CAFFE` LATTE` 
TOP 1200 CHOICE TRACKS

#364 (WHERE DO I BEGIN?) LOVE STORY Shirley Bassey
Born in 1937, Cardiff's most famous vocalist Shirley Bassey has enjoyed decades of success. Her father was Nigerian and her mother English. She started performing at an early age at family gatherings. She later was paid to perform at men's clubs. In the 1950s, Bassey found work in revues which eventually led to a recording contract. She made her 1st appearance on the UK charts in 1957 with the #8 hit "The Banana Boat Song". "As I Love You" reached #1 in 1959. "Reach for the Stars" was issued as a double A-side with "Climb Ev'ry Mountain" and became her 2nd chart topping single in 1961. Bassey charted with the James Bond movie title song "Goldfinger"; 1 of her signature songs in 1964. "Big Spender", another fan favourite, became a hit in 1967. 
1970 saw the release of a box office hit film entitled 'Love Story', starring Ryan O'Neal and Ali McGraw. The film's theme, composed by Frances Lai, proved popular. Carl Sigman penned some lyrics and several singers lined up to record a vocal version of the popular tune. Andy Williams and Henry Mancini scored the 1st hit versions of "Love Story" in the USA. 
Bassey's version was produced by Johnny Harris for her 1971 album 'Something Else'. In Britain, her interpretation peaked at #34. Her reading is measured, with the strings subtly building up the song's intensity until Bassey unleashes the full strength of her vocal might.

This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
2 new songs are added each day (every 12 hours)  with a mid-week bonus every Wednesday.