Paul Anka - Rock Swings (2005)



This is a very good covers albums. Having grown up with rock, I was familiar with all the songs on the tracklist although being unfamiliar with Paul Anka I had read reviews before buying this album that he was an exceptional singer. Upon finally getting around to listening to it, I can confirm that this is indeed true. He has a voice akin to Frank Sinatra's with that classic deep but mellow feeling, 


Paul Anka was born in Canada in 1941 in Canada to Lebanese parents. He wrote songs for stars such as Buddy Holly and even wrote the words to my favourite Frank Sintra hit, 'My Way'. He released his own albums with his most succesful 1974's 'Anka' reaching 9 in the US charts. He has also starred in many film roles and has continued to write songs for artists  including Michael Jackson. 


What we get on this album made when he was 64 is a testament to the man's ability to pick out and sing a good song. Choosing many of the best songs including ones from more obscure bands like Soundgarden, The Cure, Billy Idol and Pet Shop Boys, he has truly crossed the the divide between England and America and it is precisely this eclectic nature which makes listening to this album so enjoyable. Noting the title, you can expect the songs to be in a very swing-like arrangement, which if you like this style then you should enjoy the album too. Sometimes as on my chosen track a few lyrics are changed match the mood of the song to good effect, I thought.

Not all the songs chosen though are of a rock stock, as we see with songs like MJ's 'The Way You Make Me Feel', and Lionel Richies 'Hello' and yet all the arrangements fit the songs very well although they all get that classic jazzy swing treatment. What this shows is his knack to produce a good sounding rendition of somebody else's songs, something he was often on the other end of doing himself, and therefore showing his significant musical talent. I would love to hear more from him in the future.

Chosen song: It's My Life (originally by Bon Jovi)




  

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