Tenderly / Moonglow

Pat Boone starts the new decade in fine fashion with this gem from 1960. Moonglow stands among the four or five top albums in Boone's voluminous catalog. And like the others in that group, there is nary a weak link. Each one of the 12 songs is a splendid musical offering. Collectively they span the golden era of American popular music, from the late '20s to the late '50s, and provide a thumbnail history of that prolific period. At the time of this album's release, Pat Boone's major hits were happening with somewhat less frequency than before. Yet, it could be argued that his creative successes and overall popularity were never greater. His TV variety show was in it's third successful season; his movie, Journey to the Center of the Earth was a box office smash; his book, Twixt Twelve and Twenty was the year's (1959) #1 nonfiction best seller. And, one of the best records he ever made, Welcome New Lovers was in the Top 20. These successes and the confidence they effected, as well as the artistic depth which came from finding wholly his musical niche, are the qualities that Pat Boone brings to Moonglow, and which radiate throughout. The warmth, sincerity and finesse he accords these timeless treasures make this album an exceptionally fine listening experience.