What a Wonderful World features the magnificent singing of Anne Murray, Canada's First Lady of Song. Anne always delves deep into each ballad to make it shine as a special experience for her adoring fans; and this particular album has some of the most touching songs I've ever heard Anne sing. The quality of the sound on this CD is excellent and I like that artwork, too.
"What a Wonderful World" opens the track set with Anne singing at her usual very best; her voice is strong, clear as a bell and just beautiful. Great! The arrangement makes good use of the strings and percussion; and it all holds its own very well. "Put A Little Love in Your Heart" shines brighter than silver and gold combined when Anne sings it; the piano arrangement is perfect and those backup singers harmonize faultlessly--not that Anne ever needed backup, but they do sound pretty good. "You've Got a Friend" is a most poignant ballad that gets the royal treatment from Anne; she sings this with all her heart and soul and just one listen proves it.
"Let It Be" stuns me with its beauty; Anne does a great job singing this classic Beatles tune. "Bridge over Troubled Water" was always one of my favorite songs; and Anne does this with panache. Anne was born to sing musical numbers like this one; she's truly in her natural element here. "I Can See Clearly Now" has a lush arrangement overall and Anne delivers this without ever letting go of a single superfluous note! "Amazing Grace" is very moving and even elegant in Anne's capable hands; this is clearly a major highlight of this album.
Anne and Tommy West do a splendid medley of "Just a Closer Walk with Thee" and "Take My Hand Lord Jesus;" and listen for "Softly and Tenderly" which is absolutely perfect. "How Great Thou Art" has wonderful music but it never steals the show away from Anne, she sings and remains squarely front and center right where she belongs! "Let There Be Love" is gorgeous when Anne does this with Dawn Langstroth; and the album ends very nicely with Anne Murray performing "In the Garden." "In The Garden" is another moving piece and it rounds out the CD perfectly.
This album, of course, is a must-have for any Anne Murray fan and even newcomers just discovering Anne will like this CD. People who enjoy beautiful, religious songs done flawlessly will also enjoy this album.
This C.D. lifts me up and renews me every day! I have purchased at least 10 of them for friends who were going through trying times, and it makes me happy just to know that they can get the same spiritual peace from it that I get.The selections on this set, and Ann's amazing voice are truly beautiful. I rarely go through a day without Ann; she sustains me in every way.
I purchased the same CD years ago and wanted to pass the message on to my family and friends. I purchased 8 more recently, early for Christmas presents. I waited till closer to Christmas to wrap them. Then I realized there were 2 CD's with the same cover, one with 14 songs on it and one with 26 songs on it. I purchased 8 of the wrong ones. I wanted the 2 cd set. To late to return and replace for Christmas. I was very disappointed. But I guess it was my fault for not looking closely.
