| Romantically | |
| Type: | studio |
| Artist: | Johnny Mathis |
| Cover: | Mathis-Romantically.jpg |
| Released: | November 18, 1963[1] |
| Recorded: | February 26–28, 1963[2] |
| Genre: | Vocal[3] |
| Length: | 42:52 |
| Label: | Columbia |
| Producer: | Ernie Altschuler[4] |
| Prev Title: | Sounds of Christmas |
| Prev Year: | 1963 |
| Next Title: | Tender Is the Night |
| Next Year: | 1964 |
Romantically is an album by American pop singer Johnny Mathis that was released on November 18, 1963, by Columbia Records and was also the final original studio album recorded by Mathis for the label prior to his moving to Mercury Records. Mathis had recorded exclusively for Columbia from 1956 to 1963. After a brief stint with Mercury, he returned to Columbia in 1967. His first Mercury project, Sounds of Christmas, was actually released six weeks before this one, on October 4.[5]
Romantically made its first appearance on Billboard magazine's album chart in the issue dated December 28, 1963, and peaked at number 23 over the course of 27 weeks.[6]
The first compact disc release of the album came on June 9, 2009, when it was issued as disc two of a two-CD set that also included his 1962 LP Rapture.[7]
Allmusic's Joe Viglione notes something aside from the label change about the place of this release in the Mathis catalog. "This album was recorded during the classic phase of the icon's career, his Top 40 hits coming to a halt around this time. There would be a 15-year gap before he would see that kind of attention again. And while all his releases throughout the 1970s have precision and value, there's something very special about the forces at play here.".[3] He also mentions that the singer's voice "works very effectively on 'Hi-Lili, Hi-Lo', 'Friendly Persuasion (Thee I Love)', and 'Autumn in New York'."[3] Although he gives side two a mixed review, he does describe "In Wisconsin" as "perfect for any 'bachelor pad' compilation"[3] and sums up side one as "just a lovely slice of orchestrated treasures."[3]
Billboard offered a prediction. "Johnny Mathis fans will find this LP irresistible, as will the lovers of romantic ballads." They especially liked the selections here. "Each of the 12 songs are standard blockbusters—perfectly suited for Mathis."
From the liner notes for :[2]