Music critics can either praise or pan an artist’s work.  That’s their job – but they can only offer their thoughts in prose.  Artists frequently perform works originally performed by other artists, (a cover of the original), usually embellishing it, or, at least, restyling it to their own tastes, essentially offering a musical critique of the original, instead of a written one.

Anne Murray’s “Croonin’” album, (co-produced over 25 years ago, with long-time colleague Tommy West), is far more than a collection of cover songs.  Anne uses the album to pay homage to the many pre-rock and roll pop divas who inspired and influenced her own career. The tracks are all exceptional – sticking close to the tempos, dynamics and overall moods of the originals, but with Anne’s wonderful voice and phrasing. A superb cast of pro session players, arrangers and vocalists help Anne bring these tunes 40 years forward and show why they remain pop classics. YRMV, but I think some are even better than the originals.