Finally, we hit an album where the singer actually has song-writing credits on the vast majority of the material. The last few albums really got me thinking on how much we expect from artists nowadays. Not only do they now have to have the voice but also the image, the ability to write their own songs and then of course some form of charisma. Being able to play an instrument is an optional extra that gains you extra kudos. So, Fats, mate, you have my immediate respect for actually embodying the majority of this way back when. In the fifties it was truly the age of the songwriter who, if they were able to write a few standards such as Blueberry Hill, would be truly rolling in money as artist after artist in a multitude of genres covered their work.Anyways, I digress from the matter at hand. What did I think of This Is Fats?
In short: I love it. In long: I luuuuuuuuuuuurve it.
And in the end what isn’t there to love on this album? Catchy feel-good tracks, ace piano-playing by the man himself and enjoyable vocals. Unlike The Wildest!, which I reviewed yesterday, this album lost none of it’s glimmer upon the second listen, let alone the third that followed soon after. Granted that I am only a sixth of the way into the selection from the fifties but so far I feel that it is safe to say that there won’t be an album to beat this in sheer pleasure factor. When it comes to an album’s ability to evoke emotionally I am going to reserve all judgement until after I have been subjected to Billie Holiday’s Lady In Satin where the reputation is far preceding it.
Either way, this is a great and enjoyable album that can either be enjoyed as backing music whilst doing other things or as a direct listen. A rare combo.
8.0/10
Fab Four:
Blueberry Hill
Blue Monday
La-La
You Done Me Wrong
Side Note: My Last.fm account is really beginning to look odd
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