The Songs of Shirley Bassey

Tracklisting:

Side A:

1. 2:55 - Now You Want To Be Loved
2. 2:53 - Goin' Out Of My Head / You Go To My Head (Medley)
3. 2:27 - Softly As I Leave You
4. 1:55 - A Time For Us
5. 2:25 - The Joker
6. 2:40 - I Must Know

Side B:

1. 3:07 - This Is My Life (La Vita)
2. 2:37 - Who Am I?
3. 2:23 - Funny Girl
4. 2:42 - Sunny
5. 2:54 - I've Been Loved
6. 2:39 - Where Is Tomorrow?

The songs of this album have been re-released completely digitally remastered on CD on Shirley Bassey - The Collection.

Sleevenote

As she steps on stage and glides to the microphone the audience is immediately drawn to her in "moth to flame" fashion. She is dressed in a gown so dazzling that it seems to illuminate the entire room. In the background a group of musicians blend their collective talents into a song introduction. The audience leans forward, ever so slightly, and then the beautiful lady at the microphone begins to sing ...

So begins a live performance by Shirley Bassey and by the time it's over both star and audience have been involved in more than a show; they have been involved in an experience: The star, because she has again presented tangible proof of her greatness ... she has drawn from the deepest recesses of her ability to do more than entertain; she has actually lived her songs ... the audience because they were the recipients of all this emotion and were given a rare opportunity to look into someone's soul.

The reasons for Shirley Bassey's ability to convey so much feeling to an audience are as varied and complex as the woman herself. She has, of course, had the practical experience that is essential to a great performer. Starting with club dates in her native Wales, Shirley eventually worked her way to England, Australia and America stopping shows all along the route. The scenes of her triumphs included the London Palladium, the Astor Club in London's equivalent of Broadway; the West End and the top niteries in New York, Las Vegas and Hollywood.

But most reasonably accomplished performers can stand before a group of people and entertain, what sets Shirley Bassey so far above them? It is her ability to relate to people, pure and simple.

When Shirley sings this album's title song you know this is her life. - When she sings of love, she is in love. - When she belts out an upbeat number, she is happy and anyone within hearing range runs the gamut of emotions with her.

Shirley Bassey is one of the finest performers to electrify an audience in many years and she keeps getting better. So listen, and you'll know it's beautiful and true when Shirley Bassey says:

THIS IS MY LIFE.