In 1973, Johnny Mathis boarded the love train with the destination of Philadelphia. The velvet-voiced vocalist was already a music legend when he teamed with Thom Bell, architect of the Philadelphia soul sound via his groundbreaking work with The Delfonics, The Stylistics and The Spinners. The pairing of the smooth balladeer with the chart-topping R&B quadruple threat (producer-songwriter-arranger-conductor) might have seemed unlikely at first, but Mathis and Bell shared an elegant, sophisticated and romantic sensibility built on pop melodies and heartfelt soul. Now, for the very first time, the complete collaborations of Johnny Mathis and Thom Bell are being collected on one 2-CD set. Life Is a Song Worth Singing The Complete Thom Bell Sessions, from Real Gone Music and its newly christened Second Disc Records imprint, celebrates one of the most fruitful partnerships in modern soul music by presenting both 1973 s I m Coming Home album (featuring the No. 1 AC hit title track, the Top 10 AC hit Life Is a Song Worth Singing and Mathis own versions of The Stylistics favorites I m Stone in Love with You and Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart) ) and the worldwide CD premiere of 1977 s Mathis Is release (with the original version of Loving You Losing You, a Top 30 AC hit for Mathis and later a Top 40 R&B hit for Phyllis Hyman). This comprehensive collection of sweet Philly soul also adds a number of rare, never-on-CD single versions, two previously unreleased instrumental tracks showcasing Bell s orchestral splendor, and five more silky Mathis renditions of Bell classics recorded between 1972 and 2008 including Betcha by Golly Wow and You Make Me Feel Brand New. The Second Disc s Joe Marchese has penned the liner notes for this collection, which has been freshly remastered by Sean Brennan at Sony s Battery Studios. Life Is a Song Worth Singing The Complete Thom Bell Sessions sheds new light on an oft-overlooked collaboration between two of American popular song s towering talents.
R**N
Worth Listening
The pairing of Johnny Mathis and Thom Bell doesn't quite meet expectations. I'm a fan of both, but the two of them together just doesn't work on half of these selections. A formula that should have been a big winner is a little disappointing. What sounded like a good idea on paper produces somewhat less than satisfactory results. Yet there remains ten songs that stand out and released together on one album would have been worth hearing: "I'm Coming Home"; "Life Is a Song Worth Singing"; "Sweet Child"; "I Just Wanted to Be Me"; "As Long as We're Together"; "Lullaby of Love"; "I'll Make You Happy"; "World of Laughter"; "I Don't Want to Say No"; and "Sweet Love of Mine". My favorite is "World of Laughter" which I feel has hit potential even today. The melody, the lyrics, Thom's excellent producing/arranging and most of all Johnny's wonderful voice make this a song that is hard to forget. "World of Laughter" is a five star song that makes me smile and gives me a much needed lift in this world filled with so much sadness.
D**K
Greatest R & B CD of the 70's.
In 1973 and 1977, Johnny Mathis stepped in to the studio of Thom Bell, infamous producer of the 70's. The arrangements and productions are flawless. Johnny takes a more smooth R & B approach to many popular hits. Life Is A Song Worth Singing is worth the price of admission. It shines with outstanding sound and production. The CD consists of 29 songs which Mathis makes them his own. The CD stands the test of time. He tackles songs such as I'm Coming Home, I'm Stone In Love With You, Stop, Look and Listen and Betcha By Golly Wow (all written by the team of Bell and Creed) with such precision and talent, you forget how the originals sounded. This is a must Cd for any collection. In one word, awesome.
W**.
but instead found "I'm Coming Home" which I thought was even better. So
In 1977 I bought "Mathis Is" for my father on his birthday. When I put the record on I thought, damn, I should have kept it for myself. I was a Thom Bell fan and was surprised how effortlessly Johnny adapted to Thom's production. Many yeaRs later I tried in vain find the album again, but instead found "I'm Coming Home" which I thought was even better. So, when I saw on Amazon this CD was available I simply had to get it. Both albums are included with bonus tracks and remixes. And with the remastering it sounds like it was recorded yesterday.
