Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me Johnny Mathis

Okay, picture this: it's the early 1990s. You're channel surfing, maybe hoping for a rerun of *Friends*, and suddenly, BAM! There's Johnny Mathis, but not how you remember him.

He's not crooning "Misty" in a smoky lounge. Nope, he's belting out a surprisingly energetic version of a U2 hit. It's… unexpected.

Mathis Goes Pop? Hold On!

The album? *Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me*. Yes, really. It's a covers album. But not just *any* covers album.

We’re talking contemporary pop and rock hits, reinterpreted through the unmistakable velvet tones of Johnny Mathis. Think "Heaven Help Us All," think "Let the River Run."

This isn't your grandma's Johnny Mathis (unless your grandma has impeccable and slightly eccentric taste in music, of course).

The Surprising Choice of Material

The album's very existence raises some eyebrows. Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me is an oddity in Mathis's otherwise consistent discography.

Imagine being a fan expecting smooth ballads. And instead you get...the sounds of Mathis trying to rock out. It's like your favorite grandpa suddenly showing up in ripped jeans and a motorcycle jacket.

Was it a daring artistic statement? A record label's attempt to modernize Mathis? Or perhaps a simple case of "why not?"

The Reactions: A Mixed Bag

The critics? Let's just say they weren't universally thrilled. Some praised Mathis's vocal prowess. Others questioned the entire concept. It was definitely...divisive.

But the fans? Some loved it. Some hated it. And some were just plain confused. All the reaction ensured one thing: they were talking about Johnny Mathis again.

And let's be honest, hearing Johnny Mathis tackle something like "Right Here Waiting" is at least worth a listen for the sheer novelty.

A Touch of Camp? Maybe. But Endearing Too.

There's a certain camp quality to the album. It's so earnest and slightly out-of-touch that it becomes strangely endearing.

You can almost picture Johnny Mathis in the recording studio, giving it his all, completely oblivious to the potential for awkwardness. And that's kind of beautiful.

He clearly puts his heart into every note. And that's something you can't fake.

The Lasting Legacy

So, is *Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me* a forgotten masterpiece? Probably not. But is it an interesting and unexpected chapter in the career of a legendary singer? Absolutely.

It's a reminder that even established artists can take risks. The album proves that even legends can step outside of their comfort zone.

Next time you're looking for something a little different, give *Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me* a spin. It may just surprise you. Or at least give you a good laugh. Either way, it is a unique Johnny Mathis experience.

And who knows, you might just discover a new appreciation for the velvet voice tackling 90s pop. It's an adventure, that's for sure!

And if nothing else, you can say you heard Johnny Mathis cover a U2 song. Not many people can say that.