She warmed up for the Beatles on their first U.S. tour in 1964, wrote numerous songs of her own, and covered others, including DeShannon recorded Burt Bacharach and Hal David’s “What the World Needs Now Is Love,” which became a top 10 hit. More recently, she was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and she still records and writes today. Jackie DeShannon has been making popular music for over four decades. From her lilting warbling on “When You Walk In The Room” to the simple, laconic beat of what is probably the most popular song she ever co-wrote, “Put A Little Love In Your Heart,” this iconic American songwriter and singer’s sweet acoustic songs are represented perfectly on the stellar 12-song disc When You Walk In The Room.
DeShannon’s version of “Bette Davis Eyes,” which she wrote, is a classic, and listening to it here makes you really appreciate this quirky tune (perhaps more so without Kim Carnes). Who can’t love how deep the singer’s voice is on “Come And Stay With Me,” while the absolutely fantastic “Needles And Pins” (written by her longtime producer, arranger and artistic collaborator Jack Nitzsche, along with Sonny Bono) pushes the lady’s voice with a soulful hurt that is almost too painful to recognize.
This CD is all about how great songs stay great. DeShannon’s offers up an acoustic version of “What The World Needs Now Is Love.” She also showcases monster songs she helped write, such as “Put A Little Love In Your Heart” and Marianne Faithfull’s signature song, the wrenchingly romantic “Come And Stay With Me.” There’s also a new called “Will You Stay In My Life,” which features the soft imagery we have come to know and love from DeShannon. When You Walk In The Room is a great collection by a truly great American songwriter and singer.
~ Ralph Greco, Jr.
