Doris Day - Songs From The Films Of Doris Day (2024)

Although Doris Day had her share of popular records, she's most famous as a film actress. This 21-track compilation crosses over to both her movie and music audiences, with performances from ten of her early films. The sound quality might be somewhat lower than it is on her studio cuts from the same era, but it's still a good representation of the musical outings that probably did the most to establish her as a popular all-around entertainer. In keeping with her wholesome image, these are largely cheerful, upbeat and/or sentimental tunes and arrangements with occasional hints of jazz, including songs by such esteemed mid-20th century American composers as Sammy Cahn, Johnny Mercer, and George Gershwin. Some are well-known standards, such as "I Only Have Eyes for You," "Secret Love," and "Tea for Two" (from the Tea for Two film itself). One thing the anthology's lacking, however, is much in the way of guts, with the notable exception of some of the songs from Calamity Jane, the only evidence on this compilation of some relatively forceful, sparky wit.

Review by Richie Unterberger