From Amazon.com
The story once circulated that session keyboardist Larry Knechtel could barely keep a straight face while recording the harpsichord solo on the Partridge Family's "I Think I Love You." Given that Knechtel later joined Bread, another totem of '70s (supposed) disposability, the tale seems to reflect little more than music-biz snobbery. The studio-created pop fronted by series stars David Cassidy and Shirley Jones stands up well for ears sympathetic to the era's have-a-nice-day Top 40 standards. Singles such as "I Think I Love You," "I Woke Up in Love This Morning," and "Doesn't Somebody Want to Be Wanted" remain high points of mainstream manufacture, with Cassidy's soft-sell emoting meshing with crafty arrangements and surefire hooks. These tracks have aged well.
The Definitive Collection also offers a healthy selection of Cassidy's TV-era solo work, including his hit covers of the Association's "Cherish" and the Rascals' "How Can I Be Sure." Save for the exclusion of the Partridge's theme song, this CD lives up to its name.
--Rickey Wright
CD Description
The addition of David Cassidy's name to the group's billingreflects considerable nostalgic interest in both the formerteen heartthrob and The Partridge Family. On THE DEFINITIVECOLLECTION, remastered tunes and extensive liner notes reveal a pop catalogue worthy of a second look. While the group's signature "C'mon Get Happy" is noticeably absent, this anthology of well-crafted AM radio hits reminds the listener that, in their heyday, they had a lengthy chart run.
On songs like "I Woke Up In Love This Morning" and "Am I Losing You", Cassidy and TV mom Shirley Jones' voices are reinforced by a group of talented journeyman studio vocalists. However David also performs competent unassisted versions of MOR smashes "Cherish" and "How Can I Be Sure", exposing a decent voice behind the 16 Magazine image. THE DEFINITIVE COLLECTION contains both chart smashes and lost gems from a more innocent time.