The Billboard reviews of Feliciano's Albums from 1970

`PICK`

JOSE FELICIANO / Fireworks

RCA Victor LSP-4370 (S) - POP

Originally reviewed for week ending 5/23/70

Feliciano the deft guitarist vies with Feliciano the jazzy vocal stylist, and the listener is the ultimate winner. Much Beatles material is beautifully sung and his original "Destiny" is a standout. Instrumentally he scores on "Fireworks" (adapted from Handel) and his own "Pegao." LP should be as profitable as it is artistic.

`PICK`

JOSE FELICIANO / El Fantastico!

RCA International FSP 253 (e) - INTERNATIONAL

Originally reviewed for week ending 7/4/70

Here is the exciting and innovative Jose Feliciano on an album of songs in his native language. Feliciano has added to these tunes all the beauty and flavor that have helped fashion him as one of the top pop singers on the English charts. Here too, is some exquisitely artistic guitar work. The two together make a really beautiful album for both Spanish and non-Spanish fans.

`PICK`

JOSE FELICIANO / Jose Feliciano

RCA Victor LSP 4421 (S) - CHRISTMAS

Originally reviewed for week ending 11/7/70

Jose Feliciano applies his unique vocal and instrumental sylings to this recording of popular Christmas songs. Supported by a creative arrangement of strings, brass and percussion under the direction of Perry Botkin Jr., Feliciano adds interesting new dimensions to old Christmas favorites like, "Silent Night," "Little Drummer Boy," "Mary's Boy Child," and "The Cherry Tree Carol."

`PICK`

JOSE FELICIANO / Encore! Jose Feliciano's Finest

RCA Victor LSPX 1005 (S) - POP

Originally reviewed for week ending 4/10/71

This album contains Feliciano's most popular single and LP performances and should thus continue the string of album successes. "Light My Fire," "Rain," "Hitchcock Railway," "California Dreamin'," and the instrumentals "Pegao," and "Malaguena" are sure to be revived by radio stations across the country.

`PICK`

JOSE FELICIANO / That the Spirit Needs

RCA LSP4573 - POP

Originally reviewed for week ending 10/30/71

In a style all his own, composer-producer-performer Feliciano has created a package sure to take him straight to the top of the chart. Programmers must hear "The Spirit," a well-defined version of the Elton John-Bernie Taupin winner, "Border Song," and his latest single, "Come Down Jesus." His best material to date.

`PICK`

JOSE FELICIANO / Memphis Menu

RCA LSP 4656 - POP

Originally reviewed for week ending 10/14/72

His most potent commercial entry of late, this LP will prove a very big success, both in sales and airplay. His latest single 'Magnolia" is just one of several sure to attract much attention to this dynamite LP. Other cuts include "Never Leave You," "Good Times," "Movin'" and "One More Mile." "River Song" is a special highlight.

`RECOMMENDED`

JOSE FELICIANO / Compartments

RCA APDI-0141 - POP

Originally reviewed for week ending 4/14/73

His best album in years, not one routine cut. Quadradisc. Best cuts: "Me and Baby Jane," "Hey Look At the Sun."

`SPOTLIGHT`

JOSE FELICIANO / For My Love ... Mother Music

RCA APL1-0266 - POP

Originally reviewed for week ending 1/19/74

This is rousing, soaring music, spiced by the presence of Steve Cropper who has co-arranged and co-produced the LP with Jose. Jose sounds very determined his vocals, be they the surging "For My Love" or Harry Chapin's "I Want to Learn a Love Song." There is an appropriate blending of dark, brooding colors on "Blame It on the Sun" while "The Gypsy" has some masterful guitar work. Jose is back in the funky soul field. "I Like What You Give" says that clearly.

`RECOMMENDED`

JOSE FELICIANO / And the Feeling's Good

RCA CPLI-0407 - POP

Originally reviewed for week ending 11/23/74

This is definitely the finest effort Feliciano has turned out in many years and this could be the one that returns him to the top of the charts. He includes a cross-section of material on this album that touches Stevie Wonder, "Chico and The Man," and many other high points. The guitar picking is back to its originality and his vocals are extremely soul-inspired. Best cuts: "Hard Times In El Barrio," "You're No Good," "Virgo," "Golden Lady," "Chico And The Man," "And The Feeling's Good," "Essence Of Your Love." Dealers: A must for in store play.

