Translation of the German review:

With Great Ballads, in-akustik presents the fifth compilation of outstandingly interpreted songs as an audio tape edition. The selection of titles is a stroke of luck for music lovers who like intimate and sensual songs. The songs not only touch the heart with their melodies and lyrics, but they also shine with an outstanding sound.

1. Heart Of Gold by Simone Kopmajer opens the sampler with a mighty pushing bass. Here, it was possible to keep the sound balanced and not let it tip over into the bass cellar.

2. Ever Since The World Ended in the version by Monkey House is very relaxed and pleases with its rich sound and superb brass sections. The song, which is played and sung to perfection, indulges with a nice length.

3. Although the cover in the jazzy club style of Waiting In Vain, interpreted by Caterina Zapponi, is well done, it doesn't really lure me out from behind the stove. However, the mixture of English and French vocal parts suits the song well. It's interesting how the mood of the song changes just by changing the language.

4. Friend N Fellow are known to be a safe bet on in-akustik productions. Although played and sung to perfection as always, I find that they don't manage to set decisive impulses in the title Gardener that could transfer this long song into the exciting zone.

5. With Time After Time, the Swinging Ladies manage the feat of placing a flowing jazz tune with saxophone and piano interludes alongside enchanting vocals and spot-on bass and drum work.

6. With If I Only Could, the Blues Company surpasses itself. I also like the background vocals, which are so clearly and memorably presented by the tape.

7. On Running For Cover, I'm glad to see talent like Pete Alderton being elevated to high-end heaven by in-akustik. This song is very stirring.

8. Is it permissible to cover the Norah Jones classic Come Away With Me? With her clear voice, accompanied by delicate instrumentation, nothing stands in the way of Chlara's version. Voice and instruments are captured very closely, a poem!

9. Tokunbo follows on seamlessly with Cast Away. It is a perfectly crafted pop song with a country and orchestral touch in the course. That's what it's all about: Sink into your chair and enjoy!

10. With In My Secret Life, Luka Bloom shows that nothing more than a voice and a guitar is needed if you do everything right.

11. Autumn Run comes from Tinsley Ellis as blues with a rock edge and is at its best. The flawlessly flowing song is beautifully played out and has a perfect length. It does this sampler good to include a more energetic number.

12. Although I don't generally like folk songs that much, Buckets Of Rain by Anna Elizabeth Laube brings an upbeat atmosphere and manages to generate a good mood.

13. With enchanting vocals, Ian Thomas descends from a plush cloud of sound with To Comfort You. Strictly speaking, his version is on the verge of schmaltz and languor, but so well done that it is still within the acceptable range for me. 

With this tape edition, I had the opportunity to compare the 38 cm/s and the 19 cm/s version, which I could play in parallel on two identically calibrated Studer A807s. I started both devices synchronously and was able to switch channels with my remote control. The advantage was that both versions were recorded at exactly the same level and therefore no volume adjustments were necessary. It was interesting to hear how close the 19 cm/s recording was to the 38 cm/s version. I could make out practically no difference in the noise components and frequency response by ear. The 38 cm/s version was only slightly ahead in terms of attack and dynamic characteristics. So if you want a little more punch and expressiveness and therefore the very best, you should opt for the 38 cm/s version. In contrast, the 57 minutes of music on the 19 cm/s version run through in one go without having to change the tape. For this type of music, in-akustik's RESO process achieves the best of the best in terms of quality from a master tape copy. If you are looking for an album for relaxing moments or for slowing down, this is my recommendation. The effect is better than some therapies, I promise!

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)