Sentimental Journey: Capitol’s Great Ladies of Song, Vol. 2 gives us classic pop vocals and timeless love songs sung by the greatest songbirds probably ever at Capitol Records. The sound quality is excellent and the artwork is extremely well done.

Dinah Shore sings “Sentimental Journey with all her heart and soul; the male backup vocalists harmonize well–but this is Dinah’s number. She never sounded better! The Andrews Sisters also do a fabulous job on “Well All Right (Tonight’s The Night).” “Well All Right (Tonight’s The Night)” features the sisters harmonizing at their usual high level of quality control and the big band style arrangement works wonders for this ballad! There’s also “I’ll Never Smile Again” by the great Keely Smith–wow, how that lady sings!

Martha Tilton gives us her sublime rendition of “And The Angels Sing;” Martha could sing unlike too many others and this number alone amply proves it! Martha Tilton should get more recognition that she currently gets; hers was a rare and beautiful talent. Helen O’Connell also sings “Green Eyes” with a fine arrangement that makes great use of the brass as Helen sings this flawlessly. “No Love, No Nothin'” by Ella Mae Morse shines like silver and gold when this chanteuse sings it with great sensitivity. I love it!

“You’ve Got To See Mamma Ev’ry Night (Or You Can’t See Your Mamma At All)” by Kay Starr features Kay front and center while the big band arrangement sounds so good for this ballad. Kay Starr was always one of my favorite recording artists; her voice was always as clear as a bell and I am impressed. “Trav’lin Light” also gets a mighty fine treatment from the immortal Billie Holiday; Billie can do no wrong in my book.

Helen Forrest sings “I’ve Heard That Song Before;” I first heard this tune over twenty years ago but whenever Helen Forrest sings this it still sounds exciting, new and fresh to my ears. Listen also for the great Peggy Lee to deliver “Why Don’t You Do Right (Get Me Some Money Too)” without a hitch–Peggy’s uncanny sense of timing enhances her performance and I really like “Why Don’t You Do Right (Get Me Some Money Too).”

June Christy does swell on “It’s Been A Long, Long Time;” this romantic ballad is very pretty and June Christy sing it flawlessly. The King Sisters also do a fine job on “Take The ‘A’ Train;” I love how they harmonize and play with the key changes a bit! The CD also ends strong with “I’ll Be Seeing You” by Jo Stafford. Jo Stafford sings this romantic, poignant and sentimental ballad with panache and this makes the perfect ending for this album.

Overall, if you like classic pop vocals, this album is for you! People who like these songbirds in general will also want this album for their collections.