Alright, buckle up, folks. We’re diving into 20 Crooners Originals Vol 1, a compilation album that’s got more swing than your drunk uncle at a wedding. This UK & Europe release from Always The Best label is packed with pop and jazz vibes, but don’t let the “crooner” tag fool you—this ain’t your grandma’s easy-listening playlist. It’s raw, it’s gritty, and man, does it slap in places.
First off, can we talk about "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head"? Yeah, yeah, you’ve heard it before, but this version hits different. Like, way different. The singer sounds like they’ve been through some stuff, ya know? There’s no auto-tune here, just pure emotion dripping out of every note. You feel the rain hitting your skin while listening to this track—it’s not just music; it’s an experience. And when those horns kick in halfway through? Forget it. Your soul just got punched (in a good way).
Then there’s "Ain’t No Sunshine." Holy smokes, this rendition will wreck you emotionally. Whoever sang this one wasn’t messing around—they poured their heart straight onto the mic. Every pause, every crack in their voice screams authenticity. If you’ve ever had someone walk out on you or ghost you after three months of texting, this song is gonna hit too close to home. It’s haunting, beautiful, and leaves you staring into space for a solid five minutes afterward.
Now, sure, the rest of the tracks are solid—“La Vie En Rose” gives you Parisian daydreams, and “Lean On Me” feels like a warm hug—but these two standouts make the whole album worth grabbing. Plus, how often do you get to hear old-school swing mixed with legit storytelling? Not enough these days, if you ask me.
But here’s the kicker: as much as I love this album, it left me wondering—why isn’t anyone making music like this anymore? Where are the modern-day crooners who aren’t afraid to belt it out without hiding behind layers of production? Maybe we’re all too busy doom-scrolling TikTok to notice what real art sounds like. Or maybe I’m just bitter because my Spotify algorithm keeps shoving EDM remixes down my throat. Either way, 20 Crooners Originals Vol 1 reminds us that sometimes, less really is more. So go grab it, crank up the volume, and let these tunes remind you why music used to mean something.
