Regis Philbin Albums (3)
'The Regis Philbin Christmas Album'
Release Date 9/27/2005
Tracks 12
Label Hollywood
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What The Critics Say
Improving on his a-bit-too-serious, a-bit-too-mannered 2004 album When You're Smiling, celebrity crooner Regis Philbin loosens up and lets more of that playful charisma through on his 2005 Christmas album. Bouncing between precious sentimentality and playful whimsy, The Regis Philbin Christmas Album is a well-built showcase for the daytime talk show host, with special guests providing the needed variety. Regis' performances on his own are sweet, but too many in a row and the man's overly mannered delivery starts to show. The album takes the television variety show way out and brings in Steve Tyrell for an all-smiles rendition of "Marshmallow World" and Donald Trump for a silly take on "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" ("the Donald" hits reindeer Blitzen with his trademark "you're fired!"). Third guest Joy Philbin is the best choice of all, with husband and wife cooing and flirting with each other on "Baby It's Cold Outside." Just like Regis, Joy is a better-than-average singer, but the album is fully aware it's a celebrity holiday souvenir and not a release to rival Johnny Mathis. Last time out he took himself way too seriously, trying to muscle in on Steve Tyrell's territory. Even with the lush, grand arrangements, he plays to his strengths on The Regis Philbin Christmas Album, indulging his crooner dream while offering a heaping helping of that frolicsome, comfortable "Reeg." ~ David Jeffries, All Music Guide
'When You're Smiling'
Release Date 9/28/2004
Tracks 12
Label Hollywood
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What The Critics Say
What makes Regis Philbin such a great "everyman" on television is his ability to bounce between professional and spontaneous. If he's confused he wears it on his sleeve; if he's frustrated you'll know it. Philbin takes a totally different attitude when it comes to singing. His first album in over 30 years finds him being more agreeable than expected and doing very little of that great ad-libbing, which is a shame. That doesn't keep When You're Smiling from being a pleasant listen, but it's more pleasant than fun and if there's one thing Regis does right, it's fun. He refers to producer Steve Tyrell as a perfectionist in the liner notes, and he's right. There isn't a bum note on When You're Smiling, but there isn't an off-the-cuff moment, either. Regis keeps it simple and still has his voice, the small jazz combo and string orchestra backing him are lush, and trumpeter Warren Vaché's presence makes the collection all the richer. Now just imagine the lively studio banter that must have been going on or what one or two irreverent, uptempo numbers could have done for the album. The standard-filled set does satisfy with a collection of songs that mean a lot to Philbin; his desire to bring out every last drop of sentimentality in the tunes is up-front and charming. Tyrell's production is both elegant and cool and Philbin's duet with Irish tenor Ronan Tynan on "Too Ra Loo Ra Loo Ral" will put a tear in the corner of Mother's eye. Not playing to his strengths is a strange move for Philbin, one that might be explained by his lifelong ambition to be a "serious" singer. You'll miss the glib Regis and his lust for life, but a huge heart, reverence for the music, and warm voice keep When You're Smiling from being just another celebrity disaster. ~ David Jeffries, All Music Guide
'It's Time for Regis!'
Release Date 3/22/1994
Tracks 10
Label Mercury
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