AMG Review of Very Best of Neil Sedaka [RCA]

Andrew Hamilton
All Music Guide

Neil Sedaka hit the charts with astounding frequency via these charmers aimed at adolescent hearts. But his record company didn't think he fit the teen idol image, so they sent him to foreign countries to perform so his record sales wouldn't suffer. When Sedaka kept rolling out hits in assembly-line fashion, RCA relented and marketed the wholesome singer/writer in the States. Chart climbers, like early collaborations with Howie Greenfield ("The Diary," "Oh! Carol," and others), and straight up smashes ("Happy Birthday, Sweet Sixteen," "Calendar Girl," and "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do") made them reconsider their opinion of Sedaka. To adults he was likable and to teens he made nice records -- records so melodic you remembered them instantly. Sedaka co-wrote his material and was princely at scribing singalong and whistling music. He inspired others to become creatively involved in their careers as well.