On the strength of his #1 hit in 1961,
Moody River became one of Pat Boone's best selling albums of the decade. Although there were other
Boone albums much better than this, most were received not nearly so well. It goes to show that a big hit can literally carry an album into big sales territory. And while it's not a black or white judgement call, it is pretty much a situation here of half the 12 songs hitting the mark and the other half just a skip and a jump from tedium. All the material on this album, however, is at least potentially suited to the accustomed
Pat Boone approach to a song. But on many numbers that approach is largely stifled because Boone's standard clear cut, incisive arrangements have been replaced by a toned down, less expressive kind. The result can only be less effective singing and an overall softer impact. A couple of the better exceptions to this are "Angel on My Shoulder" and "A Thousand Years." The former plainly calls for a low-key wistful approach and is excellently delivered in just that manner making it the album's easy listening standout. "A Thousand Years" is a poweful and emotion-filled song which
Pat Boone renders with strong, soulful depth. But on the minus side, there is "Will You Love Me Tomorrow," "Blue Moon," and "The Great Pretender." The latter two, though musically poles apart, would have easily succeeded except for the limping arrangements. The former, a big hit by the Shirelles and Boone's most challenging task, is tamed and uninspired and crashes soon after takeoff.