Gloria Lynne: I Wish You Love

What makes a song a hit? It's hard to say, but it involves a mysterious combination of luck, timing, and artistry. It's easy to see why "I Wish You Love became a hit in the mid-sixties; it's the perfect blend of syrupy orchestration and passionate singing that created hits for many other pop stars. But it's not the best thing Lynne ever did; there are many songs here, like "I Know Love, that are a notch above.

Lynne is primarily backed by the charts of Marty Paich, who enfolds her in willowy strings, punchy brass, a choir, whatever suits the song. All are treated with a subtle, Spectorish reverb that recalls the glory days of AM radio. There are some other performances that feature simpler backing, such as a piano trio presumably led by Paich.

But what comes crystal clear through every performance is Lynne's boisterous delivery, honed on gospel music and featuring the jolt and richness of a shot of espresso with just the hint of sweetness to soften the edges. Lynne requires the right presentation for her powerful vocals, and Paich and company deliver the goods.

I Wish You Love is very much a product of its time. It's a pleasant pop record awash in orchestration with few surprises. One quibble: the songs on the track listing on the back are almost totally out of order; close listening to the lyrics will enable you to figure out which is which.

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