Yes, one can smile through tears listening to Gene Pitney's gorgeous voice and perfect phrasing to young love's agonies and ecstasies. His beautiful voice, and his creative mind and heart, enabled him to express my emotions for me in song, over and over again. Gene Pitney is the first artist I actually went to a concert to see. Already in thrall to the Beatles as a 15 year old, Gene Pitney was nevertheless my very first ticket purchase. (Saw 'em both; I HEARD Gene Pitney and loved the show!)

I'm elated to remember that Gene not only collaberated with Phil Specter (Pitney wrote the Crystals' "He's a Rebel!") but also the Rolling Stones, whose first album release contains Pitney piano backup. In repayment, Pitney's single "That Girl Belongs to Yesterday" is the first Jagger/Richards composition released in this country!

This guy was respected and revered by the "coolest" in his time. Why hasn't he been more remembered in this time?

I for one will contact the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame folks and remind them about Gene. According to his webpage, he's still actively singing and touring. He should be on that Hall of Fame stage now, now, now! And you, dear reader and lover of music, should be listening to this CD!! Nothing's missing that you'd expect, and the technical transfer (into 21st century sound) has been done seamlessly. You'll love it, I guarantee it.

Roy Orbison admired Gene Pitney's work enough to record 4 of his compositions. These men are cut from the same cloth, and if you love one's way with a ballad or a rocker, you'll love the other. So buy this CD! YOU WILL BE GLAD YOU DID!!

PS: Gene did every track on his first demo/single, "Love My Life Away," vocals and instruments included! How's that for incredibly gifted AND ahead of his time! (It made the top 40 and opens this album. Another reason to buy!)


An underrated singer   May 29, 2000
 24 out of 25 found this review helpful

A few months ago I heard a song on the radio that I had never heard before. I could tell it was Gene Pitney -- turned out it was "Half Heaven, Half Heartache." Here's a guy I've been listening to since the '60's, yet had never run across this particular (and great) song. So I bought this CD, and am I glad I did. Pitney was a soulful and passionate singer; even the songs I don't particularly like are still listenable because of his voice (I feel the same way about Roy Orbison). An excellent collection of his songs, by a singer who has been greatly underrated.


Incrediby Underrated   January 29, 2000
 24 out of 27 found this review helpful

Gotta admit I haven't heard this CD, but I most certainly have heard the songs, every one of them. Even after I got swept away by the Beatles, I never stopped adoring the music of Gene Pitney. Reading the titles on this album, I realize that he was one of the giants of his era, creating unforgettable musical novellas every bit as dramatic and powerful as the now more celebrated Roy Orbison. "24 Hours from Tulsa," "I'm Gonna Be Strong" and "Liberty Valance" are masterpieces enough for any one reputation, but look at the body of work! He was more than a teen idol -- he was an accomplished storyteller, with a beautiful voice, who seemingly effortlessly wrote one memorable melody after another. I just hope he doesn't have to pass away before he gets the renewed recognition he so richly deserves. Thanks for the memories, Gene! Now, excuse me while I get back up there and click on "Ready to Buy!"


A strong single CD compilation   September 28, 2004
 18 out of 18 found this review helpful

It requires a double CD to provide a comprehensive study of Gene's hits but this is a very strong collection, containing all his top ten British and American pop hits from the sixties.

I'm gonna be strong was Gene's only hit to reach the top ten in both Britain and America. Gene's other top ten American hits to be found here are The man who shot Liberty Valance, Only love can break a heart and It hurts to be in love. Gene's other top ten British hits to be found here are Twenty four hours from Tulsa, That girl belongs to yesterday, I must be seeing things, Looking through the eyes of love, Princess in rags, Backstage, Nobody needs your love, Just one smile and the original solo version of Something's gotten hold of my heart.

Some lesser hits are also included together with Gene's original version of Hello Mary Lou, a song he wrote before he had a recording contract and which was a huge hit for Ricky Nelson.

You are unlikely to find a better single CD compilation of Gene's music anywhere, although if you are really committed, you may wish to check out the British double CD, Looking through - Ultimate collection, which explores his career in greater depth and is still available in the UK as I write this.