`RECOMMENDED`

JOSE FELICIANO / Just Wanna Rock'n'Roll

RCA APL1-1005 - POP

Originally reviewed for week ending 7/5/75

Another nice effort from Feliciano, that touches all musical types. Expect play in the pop market, as well as soul and FM market for this one. His material runs the gamut from originals to soul standards by people like Smokey Robinson and the Temptations. There's even one instrumental cut on the album. Best cuts: "I Can't Get Next To You," "Ain't That Peculiar," "Rock'n'Roll," "No Jive."

`PICK`

JOSE FELICIANO / Angela

Private Stock 2010 - POP

riginally reviewed for week ending 7/17/76

Superb album strikes a perfect balance between Latin rock, strongly rhythmic numbers, beautiful pop ballads and even a reggae-tinged cut. Title song is a stunningly beautiful ballad with a symphonic sweep from the movie "Aaron Loves Angela." Album arranged, written and produced by Jose and Janna Merlyn Feliciano, with musical backup from such heavyweights as Tom Scott, Willie Bobo, Chuck Findley and David Paich. Best cuts: "Angela," "Nirvana (Parts 1 and 2)," "Michaelangelo," "As Long As I Have You." Dealers: Feliciano has frequent television exposure, not to mention the weekly airing of his "Chico And The Man" theme.

`RECOMMENDED`

JOSE FELICIANO / Sweet Soul Music

Private Stock PS2022 - POP

Originally reviewed for week ending 1/29/77

The always fluent guitar and tenor voice of Feliciano is well served by the rhythmically liquid sound of Muscle Shoals session stars. Feliciano has been turning out some of the best work in his career on Private Stock with a disappointing lack of breakthroughs. This is again stirring, exciting music featuring Feliciano's inventive interpretations of others' hits plus strong new songs like the title cut. Best cuts: "Sweet Soul Music," "Every Woman," "I Love Making Love To You."

`RECOMMENDED`

JOSE FELICIANO / Jose Feliciano

Producer(s): Berry Gordy, Suzee Ikeda

Motown M8953M1 - POP

Originally reviewed for week ending 10/24/81

Feliciano is back after a notable absence with this LP that is hallmarked by two Smokey Robinson songs, "I Second That Emotion" and "Ain't That Peculiar." Feliciano still commands a distinguishable voice, yet with the exception of the two Robinson songs and "I Wanna Be Where You Are" his vocal is wasted on some unmemorable material. Best cuts: Those mentioned.

JOSE FELICIANO / Escenas de Amor

Producer(s): Leonardo Schultz and Jose Feliciano

Motown Latino 6018LL - LATIN

Originally reviewed for week ending 8/7/82

Motown's first entry in the Latin field shows they know where the market is at. Starting with Jose's Cover of "Samba Pa Ti," with Carlos Santana's participation, this LP traverses a landscape of rich orchestrations and full-blown studio lushness. Feliciano's trademark strangled-sob vocals should sit well on listeners accustomed to Latin outpouring of sentimiento. Destined for heavy radioplay in the growing Latin ballad format.

`RECOMMENDED`

JOSE FELICIANO / Romance In The Night

Producer(s): Rick Jarrard & Jose Feliciano

Motown 6035ML - POP

Originally reviewed for week ending 4/9/83

Feliciano is an extraordinary singer/songwriter/guitarist whose gifts often exceed the material he performs. Every now and again, though, Feliciano puts it all together, and the results are sometimes electrifying. Most dynamic, as always, are his soulful versions of goldies like "Lonely Teardrops," "Play Me" and the Beatles' "I Feel Fine."

JOSE FELICIANO / Latin Street '92

Producer(s): Helmut Scherf

Capitol/EMI Latin 42735 - LATIN

Originally reviewed for week ending 10/31/92

Monster outing from soulful Puerto Rican balladeer who, on this album, deftly switches to an emotive sonero soaring above sizzling tropical grooves, which are often laced with jazz and R&B. Indeed, progressive jazz and world music stations could easily embrace uplifting leadoff single "Venga La Esperanza" -- penned by Luaka Bop's Cuban songsmith Silvio Rodriguez -- along with perky "Son Ballenato" and jubilant love paean "Mas Alla." Spirited tropi-pop remake of Feliciano's Yuletide nugget "Feliz Navidad" is thrown in.