The Best of Debby Boone

Spending 10 weeks at #1 on the Hot 100 in late 1977. Many people hate it, but I love it!

Okto is right on - the material and the arrangements on some of these songs leave much to be desired. I love Debby's version of "The Promise", but it could do without the excess strings. "My Heart Has a Mind of It's Own" has a very bland arrangement, and this and "Everbody" didnt' really need to be covered. They aren't great songs. There are some forgotten gems here - "God Knows", her country hits, and especially "When You're Loved", which I think has a beautiful arrangement, and her singing on it is lovely. Missing, and sorely missed: "I'd Rather Leave While I'm in Love", "Until Your Love Broke Through" and "See You in September". Why didn't she stay a superstar? Probably some combination of her own lack of interest in being a "star", bad advice on songs, her "tent dresses" for major performances, which made her look out of touch and square, and the difficulty of following up when your first hit is the biggest hit of the decade, and one of the biggest hits of all time. Nonetheless, as noted, she is still beautiful, she's been happily married for many years, and she remains loved, so who's to say she didn't win? I just wish she'd record a few more pop records.

Debby Boone was an underestimated pop singer. She was pretty, had an incredibly clear voice, and except for her major hit "You Light Up My Life," was unable to sustain a career as a major, long-term pop star. Why is that? I'm not exactly sure, but I'd say one reason is because of the over-orchestrations of her songs. I did not listen to this entire album, and don't want to pretend I did. But I purchased my favorite song "I'll Never Say Goodbye." The first part starts off great... and then mid-way through becomes drenched in strings and gobbledygook and poor Debbie is left drowning in the background, trying to be heard. Also, because of the power of "You Light Up My Life," I would say that every one of her producers was looking for a similar song that could match the unusual Hallmark quality of the original hit. But they never could, and so, Debby probably did the smart thing: she got married and had kids. And yet... look at her now: still gorgeous, still a great voice. She should have been huge; under the right circumstances, she would have been. Sing on, Debby; you're great!

good song

Reminds me of being 6 years old holding the microphone and singing into the reel to reel tape recorder. This was my favorite song and the start of my own little musical career.. Remember Shawn Cassidy too? hee hee!