It's All in the Game
To one generation,Engelbert Humperdinckis the King of Romance and the Sultan of the Showroom, to another a seemingly ageless kitsch colossus. Whatever, the former Arnold George Dorsey remains an unlikely icon, a traditional pop singer who rose to fame at the height of the '60s rock revolution and retains a loyal worldwide following even a quarter century after his last substantial hit. This compilation of standards, Eurodisco-ized covers, and sterling Y2K live renditions of his core hits (including "Release Me," "Quando Quando Quando," and "After the Loving") showcases many of the reasons behind Enge's enduring appeal: a compelling mastery of the ballad and a deceptively effortless vocal power and grace. There's something here for lovers of both classics and camp, from his gentle R&B; spin of "All in the Game" to the Latin seasonings of "Dance the Night Away" and "Blame It On the Night" to the disco cheeseball of "Strangers in the Night" and "Sometimes When We Touch." And lest anyone doubt the man's seemingly ageless way with a song, the modern recording of "How to Win Your Love" included here can stand proudly alongside hisromantic best.--Jerry McCulley