What does Close to You sound like?

Smooth orchestral arrangements meet Johnny Mathis' velvety vocals in a collection of romantic ballads. Rooted in easy listening. Start with "They Long to Be Close to You".

Is Close to You a good place to start with Johnny Mathis?

Yes, Close to You is recommended as a starting point for new Johnny Mathis listeners. Smooth orchestral arrangements meet Johnny Mathis' velvety vocals in a collection of romantic ballads. By 1970, Johnny Mathis was already a celebrated artist known for his smooth voice and romantic hits. 'Close to You' arrived during a prolific period, following his successful album 'Johnny Mathis Sings' in 1969, and showcased his ability to blend contemporary pop with classic standards.

Who is Close to You for?

Close to You works well if you're into romantic evening ambiance, steady melodic flow and soft orchestral warmth.

How many songs are on Close to You?

Close to You has 11 tracks, running approximately 35 minutes.

Close to You

Johnny Mathis · 1970

35 min · 11 tracks · pop music

Smooth orchestral arrangements meet Johnny Mathis' velvety vocals in a collection of romantic ballads.

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Top tracks — play these first

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They Long to Be Close to You Start here — This track not only serves as the album's standout hit but also encapsulates the essence of Mathis's smooth vocal style intertwined with lush instrumental arrangements.
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Come Saturday Morning — The song captures a sense of hopeful nostalgia, showcasing Mathis's ability to convey deep emotion through his phrasing and vocal delivery.
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(If You Let Me Make Love to You Then) Why Can’t I Touch You? — This track highlights the more sensual side of Mathis's repertoire, featuring intricate melodies that accentuate the yearning present in its lyrics.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong orchestration and Mathis's vocal prowess, but remains within familiar pop ballad territory.

What we noticed

The album opens with a well-known hit, setting a romantic tone that persists through the first half.
Most tracks feature lush orchestral arrangements that complement Mathis's smooth vocal delivery.
Several songs include key changes that heighten emotional impact, particularly in the ballads.
The final track is a soft, reflective piece that gradually fades out, providing a gentle conclusion.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

romantic evening ambiance
steady melodic flow
soft orchestral warmth
gentle background for relaxation

Maybe skip if you

seekers of high-energy tracks
prefer complex musical structures

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Features the hit 'They Long to Be Close to You', solidifying Mathis's reputation.
Themes: romantic longing· soft orchestral romance
Career context: By 1970, Johnny Mathis was already a celebrated artist known for his smooth voice and romantic hits. 'Close to You' arrived during a prolific period, following his successful album 'Johnny Mathis Sings' in 1969, and showcased his ability to blend contemporary pop with classic standards.
Stylistic neighbors: Perry Como· Frank Sinatra· Nat King Cole