Andy Williams - I Don’t Remember Ever Growing Up

Faltering return of a huckleberry friend

He’s had his moments, you know. Moon River, Can’t Get Used To Losing You, We’re Almost There. Back in the day Williams had an achingly heartfelt tenor that enriched some very fine popular songs. Sadly, time has not been kind, and as he approaches his 80th birthday his upper register is all over the place and his phrasing has almost completely deserted him.

Maybe it’s unfair to be critical of a man in his twilight years, but Williams is plainly struggling with the nuances of some extremely well-known tunes (The Eagles’ Desperado, Robbie Williams’ She’s The One); numbers so entrenched in the ears of the masses that any shortcomings can’t help but be amplified. Williams warrants a pat on the back for giving it a go, and it’s a real shame that the results are about as appealing as a prolonged bout of grandad pub karaoke.

There’s a faint glimmer of the golden days on the lush balladeering of Neil Sedaka’s Breaking Up Is Hard To Do, arguably because it originates from a time when Williams was at his peak and more able to get a handle on its subtleties. He may not remember growing up, but it’s all too clear that he’s growing old.

DMG | CD 006

Reviewed by Terry Staunton
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