I'm In The Mood For Love ... The Most Romantic Melodies Of All Time

There are bound to be those who will simply refuse to give Kenny G's 2006 release, I'm in the Mood for Love, half a chance, and it's a crying shame. Returning to a purely instrumental approach following At Last...The Duets Album (which featured a great cameo by Chaka Khan), I'm in the Mood for Love is admittedly a lot like Kenny G's other albums. Like At Last..., this is yet another album's worth of standards, ranging from torch songs to "Yesterday." And like every other album Kenny G has made, it's pop-oriented and ultra-smooth. But the overall feel of this release is a little brassier and a smidgen more big band than usual, and it adds up to some sparkling moments. The title track, "I'm in the Mood for Love," two-steps along with ease, warmth, and genuine emotion, and it's a real treat to hear Walter Afanasieff on piano. "The Way You Look Tonight" is refreshingly genteel, and there's something gratifying in hearing Kenny G belt out "Fly Me to the Moon." Naturally, there are a few underwhelming moments on the album. Kenny G's squealing improvisation on "Love Theme from 'Romeo and Juliet'" is a little over the top, and a few of the arrangements are forgettable, if not a tad silly (the chimes on "If," for example). But when a slinky-sweet number like "It Had to Be You" comes rolling around, you forget all about it.