AMG Review of Moon River: The Very Best of Andy Williams

John Bush
All Music Guide

Moon River: The Very Best of Andy Williams collects 18 of Andy Williams' biggest and best, spanning 1957 through 1972 but concentrating on the early to mid-'60s, when his smooth, authoritative vocals made him a chart perennial. Opening with "Moon River," the compilation touches on most of his classics, including "Born Free," "Butterfly," "Can't Get Used to Losing You," "Speak Softly Love," "(Where Do I Begin) Love Story," and even the ultimate swingers anthem, "Music to Watch Girls By." That's not to say it's comprehensive, though. Columbia/Legacy could've easily rounded up every one of his Top Ten greats if only they'd made room for five additional tracks, like the great "Canadian Sunset," "Lonely Street," "I Like Your Kind of Love," "Are You Sincere," and his Christmas 1963 chart-topping version of "White Christmas."