The uniquely entrancing voice of Demis Roussos was shaped through his many travels and musical experiences in his lifetime. Vintage music lovers will surely remember his name for his innumerable hits such as My Friend the Wind, Lovely lady of Arcadia, Someday, Somewhere, My Reason, Velvet Mornings, Forever and Ever and Goodbye My Love Goodbye, all present here on this album. On each of the songs, his singing is passionate and powerful. Thanks to his trademark operatic voice, Greek singer Demis, whose real name is Artemios Venturi Roussos, was a rage in the 70s and 80s Roussos is known for his collaboration with composer Vangelis Papathanassiou.

The compilation here dwells on his ballads with the first four songs featuring his operatic progressive rock band Aphrodite’s Child during his forming years – the highlights with them being Rain and Tears and I want to Live!. Apart from My Only Fascination that brims with romance, the album also features a fast paced cover of Air Supply’s Lost in Love and a sung version of the Chariots of Fire sound track with the song Race to the End done with Yes singer Jon Andersen (1981), and members of his band Aphrodite Child.

On most songs, the orchestration is the plus point, what with a background score that includes the charming banjos and European folk instruments. But Demis fans will surely put all that second, as its Roussos’s voice – which just takes you on a nostalgia trip back in time.

Rating: ****

Reviewed by Verus Ferreira