30 is an album that Harry Connick Jr. recorded on his thirtieth birthday, four years ago. As he did with 25 and 20, Connick performs songs that he loves and admires, all classic standards.
1. I’m Walkin’ – Known as it is sung by the late, great Fats Domino. Jr. does a good, not exactly robust, cover.
2. Chattanooga Choo Choo – For a song about a train, this sure creeps along slowly.
3. Somewhere My Love – Honestly, after two of these songs, I’m bored. Jr. may be some well-trained pianist, but don’t bore me with these songs.
4. The Gypsy – Nice, but not exciting. Where is the passion?
5. If I Were A Bell – Maybe I’m starting to realize I’m not a fan, but five minutes until we get some vocals? The torture.
6. Way Down Yonder In New Orleans – Still so uninspired.
7. Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Old Oak Tree – The piano sounds plinked and surely can’t compare the Sinatra’s version.
8. There Is Always One More Time – Rev. James Moore takes the vocals and honestly gives the album’s best performance.
9. New Orleans – Yawn.
10. Speak Softly Love – Completely instrumental and sounds about as exciting.
11. Junco Partner – Finally, one song worth listening to.
12. Don’t Fence Me In – Murders Cole Porter’s classic.
13. Don’t Like Goodbyes – Here Jr. gets into phase and finally breathes some life and passion into a song.
14. I’ll Only Miss Her (When I Think Of Her) – Okay.
Harry Connick Jr. was to be the new Sinatra, but there was one thing Sinatra had that Jr. doesn’t: Sinatra got into the songs. You felt like each was written for him and that he lived each song. Not so for Connick, which kills the mood and intensity.
+ charlatan
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