Can't Get Used To Losing You / Love, Andy

by William Ruhlmann In the fall of 1967, Andy Williams was gone from the regular prime time television schedule, cutting back to a few specials after five years of hosting his weekly variety show. But Williams fans could console themselves with a new album that delivered the usual musical pleasures. The singer had edged more toward contemporary sounds on his previous release, the previous spring's Born Free, bringing in a rock rhythm section and sticking to current material. Love, Andy edged back a bit, focusing more on string arrangements. As usual, Williams made his song choices from certain categories, particularly movie theme songs and recent pop hits. Among the former were "Watch What Happens" from The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, also the source for "I Will Wait for You" from Born Free; "The Look of Love" from Casino Royale; and "When I Look in Your Eyes" from the just-issued soundtrack to the upcoming Christmas release Doctor Doolittle. The latter category included Williams' takes on Nancy and Frank Sinatra's "Somethin' Stupid" and Frankie Valli's "Can't Take My Eyes Off You." Williams' affection for things Gallic was expressed not only in "Watch What Happens," but also in "What Now, My Love." He returned to oldies in the form of two Harry Warren/Mack Gordon movie songs from the 1940s that suggested he'd been paying attention to Chris Montez, who had lately revived "The More I See You" and "There Will Never Be Another You" for hits. He kept current by covering the Beach Boys' "God Only Knows," and even threw in a new song, "Holly," which was released as a single and made the easy listening Top Five. Taken together, the album was a balanced collection, not unlike a variety show on record made by an artist mindful of trying to appeal to the widest audience possible.