Best of Doo Wop Ballads

best of the best favorites. I bought this and included it in my Mother's Easter basket, she loved it.

Best of Doo Wop Ballads gives us quite a few classic doo wop songs that got considerable airtime on the radio when they were released; and this CD proves why. The quality of the sound is excellent and the artwork is nicely done.

The album begins with Dion & The Belmonts performing their classic "Where Or When." They harmonize so well and they sing this emotional ballad about a man parting with his one true love to perfection. I love that musical arrangement, too. If you listen carefully, you can hear Dion's voice just above the others. It's quite a strong beginning for the CD! The Skyliners continue the hits with their awesome torch song entitled "Since I Don't Have You." They perform this number flawlessly and the musical arrangement makes great use of the strings and backup harmonizing. Moreover, listen for "In The Still Of The Nite" by The Five Satins. The Five Satins perform a terrific doo wop ballad that just can't be beat. They sing and harmonize so well; and the piano arrangement is great along with the percussion.

"Sincerely" by The Moonglows is another excellent example of quality doo wop at its best. They sing and harmonize well and they never miss a note on "Sincerely." The Penguins also deliver "Earth Angel (Will You Be Mine)" with panache and great sensitivity. The simple musical arrangement with its emphasis on the piano highlights the great vocals by The Penguins.

The Crests performs their "16 Candles;" and this is easily one of my very favorite doo wop ballads. They sing this sweetly with passion, heart and soul; I can really feel their love for the young girl they fancy. Similarly, The Flamingos deliver "I Only Have Eyes For You" with an exceptional sensitivity that I really enjoy.

The Spaniels end this solid album with "Goodnite Sweetheart, Goodnite." They sing sweetly and this makes a great ending song for this CD. The guitars impress me and the backup harmonizing is flawless.

Overall, Best Of Doo Wop Ballads is an excellent addition to just about any CD collection of more modern music from the twentieth century. Some of the "baby boomers" are bound to love this CD; and the music is so striking that even if you're younger you just might like this album too.

You're not going to want to hear this everyday, but this is prime catalogue stuff you'll want to have around for listens whenever you are in the mood for some doowop balladry. Separate it from its overplayed familiarity on radio, and you have distinct artistry that won't ever be duplicated. There is some genius here.

I throughly enjoyed this CD. I am so glad I decided to purchase it. But how could I turn it down with some of my favorites on it ,like Jimmy Beaumont and The Skyliners, The Moonglows, The Flamingos and The Spaniels? I highly recommend it.

Doo Wop is now an extinct subgenre of rock 'n' roll, but its influence still lives on. Since Doo Wop was, lke all 50s rock 'n' roll, a singles genre, its hard to find a good album to help you get into the genre. Rhino's two volumes from 1989 are the perfect answer (unless you have enough money to pick up the Doo Wop box). Every song here is a certified classic, and this is a great way to have those great oldies in your collection. There are a few songs that stand out to most listeners. "In the Still of the Night" contains harmonies that could put any one of these modern R&B artists to shame. "My True Story" is almost uptempo with its "cry, cry, cry" chorus. "Earth Angel" is possibly the most popular oldie song ever made. Its not my favorite, but it certainly was groundbreaking in the Doo Wop genre. "Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight" is the perfect way to close out the album. This is beautiful music that should be in every collection.