Miracles by Engelbert Humperdinck in Bloomington, MN

After the surprise hit
"After the Lovin',"
Humperdinck
's career was back on track.
Miracles by Engelbert Humperdinck
was released in 1976, close to its better-selling predecessor. The artist again worked with the songwriters responsible for his big 1976 hit. Although he was never known for rocking out, some of the tracks here are stodgy and lack the romantic appeal of his prime work. The melodic
"I Believe in Miracles"
has its good points drowned out by canned backup vocalists and overproduced strings. The faux
country
string guitars and upbeat arrangement of
"Goodbye My Friend"
belie that fact that
wants out of a relationship as gleefully sings, "This love affair has reached the end." He even laughs on the track. As on
After the Lovin'
,
again does the work from Philly songwriters and production styles. The ballad
"From Me to You"
and
Kenny Gamble
Leon Huff
's
"Peace of Mind"
are so-so, but since they weren't recorded in Philadelphia the effect is diminished. Curiously enough, the song with no Philly ties, the pretty and danceable
"You Are There,"
is reminiscent of
Bobby Martin
's work with
Lou Rawls
. Although this lacks a big single or a perfect song,
is one of those efforts that works well despite a few flaws. ~ Jason Elias