This Living Era compilation of songs by Vincent Youmans offers an interesting concept in the often staid field of composer collections. It winnows the best of his long career to a single-disc compilation, and presents each song next to others from the same original show; also, the performers are not always the original casts, but sometimes recording stars from the same rough period. This way, listeners unfamiliar with the Broadway show get a few recognizable names to listen to. Highlights come from Flying Down to Rio, with excellent performances from Fred Astaire (who appeared in the show itself and sings the title song) and Connee Boswell ("The Carioca") as well as Great Day with a version of the title song by Paul Whiteman's Orchestra and a rendition of "More Than You Know" by Helen Morgan. ~ John Bush, All Music Guide