C**K
Since I am a confirmed JM fan I may not ...
Since I am a confirmed JM fan I may not be totally unbiased, but for years I have said that if I was stuck on a desert island with only 3 CD's one of them would be the "I'm Coming Home" cd from the 70's. Thom Bell and Linda Creed were genius. I "discovered" Johnny on the Tonight Show and he sang "I'm Coming Home" and "Sweet Child" and I was hooked forever. Now 40 years later I'm still buying his music and going to his concerts. This was the first JM music I purchased and I played and played it countless times. Wish they would release more of the 70's on CD's.
R**L
so this is like a totally new recording for me
Never considered myself a real "Fan" of Mathis, until I realized I have about 5 or 6 Cds (remastered) of his..Lol. With that said, I just bought this collection of which I never heard prior, so this is like a totally new recording for me. I have to say this is NOW probably my favorite Johnny Mathis Cd (excluding works from 50's-60's). The remastering is crisp, clean and clear..Thom Bell and his productions w anyone he's worked with, has resulted in beautifully arranged/produced songs w gorgeous melodies/hooks (missing from almost all music of today)..no over productions here, wonderful music to kick back and relax to. On these recordings which are from 2 Thom Bell albums released in the 70's, "I'm Coming Home (1973) and "Mathis Is" (1977), Mathis voice is restrained (not a bad thing) in the sense that he can belt and hit high notes, but the Producer opted to have Johnny sing in a 'lower register' and hold back, which actually emphasizes nicely over the lush, string laden production of the songs..in essense, a very very smooth vocal that nicely floats on top of the musical arrangements. Mathis, a legend in 50's and 60's, continued putting out commercial product through out the years and my favorite decade of his is definitely was the 70's, artist were hungry and adventurous. This is an excellent must have Johnny Mathis collection.
M**L
Remaster is well worth it!
Love this album! The additional songs aren't all that to me, the remaster makes it worthwhile (though the Coming Home cd, for sale elsewhere on Amazon has good quality and songs). Overall, glad I got this. Can't wait till the next one in the series comes out. Like I said, these remasters are great!
I**N
Five Stars
Great
C**N
Nobody does it better!
Those of us of a "certain age" will continue to appreciate the performer we most remember from our teenage years. I loved these two CDs! I highly recommend for anyone who has fond memories of their youth and who continues to love the mellow sound that Johnny creates. I hope he performs in my city soon. I'll be there!
P**B
I'm Coming Home has long been available on CD and is a great album its wonderful that 'Mathis Is' is now also ...
I am more of a Thom Bell fan than a Mathis fan. I adore the Thom Bell sound. I'm Coming Home has long been available on CD and is a great album its wonderful that 'Mathis Is' is now also available , this album recorded a few years after 'Home' with Bell at the helm is just as superb and a treat for all Mathis and Bell fans. the track released as a single 'Loving You Losing You' is a highlight but every track is excellent. It replaces a crackly LP I bought from a charity shop which can now go in the bin.
M**
Unbelievable, beautiful & magic!
This double CD arrived a few hours ago, I can't believe how amazing & inspiring it is, it's stood the test of time.What a combination Mathis & Bell are, pure & beautiful music, listening doesn't get any better than this!I'm completely blown away buy the God given voice & stunning arrangements!Don't miss out on this, it's what musics all about, treat yourself, it's beautiful, easy & made in heaven!Michael Jones, Eastbourne, England
J**Y
Magnificent, magical music
It's beautiful - Bell & Mathis together - music doesn't get much better. 'I'm coming home' is as near perfect a song as you'll ever hear. I would have paid a lot more for this, blow your budget and buy it!
D**R
... album (in fact 2 albums) are some of the best Johnny has ever recorded
This album (in fact 2 albums) are some of the best Johnny has ever recorded. Of all the albums he has recorded, this double album would be in my top 3!
A**E
philly soul undiscovered
thom bell years are great , loved the Elton stuff too , great melodies and some stunning songs ,
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