This Is Love
Johnny Mathis · 1964
42 min · 12 tracks · pop music
A lush blend of orchestral arrangements and Mathis's smooth crooning creates an enchanting atmosphere of romance and nostalgia.
Top tracks — play these first
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Put on a Happy Face Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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More (Theme From “Mondo Cane”) — This track stands out for its sweeping orchestration and poignant lyrics, embodying the essence of romantic longing that defines the album.
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The End of a Love Affair — Mathis delivers a heartfelt interpretation of this classic, showcasing his vocal range and emotional depth while perfectly capturing the melancholy theme.
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Poinciana (Song of the Tree) — With its exotic melody and rich instrumentation, this track highlights Mathis's ability to bring a unique flair to traditional easy listening songs.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends orchestral pop with smooth vocals, creating a cohesive yet conventional listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album features lush orchestral arrangements that dominate the instrumentation, creating a romantic and nostalgic atmosphere.
- Several tracks include extended instrumental sections, allowing the orchestration to develop before returning to Mathis's vocals.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- smooth romantic ambiance throughout
- steady melodic unfolding experience
- nostalgic reflections on love
- gentle background for intimate moments
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat dance tracks
- prefer instant gratification music
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Fan Favorite — Showcases Mathis's emotional depth, resonating with dedicated fans.
- Themes
- romantic nostalgia· 1960s love ballads
- Career context
- Released in January 1964, This Is Love was Johnny Mathis's thirteenth studio album, following the commercial success of his previous albums. By this time, Mathis had solidified his status as a leading figure in the easy listening genre, captivating audiences with his romantic ballads and distinctive voice.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Perry Como· Frank Sinatra· Nat King Cole
Tracklist
- 1 Put on a Happy Face Start here 3:15
- 2 Poinciana (Song of the Tree) 4:07
- 3 The Touch of Your Lips 3:28
- 4 Just Move Along, Meadow Lark 2:43
- 5 Under a Blanket of Blue 3:45
- 6 Over the Weekend 3:52
- 7 More (Theme From “Mondo Cane”) 2:56
- 8 You Love Me (From “Tovarich”) 3:47
- 9 Limehouse Blues 4:23
- 10 What Do You Feel in Your Heart 3:12
- 11 The End of a Love Affair 3:32
- 12 Fantastic 3:57
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
September of My Years
Frank Sinatra
Features smooth orchestration and themes of reflection and romance, capturing a similar nostalgic vibe.
It's Impossible
Perry Como
Shares lush arrangements and romantic ballads, evoking the same easy listening ambiance of love.
Love Is the Thing
Nat King Cole
Combines velvety vocals with orchestral backing, creating a sentimental atmosphere akin to Mathis's style.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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