The Look of Love Music

Average Rating:

I felt, however, after reading about 20 reviews of Diana Krall's new THE LOOK OF LOVE that I wanted to write what is obviously a minority point of view. I LOVED this album. It reminded me of the Frank Sinatra "theme" albums like "Only The Lonely" where all the songs on the disc were of one mood. Here is Krall singing one gorgeous love song after another, accompanying herself, as always, on the piano with a small jazz combo and backed by a studio orchestra and the London Symphony. The orchestrations are lush, the sound on the CD is terrific and Krall is singing like I've never heard her sing. Every number is tops and done in Krall's signature throaty, sexy, husky style.

I especially enjoyed Schwartz and Dietz's "Dancing in the Dark" which is, in my opinion, one of the finest pop songs of all time and which cannot be allowed to be forgotten. Since the horrors of September 11, alot of songs with first rate lyrics take on all new meanings and here is a song which says, "We're waltzing in the wonder of why we're here/Time hurries by/We're here and gone."

This is a cuddle by the fireside with someone you love album. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Since "Stepping Out", we have witnessed a musician under development. This new release includes conductor Claus Ogerman, who worked with Antonio Carlos Jobim & Frank Sinatra, conducting the London Symphony Orchestra. As well, Russell Malone & Christian McBride return to contribute their talents. Krall listeners will recognize, from her previous works, the bluesy guitar sounds of Malone (especially in "Maybe You'll be There" & "Cry Me A River") & the smooth bass playing of Christian McBride. It is no wonder why Krall stated that this CD is her "dream come true".

The CD begins with the sweet bossa nova sounds of "S'Wonderful" & continues with classic ballads such as an unremorseful "Cry Me A River" that would make Julie London proud. Krall sings a seductive "The Look Of Love" as if it's her own. Lastly, a surprise on this CD was to find a well-done "Besame Mucho", sung in Spanish by Krall. In the day & age of e-mail, "Love Letters" is a fabulous reminder of the impact of a written letter; "Dancing In The Dark" & "Maybe You'll Be There" will not disappoint either.

If you're a Jobim listener, if you liked Diana Krall before & are open to her experimenting as an artist then you will adore this luscious album, exclusively of bossa nova & romantic love ballads. Break out the cocktail shaker & martini glasses for two, light up the fireplace, this is the intimate CD to listen to with the one you love... Or will help you remember the one you did love or the one you want to...

The answer is, nothing.

Shirley Horne, Diane Schuur, Carol Welsman, and other female singers who also play piano are better choices than Krall. What's the difference? Krall has the advantage of being packaged and marketed better than the aforementioned artists. Her latest effort, "The Look of Love," exemplifies the typical commercial schlock that fill up today's CD store shelves. Commercially successful, artistically shallow.

"'S Wonderful" and "Besame Mucho" are a poor imitation of the version of those same songs by the great Brazilian guitarist-vocalist, João Gilberto, on his album "Amoroso." Krall's singing of the Spanish lyrics on this Consuelo Velasquez classic is unintelligible. Listen to Gilberto's version instead and you'll know what I mean.

If you like lounge music, this album is probably a good choice. But if you are a real jazz fan, don't be caught dead with this album in your hands.