MUSIC REVIEW: ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK – Regards [EP]

Label: OK!Good Records

Release Date: November 19, 2021

Rating: 93%

Reviewer: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur

Don’t judge — how does a rock and metal guy check out AND ENJOY the latest from Engelbert Humperdinck?  Simple – the EP is packed with classic tracks that come to life once again thanks to Humperdinck’s lush vocals.  Look back through my history and you will find Manilow, Mathis, and a live show from Engelbert himself (one of my first shows back behind a camera after a heart attack sidelined me).  That live show reignited my love for classic music and the larger than life performers that helped bring the standards to life.  This EP is no different with five classics getting the Humperdinck stamp all over them.  Disc opener “Funny How Time Slips Away” penned by Willie Nelson and recorded a multitude of times over the last six decades swirls Engelbert’s rich vocal, a classic orchestral arrangement, and a bit of country all together and gives Humperdinck another quiver in his arsenal or great songs to pull from when performing.  “Let It Be Me” is another track that pushes the 60 year-old-mark and sees Humperdinck putting a classicly modern spin on the track.  The arrangement found here doesn’t deviate far from the one made famous by The Everly Brothers who launched this song into popularity in 1959.  The ebb and flow in Engelbert’s voice demonstrates his ability to convey his emotion without over doing it.  The timeless classic “What A Wonderful World” from Louis Armstrong follows and other than the original, this is my favorite cover of the track.  The arrangement lends itself to Engelbert’s voice and allows him to show flashes of both his upper and lower registers.  Listening to this version, it gives you a glimpse into the classic feel and treatment Humperdinck wanted to deliver keeping the original intact while putting his own spin on it.  “Smile (Orchestral Mix)” is a beautiful track that makes me smile and breaks my heart at the same time, as it reminds me of those loved and lost.  With the lost of his lovely Patricia earlier this year, I can imagine the sparkle in his eye and tear streaming down a cheek as he croons this song.  I am not a Christmas music guy AT ALL, Humperdinck’s treatment of disc closer “Blue Christmas” is a class and country crossover that should please his fans all over the world.  I for one cannot wait to see what he does next as his last couple EP releases have been great.

Tracklisting: Funny How Time Slips Away – Let It Be Me – What A Wonderful World – Smile (Orchestral Mix) – Blue Christmas

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Category: CD Reviews