Record Reviews

Engelbert Humperdinck

Album: “The Man I Want to Be”

Grade: B

There’s hardly a false note on Engelbert Humperdinck’s “The Man I Want to Be.” No rapping, no clumsy evidence of Auto-Tune, no heavy-handed attempts to sound hip and no screaming guitar solos.

Instead, 50 years after his first hits and closing in on his 82nd birthday, Humperdinck has created a heartfelt album anchored in archetypal orchestrations and honest, unspoiled performances of well-chosen songs.

Created as a message of love to his wife, Patricia, who is suffering from Parkinson’s disease, her muse has brought the best out of her husband of over 50 years. You won’t hear the vocal power or range of his heyday but Humperdinck can still transmit plenty of feeling without an ounce of schmaltz.

There are versions of contemporary hits like the Bruno Mars smash “Just the Way You Are” and Ed Sheeran’s “Photograph,” adapted to match Humperdinck’s natural style. “Just Like the First Time” seems to address his wife’s struggle head-on — “You don’t know me now/But in some way, somehow/Maybe there’s a moment you are mine.”

The only pure indulgence is a duet with granddaughter Olivia on “I’m Glad I Danced With You,” closing the first half of the record. The song itself, dedicated to Patricia, is fine — Humperdinck sounds a little like Gordon Lightfoot at times — and Olivia’s contribution surely made granddad proud.

—Pablo Gorondi, Associated Press

Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds

Album: “Who Built the Moon?”

Grade: B

His younger brother Liam’s new album has been heaped with praise, he turned 50 in May and a recent TV appearance featured a French bandmate playing scissors, earning Liam’s ridicule. Who said Noel Gallagher has it easy?

Not that he’s had it too bad lately, either. The birthday bash had a mariachi band, Bono and Madonna; his previous HFB album — “Chasing Yesterday” from early 2015 — was very well received; and his Oasis hits like “Champagne Supernova,” “Wonderwall” and “Don’t Look Back In Anger” are unforgettable classics.

Gallagher’s third album with the High Flying Birds stretches some boundaries, digs a few new grooves, darkens the atmospheres and adds an extra degree of psychedelia to the rhythms. Produced by David Holmes, perhaps best known for his soundtracks like “Out of Sight” and George Clooney’s “Ocean’s” films, “Who Built the Moon?” is an unforced progression that sounds fab.

Opener “Fort Knox” has few lyrics but heaps of chanting, plenty of percussion, irritating alarm clocks, and energy to spare. It’s a fearless start to the album but probably better experienced live. “Holy Mountain” keeps up the vitality with a touch of Beach Boys backing vocals and some Bowie/T. Rex glam traits built on a Phil Spectorish wall of sound.

—Pablo Gorondi, Associated Press