“I sing because I can. I try to keep my body in shape so that I can produce the sound I like to make. Beyond that it's interpretation. So many pop and rock artists sing in their throat and sing noise - no need for thought or for reaching any sort of depth of understanding in relation to the lyrics. (Well first you need good lyrics.) Give me a song with a good lyric and a good melody and I will sing it.” Robert Goulet
And indeed that is what he does on this album. He sings songs with great lyrics and melody. Goulet was always able to take a lyric and do things with it that would sound very clumsy sung by anyone else, but with him it's like watching Kelly or Astaire dance.
Words were his passion and he approached each song by understanding the lyric and telling a story with impeccable phrasing. His voice and unique style are instantly recognizable. When so many singers sink into a morass of slurred speech, his flawless enunciation is incredibly refreshing and adds to the depth of emotion he brings to any song. On this album his consummate artistry and rendering of each song is a music collector's dream.
“Lady ”
With his resonant tones he paints a canvas of love for his lady with beautiful and romantic images in this song written by Lionel Richie.
“Once Before I Go”
The line “Unless I spread my wings again, I am afraid I’ll never soar” speaks volumes and Goulet delivers a tender yet stirring rendition in this “goodbye” song by Peter Allen and Dean Pitchford.
“When October Goes” –
Goulet’s haunting rendition of this Barry Manilow and Johnny Mercer song fills the heart with longing and melancholy.
“Just Once”
Goulet once again steps into the moment with a moving interpretation of a man trying to salvage a crumbling relationship in this song written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil.
“The Way We Were/Didn’t We”
In this Marvin Hamlisch, Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman and Jimmy Webb medley, which Goulet often performed in his concert appearances reflects the soulful and heart wrenching swan song of love lost.
“Hello”
Whenever he sang this Lionel Richie song Goulet thought of a lonely, timid young man, living in an apartment building next to a girl he loves, but is too afraid and shy to approach her.
“She Believes In Me”
He sings this song with a touching expression of love, about a singer/musician who is trying to succeed with the support and inspiration of the lady in his life.
“Memory/Won't You Dance With This Man”
Written by Steve Allen and Fran Landsman is a poignant and touching lament about a man in the autumn of his years who still has a lot to give and longs to rekindle the flame of romance.
“If Ever I Would leave You”
Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe wrote this song for Robert Goulet. It is his signature song that resonates eternal romance. This version was recorded live in concert in 2006.
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