Almost Perfect
This CD would have been perfection except for the inclusion of two songs by Betty Hutton (listening to her mangled version of IT HAD TO BE YOU is too painful for words) and the exclusion of Glenn Miller. Perhaps whoever put this collection together experienced a brief psychotic break. I can't think of any other reason why the off-key, over-the-top vocals of Betty Hutton would have been selected over Glenn Miller.

Those Were Our Songs
Enjoyed listening to songs from my past. These are songs that cannot be found on radio stations anymore. For older adults it is a great find.

now THIS is the soundtrack to an era gone by...
Those Were Our Songs: Music of World War II is an excellent two CD set that really showcases so many hits from the era of the Second World War. The sound quality is truly rather good and the artwork reflects good judgment.

The Andrews Sisters make a beautiful start to this CD set with a stunning rendition of "I'll Be With You In Apple Blossom Time." The Andrews Sisters sing this just right and they harmonize so well that number by them always charms me. Helen O'Connell sings "Green Eyes" with all her might; and "Green Eyes" gets the royal treatment from Helen O'Connell--she sure doesn't ever miss a beat! There's also Ella Mae Morse & Freddie Slack on "Cow-Cow Boogie;" "Cow-Cow Boogie" has a great `40s country flavor to it and Ella Mae Morse & Freddie Slack make this a highlight of this two CD set.

Helen Forrest sings "I Had The Craziest Dream" with all her heart and soul; she delves into this ballad to make this all the more beautiful; the overall effect is a very pretty melody. Tex Beneke & The Modernaires also pick up the pace very well with their swingin' "Jukebox Saturday Night;" "Jukebox Saturday Night" is one of my favorites from the `40s and Tex Beneke & The Modernaires do this one up right! In addition, The Andrews Sisters return to do a smash-up job with their "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy." "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" really swings and The Andrews Sisters were born to sing songs like this! Nat King Cole sings "Straighten Up And Fly Right" with an excellent piano arrangement; and Johnny Mercer's "G. I. Jive"

The second CD continues the hits. "Rum And Coca-Cola" by The Andrews Sisters has a great `40s era Latin beat that is absolutely perfect; and listen for "Dream" by The Pied Pipers. The Pied Pipers could really score a hit; and "Dream" is certainly no exception! Similarly "On The Atchison, Topeka & The Santa Fe" gets a smooth, jazzy arrangement by Johnny Mercer & The Pied Pipers. There's also "Waiting For The Train To Come In" by Peggy Lee; this number was so popular at the end of the Second World War when so many ladies were waiting for their men to return home from war. Kay Kyser also does a great rendition of a famous tune from the time called "Jingle, Jangle, Jingle." I love how they use handclapping as a type of percussion to help the melody along and even mark the beat!

Nat King Cole delivers "It's Only A Paper Moon" with panache and the music that accompanies him fits perfectly; and "It Might As Well Be Spring" by Dick Haymes sounds new and fresh every time I hear it. The second CD ends strong with Johnny Mercer & The Pied Pipers doing one last tune called "Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive;" this is yet another swinging song so many people loved.

Overall, this two CD set gives us quite a few excellent tunes from the era of World War II. I highly recommend this for people who like music from those days; and people who appreciate classic pop vocals will love this two CD set as well.

Old Memories
I was raised on the music of the 40's and 50's and this CD brings back all of those memories. I truly enjoy listening to this CD and reminisce of times gone by. It brings back pictures in my mind of my family that are no longer with me. If you are a child of the 40's I know you will enjoy it.

Wonderful memories, great music
I purchased this as a gift for my neighbor who is 79 and was a young girl during WWII. When she opened it up and looked at the list of songs, she started saying "I remember that song, oh I love that song, I used to listen to that during high school, etc.!" Watching her face light up as she thought back to that time really made me feel good. It is a great CD set and an excellent compilation of all the wonderful songs that were famous during WWII. Definitely recommend it to anyone who likes music from that era!