The End of the World  (Liberty: LRP-3300/LST-7300)

Released:  June 1963.  Billboard Peak:  #127

Producer: "Snuff" Garrett.  Arranger:  Ernie Freeman.

Liner Notes:

Years from now, if you should look back at "the good old days" and think of the "good old songs," you're likely to think of most of the songs in this album, because they are more than just hits of the day. They're among the small percentage of songs which eventually become standards. One of the most important factors in making a pop hit into a standard is the treatment the song gets while it is new. It takes a recording by a superb artist such as Julie London -- an artist who imparts that special "something" to a melody and lyric -- to make a song memorable. And certainly, no one does quite as much for a ballad as does Julie, with her soft, sultry voice and her inimitable way of caressing a lyric line. So, have a listen while Julie sings you some of tomorrow's great standards -- a little ahead of time.

All Music Guide review by Scott Yanow:

The haunting voice of Julie London is showcased on this obscure LP with backing by an orchestra arranged by Ernie Freeman. The brief liner notes do not say anything about the personnel or the exact date, merely predicting that the dozen mostly recent compositions will someday become standards. While little has been heard of "The End of the World," "Our Day Will Come," and "My Coloring Book" since this period, most of the others did in fact catch on. London is typically straightforward and coolly sensuous on such numbers as "Call Me Irresponsible," "I Left My Heart In San Francisco," "Days of Wine and Roses," and "I Remember You" (the only veteran song on the album).

All Music Guide review by Bruce Eder:

This is a pleasant enough album, and London makes a valiant effort -- supported by arranger Ernie Freeman and producer Snuff Garrett -- to re-create the mood of "Cry Me a River" on the title track, and that's a mistake, as it simply seems a pale imitation. The rest is more interesting, but more because of the arrangements than due to London's singing. The original album is one of those classic stereo showcases, with Garrett and Freeman giving the lead instrument in the accompaniment, whether strings or organ or guitar, a very close and directional presence.

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The Wonderful World of Julie London  (Liberty: LRP-3324/LST-7324)

Released:  November 1963.  Billboard Peak:  #136

Producer:  "Snuff" Garrett.  Arranger:  Ernie Freeman.

All Music Guide review by Greg Adams:

The Wonderful World of Julie London is a pop album without the jazz underpinnings of "Cry Me a River" and most of her best work. The LP was produced by Snuff Garrett and arranged by Ernie Freeman, but the music isn't pop/rock -- it's a neat foreshadowing of the easy listening sound of the mid- to late '60s, and a perfect example of the kind of music that necessitated the adult contemporary label. Breezy and modern without borrowing from rock, The Wonderful World of Julie London delivers snappy performances of Cole Porter songs alongside contemporary numbers by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman in London's distinctive sultry voice. This was London's final charting album and is still an agreeable listen, but isn't as timeless and appealing as her traditional pop recordings.

Our Reviews

If you'd like to share your own review of The Wonderful World of Julie London here, please e-mail me.

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