Love Songs of the '70s - Donny Osmond (my review)

Okay so I've had it since it came out in the UK, now have the U.S. version and have had enough time to listen and let the songs settle in with me.  So here's a song by song review, of the U.S. version.

 Before I go on with my review let me say I was anti this CD at first; when I heard that it was to be a covers project. I so enjoyed Donny's last release, "What I Meant To Say" with his own original material. It was like a breath of fresh air. But this? This is actually growing on me. I am enjoying it far more than I thought I would actually. And I've seen some of these live, when attending his concerts in Las Vegas last month. Adds SO much more to me.  He's an amazing performer.

1. I Can See Clearly Now

Back when this originally was a hit... was it for Johnny Nash? I think it's been covered a time or two since, as well, I wasn't really crazy about the song. Didn't *hate* it, but was neither here nor there about it. The arrangement is light, breezy, and happy. Just that nice burst of brass it starts with! I like that. It's my "lift me up" song on the CD. Donny's vocals here are sweet and clear.

2.  Sometimes When We Touch

 Pretty much yeah, I hated the original version. I don't know why it just always irritated me. Can't explain that. Haha! Anyway, Donny doesn't much change my mind, *but* he does make it a tiny bit more tolerable. Still, it's not my "go to" song on the CD. His vocals as usual though are top notch. He gives it his all, and it sounds earnest and sincere.

3.  Let's Stay Together

The Al Green staple. Just a favorite song of mine anyway. So you can imagine my glee when I got wind that Donny would cover it for this CD!! I'd been wanting to hear him sing this one for years. And he doesn't disappoint. Just a soulful, sexy delivery. Nobody beats Al, but Donny? He does this one justice. Love it. My absolute  favorite on the CD... I'm kind of... obsessed. Haha!

4. Laughter in the Rain

Man. I hadn't thought about this song since it was a hit way back when for Neil Sedaka. It's a sweet love song. I imagine walking in a spring rain shower, with a lover in the blush of new love. Donny doesn't stray too far from the original, the arrangement is sweet and simple. Nice.

5. When I Need You

Okay, I can't hear this one without picturing Leo Sayer in a tree on the Muppet Show! Haha!! Seriously though, it's a nice song, with good lyrics, and Donny does not stray too far from Mr. Sayer's arrangement but gives it such power.  Love the lyrics.

6. How Long

I am a huge fan of this song, as sung by Paul Carrack. He's a terrific vocalist. His version is so classic to me,  I was iffy of anyone, yes, even Donny covering it. But he does it to excellent effect. He doesn't play around too much with the arrangment here.

7. Mandy

Not my favorite of Barry's songs, really. I mean I don't hate it or anything but I was kind of hoping Donny would have done "Weekend In New England" instead if he had to include a Barry piece. But this is nice. I love Donny's vocals on this one! And okay, okay, how many of you fangirls want to change your name to Mandy now? *winks*

8.  You Are So Beautiful

I feel about this one much like I do about "Sometimes When We Touch". I am not really a fan of this song, there are so many other, better Joe Cocker songs. But Donny's version I can actually listen to and enjoy. His delivery of this song is so great.

9. Will It Go 'Round in Circles

My second favorite on this CD. I already love Billy Preston's original, and Donny just gives it so much soul and funk! Love it. Makes me want to dance.

10. How Deep Is Your Love

I like Donny's version, it's sweet, and straightforward. But I'm so used to the Bee Gees version that it's a little strange hearing it by any one else. Not the same without that falsetto but nice.

11. Alone Again (Naturally)

I thought this a strange choice for a record of love songs, it's so ... downbeat. I remember Gilbert O'Sullivan's version, in his distinct Irish tenor, and always was touched by the lyrics. It's considered one of his biggest hits. Donny's version is not too far away from Gilbert's.

12. If

I adore this song, in it's original form, by Bread. Donny's version is absolutely beautiful. 

His voice is stronger than ever, and I just love listening with earphones to catch every little nuance. He never fails to amaze me in one way or another.  Bottom line, if you're a child of the 70s and hold a special place in your heart for these songs like I do, you'll love this CD.