. Other highights include the beautiful "Here Comes The Rain Baby" and "Time to cry". Uptempo gems are here as well, in the form of the ecletic "Only Alive" with its chuggin' guitars, and the organ-dominated "Girl Like Mine". Essential album.