His forth original album, first released in UK on the date of his 21st birthday - October 14, 1961. It delivers the same mix of uptempo rock and ballads as on the predecessors, partly backed by The Shadows and party by producer Norrie Paramor's own orchestra. Not counting the opening "Happy Birthday To You", which is mostly a talkie I guess meant to mimick a birthday party, I get fifteen tracks - some rock'n'roll, some slow-movers and the rest contemporary common pop. All neatly produced and performed with top audio - warm and natural. I can dig the proficient arrangements and trimmed vocals of the calmer tracks as you'd appreciate any well-done work though it's the Shadows-backed rockers that get most of my attention. Not many here, but I can dig him getting at least a little less prudent in cuts like "Forty Days", "Tough Enough" and "Without You". There are no surprises here and nothing even remotely stirring, instead very comfy listening. Not a knock-out record, then more of a soft hug, but sometimes that is all you need. 1961 releases in Europe, South Africa, Israel and downunder, but to my knowledge never issued in US. 1998 EU CD on EMI (7243 4 95442 2 2). In UK originally also released as stereo (SCX 3409). Premiere UK mono had label as shown here and laminated flip-back cover. (CXÄ*)
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