VERDELLE SMITH - (ALONE) IN MY ROOM (1966)

Verdelle Smith had one minor hit in 1966 with the english version of Il Ragazzo Della Via Glück, Tar & Cement. Before that she had released this very under rated album, Alone In My Room.
Verdelle sounds like a subdued Shirley Bassey, very dramatic voice but never over the top. The album as a whole also comes of as sounding very European and very sixties.

1. In My Room
Her first single, a very stiring ballad that sounds like something Dionne Warwick or Shirley Bassey could have recorded. For me, this is the best track.

2. You Only See Her
A soulful midtempo number, inspired vocals.

3. Oh How Much I Love You
A faithful english rendition of yet another italian classic, Dio Come Ti Amo.

4. Autumn Leaves
Verdelle's voice on one of the most beautiful melodies ever written, this is sheer perfection! She also sings a few words in the original french (Les Feuilles Mortes)

5. Over The Rainbow
This rendition rivals even Judy's! It starts very low key but builds up to a dramatic climax before settling down again.

6. Toot Toot Tootsie
Not sure how I feel about this one... It doesn't fit in, but other than that, a decent track.

7. A Piece Of The Sky
Grittier vocals on one of the prettier melodies, but somehow she pulls it off. Also a standout track!

8. Catch A Falling Star
Catchy filler, that's about it...

9. Don't Get Around Much More
A Northern Soul favourite in the makings.

10. Sexy
The title says it all - a sly, sexy song with sultry vocals.

11. Walk Tall
Very Reparata-esque. An excellent way to round of this album.

To the album I have added a few bonus tracks. First of are two version of Tar & Cement, one with additional lyrics than the version you often hear. Then are two latter days singles that are a little more pop than the album (Baby Baby - If You Can't Say Anything Nice). To complete the package is an interview with Verdelle, courtesy of Bald Brothers (www.abc.au.net)

Verdelle Smith - (Alone) In My Room