Birthday Concert

AMG Review of Birthday Concert

JT Griffith
All Music Guide

Shirley Bassey recorded the concert she performed on her 60th birthday in 1997 as Birthday Concert. The show took place at Althorp Park in England. The set list includes some of her most famous songs, including "Diamonds are Forever," "Big Spender," and "Something." Some of the songs are surprising, like her cover of Foreigner's "I Want to Know What Love Is," and some she has been singing for years, like "Hey Jude." The average sound quality leaves a little to be desired. This is the perfect way for a fan with superficial knowledge of Shirley Bassey's career to dig in a bit deeper. It is also a more traditional introduction, as opposed to some of her work with the Propellerheads.