AMG Review of Magic of Marilyn

Scott Yanow
All Music Guide

Marilyn Monroe, due to the sensual image that surrounded her during her life and given her early death (which meant that she never grew old), is as famous today as she was during her prime. This CD features her singing during 1953-1954, with selections taken from the soundtracks of the movies #Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (with Jane Russell), #There's No Business Like Show Business, and #River of No Return, plus a few rare items from recording dates and her famous singing of "Happy Birthday" to John Kennedy in 1962. Monroe was never a great singer, though her vocalizing was functional and certainly full of personality. Her fans will enjoy this disc, which includes such numbers as "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend," "Do It Again," "A Fine Romance," "Heat Wave," "River of No Return," and "My Heart Belongs to Daddy."