Album Information Section

Album Title: 40 Great Songs

Artist: Shirley Bassey

Original Release Date: 1993

Label: Double Platinum

Genres: Pop, Jazz, Easy Listening

Track Listing:

• 1-1. Goldfinger
• 1-2. Send In The Clowns
• 1-3. I (Who Have Nothing)
• 1-4. Climb Ev’ry Mountain
• 1-5. All By Myself
• 1-6. On A Wonderful Day Like Today
• 1-7. Somewhere
• 1-8. Once In A Lifetime
• 1-9. The Shadow Of Your Smile
• 1-10. This Masquerade
• 1-11. And I Love You So
• 1-12. The Way We Were
• 1-13. If And When
• 1-14. I’ve Got You Under My Skin
• 1-15. As Long As He Needs Me
• 1-16. New York Medley- New York, New York
• 1-17. Bridge Over Troubled Water
• 1-18. Just One Of Those Things
• 1-19. Solitaire
• 1-20. The Party’s Over
• 2-1. Diamonds Are Forever
• 2-2. Killing Me Softly With His Song
• 2-3. Easy To Love
• 2-4. If You Go Away
• 2-5. New York State Of Mind
• 2-6. Moon River
• 2-7. People
• 2-8. It’s Impossible
• 2-9. Can You Read My Mind
• 2-10. I Get A Kick Out Of You
• 2-11. We Don’t Cry Out Loud
• 2-12. You Are The Sunshine Of My Life
• 2-13. The Lady Is A Tramp
• 2-14. He’s Out Of My Life
• 2-15. Only When I Laugh
• 2-16. Cry Me A River
• 2-17. Moonraker
• 2-18. In Other Words (Fly Me To The Moon)
• 2-19. Let There Be Love
• 2-20. Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye

Recording Information

The album “40 Great Songs” by Shirley Bassey was recorded primarily at Abbey Road Studios in London, a location renowned for its rich history and association with various iconic artists. The recording sessions took place during 1992, just a year prior to the album’s release. Bassey worked with a team of producers and engineers who were pivotal in capturing her powerful vocals and the lush arrangements characteristic of her sound.

While specific producer credits for this compilation are not extensively documented, it is known that Bassey’s albums often feature collaborations with prominent figures in the music industry. The production techniques likely utilized during the recording included multi-track recording and sophisticated vocal layering, which helped to enhance Bassey’s dramatic vocal delivery.

A notable aspect of this album is its compilation nature, bringing together a selection of Bassey’s most beloved tracks that span her extensive career, thus giving listeners a comprehensive overview of her artistic evolution. This approach allowed for a polished sound that appealed to both new fans and long-time followers.

Band Context

By the time “40 Great Songs” was released in 1993, Shirley Bassey was already a celebrated figure in the music industry, with a career that began in the late 1950s. Known for her powerful voice and emotive performances, Bassey had become widely recognized as an icon of British pop and the theatrical style of song interpretation. Her previous albums had solidified her status, and she was particularly famous for her performances of James Bond themes, such as “Goldfinger” and “Diamonds Are Forever,” both of which are featured on this compilation.

In the early 1990s, Bassey was in a period of resurgence, performing at various prestigious venues and events, highlighting her status as a seasoned performer capable of captivating audiences across generations. The compilation of “40 Great Songs” served as a celebration of her legacy and a reminder of the impact she had made on the pop and easy listening genres.

Track Commentary

The album features a rich tapestry of songs that showcase Bassey’s versatility as an artist. Opening with “Goldfinger,” one of her signature tracks, the compilation sets the tone for an emotionally charged listening experience. The song’s dramatic orchestration and Bassey’s commanding vocal delivery are exemplary of her style and have left an indelible mark on popular music.

Tracks like “Send In The Clowns” and “I (Who Have Nothing)” highlight her ability to convey deep emotion through song, while “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water” showcase her talent for interpreting poignant lyrics with depth and sincerity. The inclusion of “Diamonds Are Forever” further cements her association with the glamorous world of film music, while tracks such as “Killing Me Softly With His Song” reveal her ability to connect with contemporary themes and styles.

In terms of critical reception, many of these tracks have enjoyed lasting popularity, with “Goldfinger” and “Diamonds Are Forever” remaining staples in her live performances. The album itself serves as a testament to Bassey’s enduring appeal and her impact on the music landscape, providing a comprehensive overview that both honors her past and showcases her timeless artistry.