Monday, February 14, 2005

They say it's wonderful: Top 10 Romantic Songs for Valentine's Day

John Coltrane & Johnny Hartman on LP.
Since it's Valentine's Day, I'd like to profile the most romantic -- and maybe the greatest -- album of all time.

Released in 1963, John Coltrane & Johnny Hartman was the third of John Coltrane's triad of ballad albums, and his best. Coltrane chose Hartman because he thought his deep baritone voice would compliment his tenor sax, and pulled him out of a hiatus (hadn't recorded since 1956) to record an album that neither one of their indiviual recordings could ever eclipse.

"My One and Only Love" is my favorite love song of all time and every song on the album could make my list on any given day. While the album is truly amazing, my only complaint would be that it's only a little over 30 minutes long. When you get a taste of heaven, you'd like it to last a little bit longer, but that's part of it's appeal and romanticism - it leaves you wanting a little more.

Playlist: Top 10+ Romantic Songs (UPDATED 2012 with Spotify)

4 comments:

Shawn Anderson said...

Top Ten love songs (today anyway)

"My One And Only Love" - John Coltrane/Johnny Hartman
"Vapour Trail" - Ride
"My Funny Valentine" - Chet Baker
"You're The First, The Last, My Everything" - Barry White
"I'll Be Your Mirror" - The Velvet Underground
"Always On My Mind" - Willie Nelson
"In Your Eyes" - Peter Gabriel
"Can't Help Falling In Love" - Elvis Presley
"This One's From The Heart" - Tom Waits
"You Are Too Beautiful" - John Coltrane/Johnny Hartman

Shawn Anderson said...

For the less obvious selections in the bunch, here's links to lyrics:
Lyrics for "Vapour Trail" - RideLyrics for "I'll Be Your Mirror" - The Velvet UndergroundLyrics for "This One's From The Heart" - Tom Waits & Crystal Gayle

covalent bond said...

One of my favorite Coltrane albums. Have you listened to his album Ballads? It is done in his more traditional style, before he became more experimental. Yesterday, I posted a playlist about Art Blakey, who worked with Coltrane. You might want to check it out.

Shawn Anderson said...

yes, that one, this one and A Love Supreme encompass the ballads triad he recorded.

All are on Rhapsody and together make for a great afternoon of listening.

Playlist for the triad here.