The Collection - Barbara Dickson > Reviews > Easy-listening Collection

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Average
Lyrics	Standard
Quality and consistency of tracks	A couple of weak links
Value for Money

Advantages:	Interesting selection of songs, lovely voice
Disadvantages:	Some lesser - known songs didn't add a great deal to the album

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Barbara Dickson has a versatile smoky voice that can cope with anything from pop/rock/folk to the old jazz standards with no difficulty at all. "The Collection" gives her every opportunity to display her vast range. With classic pop 1960's tunes such as "Dancing in the Street" and "I Only Want To Be With You" usually sounding better from the original artist I was pleasantly surprised when I really enjoyed her versions. "The Crying Game" in particular is an especially difficult song to sing but Barbara managed it very well. There are some lesser-known songs in here by Alan Tarney (who also wrote for Cliff Richard) along with the hit "January February" which enjoyed a great deal of success in 1980. However, I have to reserve my biggest praise for her superb rendition of "Stardust" which is well phrased and beautifully sung. The piano accompaniment is also excellent. Easy listening album and very enjoyable.