Tony Bennett - Tony Sings The Great Hits Of Today! (LP)

Tony Bennett's 1970 album, 'Tony Sings the Great Hits of Today!', is a fascinating, albeit unconventional, addition to the legendary singer's discography. Recorded under pressure from Columbia Records to produce more marketable material, this album showcases Bennett's attempts at covering songs by contemporary artists, including The Beatles. The result is a unique blend of classic pop and jazz, with Bennett's distinctive vocals bringing a new perspective to iconic tracks like 'MacArthur Park', 'Something', and 'Eleanor Rigby'.

With its psychedelic art cover and eclectic tracklist, which also features 'The Look of Love', 'Here, There and Everywhere', and 'My Cherie Amour', this album has become a cult classic among fans of kitsch and retro music. Although Bennett himself has expressed reservations about the album, it remains an intriguing footnote in his illustrious career. 'Tony Sings the Great Hits of Today!' is a testament to Bennett's versatility and willingness to experiment, even if the outcome is not entirely to his liking. This 11-track album, with a duration of just 38 minutes, is a concise and captivating listen that will appeal to fans of vocal jazz, big band, and adult standards. Despite being released over 50 years ago, 'Tony Sings the Great Hits of Today!' remains a charming and nostalgic listen, showcasing Tony Bennett's enduring talent and timeless appeal.