Smurfs Hits 1997 Volume 1

After a less-than-positive review of ‘The Smurfs go pop’ (1996), I was ready to give ‘Hits ‘97’ (1997) another critical mauling. I blamed myself for ordering three Smurfs CD’s at the same time.The French Smurfs (Les Schtroumpfs) have performed better or more inventive vocal arrangements; but incredibly, this CD is actually quite good! Did they replace the vocalists?The original versions of these songs were often annoying. There is ‘Wannabe’ (1996) by the Spice Girls, ‘Macarena’ (1996) by Los del mar, or ‘The three lions’ (1996) by Baddiel & Skinner. Another hit ‘Oops upside your head’ blighted every visit to an eighties nightclub. Strangely, these fresh takes by the Smurfs are more listenable, or even superior.Credit where credit’s due: ‘The three lions’ is now revealed as a GOOD song as well as being an album highlight. Featuring a Jacksons-style bassline, ‘Naked’ (retitled ‘Get yourself Smurfing’) is another successful cover. The latter is unknown to me, but it was either a hit for Reef (1995) or Louise (1996).‘The laughing policeman’ was an old-fashioned novelty song I used to hear on the radio in the 1970s. Apart from some mildly amusing Smurf laughter, the track feels out-of-place. A dull instrumental piece: ‘The Smurf drummer’ is probably the weakest track.Changing the title & lyrics of the immortal Bee Gee’s tune ‘How deep is your love’ (to ‘your first school’) hardly sounds like a good idea, but somehow it works. The song was revived by ‘Take That’ in 1996.This multiple order wasn’t a total mistake after all!

Really good CD love the Smurfs.

At the age of 29 this is my guilty pleasure. It started off when Smurfs Go Pop got released and then the Smurfs Christmas Album. I bought these just so I could get them in iTunes so I could still have a listen as and when I wanted!

Great

Happy songs. Great c.d

good

I remember buying this on cassette when I was about 10, and I loved it! I was a massive fan of smurfs and so having them singing some of the biggest hits at the time was great in my eyes. Fast forward 10 years however and... well I can't say the same is true. Good for a laugh, but not really worth paying for. Would only purchase an album like this if I found it in a charity store for 5p, as I would feel less guilty throwing it out after.On the flip side, I guess kids might enjoy it as I did when I was younger. The songs are a bit old, but still cheesy classics!