Love Story (Andy Williams album)

Shawn M. Haney of Allmusic gave the album an enthusiastic review. "This is a precious feast to enjoy of delightful '70s love songs, sung and performed with sincerity by beloved pop singer talent Andy Williams."[2] He had especially high praise for the vocalist. "Williams gives all of his soul and heart to pull off some stirring renditions of the amiable type to the kind listener."[2] He also appreciated the production team. "Dick Glasser gives much of his time as producer in finding Andy Williams's unique sound, with Artie Butler and Dick Hazard playing a splendid role in the arrangements."[2] He adds, "A wistful breath of fresh air away from the takeover of entertainers Frank Sinatra and Neil Diamond, the record is a pleasant listening experience for those who appreciate romantic ballads and melancholy orchestra background music. This collection shows just how easy it came to cover love ballads and pop hits in the '70s, giving Williams and his dazzling entertainer style voice the right time to shine during his days of stardom. So turn your lights down low and get with the one you share dreams with, and be prepared to feel the love."[2]

Billboard magazine summed up their opinion in a capsule review that said, "A nifty assortment and beautifully done."[4]

Elton John got as high as number eight pop,[11] number nine Easy Listening,[12] and number seven on the UK singles chart[13] with "Your Song". "For the Good Times" earned Ray Price a week at number one on the Billboard Country singles chart,[14] peak positions at number nine Easy Listening[15] and number 11 pop,[16] and the Grammy for Best Country Vocal Performance, Male.[17] By the time Williams had released this album The Beatles had received Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America for "Something",[18] spent a week with the song at number one on the Billboard Hot 100,[19] and made it to number 17 Easy Listening[20] and number four UK.[21]

Perry Como's "It's Impossible" spent four weeks at number one on the Easy Listening chart[22] and peaked at number 10 pop[23] and number four UK.[24] The Carpenters earned a Gold record for "We've Only Just Begun"[25] and spent four weeks at number two pop[26] and seven weeks at number one Easy Listening[27] in addition to reaching number 28 UK.[28] Another Gold record covered here is The Partridge Family's "I Think I Love You",[29] which enjoyed three weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100[30] and made it to number eight Easy Listening[31] and number 18 UK.[32] Gold certification was also bestowed upon "Candida",[33] which went to number three pop,[34] number eight Easy Listening,[35] and number nine UK[36] for Dawn, the group that eventually became known as Tony Orlando and Dawn.

"Fire and Rain" had its biggest chart success as a recording by James Taylor that reached number three on the Hot 100,[37] number seven Easy Listening,[38] and number 42 UK.[39] "Rose Garden" took Lynn Anderson to number one on the Country chart for five weeks,[40] number five Easy Listening,[41] number three pop,[42] and number three UK,[43] and awarded her with Gold certification[44] and the Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Performance, Female.[45] Also in 1971, a cover version by the Australian group New World reached number 15 on the UK Singles Chart. George Harrison's recording of "My Sweet Lord" made it to number one pop for four weeks,[46] number 10 Easy Listening,[47] and number one UK for five weeks[48] while earning Gold certification from the RIAA.[18]

From the liner notes for the original album:[3]

• Andy Williams - vocals
• Dick Glasser - producer
• Artie Butler - arranger (except as noted)
• Dick Hazard - arranger ("(Where Do I Begin?) Love Story")
• Peter Romano - engineer
• Rafael O. Valentin - engineer
• Anne Blackford - cover design
• Guy Webster - cover photos