Golden Voice Of

After collaborating with pal and fellow Greek star Vangelis, singer Demis Roussos continued on in the pop mode he initially plied when covering the days' hits during the mid-'60s. His profile quickly soared with several popular sides that were released in the first half of the '70s. Polygram has compiled the highlights on this 12-track roundup, making sure to include such well-known chart-toppers as "Goodbye My Love Goodbye" and "My Reason." And while Roussos never broke into the American market, his Greek-tinged form of international pop found many receptive fans throughout the Mediterranean and in Europe. His full-blown take on contemporary pop begs some comparisons to such stateside belters as Neil Diamond. Beyond the requisite string charts and choral backing, though, Roussos' music finds some unusually attractive terrain thanks to a bit of synthesizer noodling and the occasional rock rhythm. A perfect introduction to the singer when he was in his first flush of fame as an MOR celebrity, all sung in English with the requisite amount of heart-on-sleeve pathos. ~ Stephen Cook