Scott Walker Sings Jacques Brel (1981) is a compilation of Jacques Brel compositions recorded by Scott Walker. The album brings all the Brel material that Walker covered on record. Walker transformed the numbers into unique, dramatic experiences.
Each of the tracks is a gem, but three stand out: the grandiose, swirling waitz of "Amsterdam", the powerful "My Death", and "Next".
Walker achieved that rare balance that distinguishes the best interpreters others' works - preserving the essence of the original while making the song entirely his own. It's logical that Walker gravitated to Brel: the Belgian was a singer/songwriter after Walker's own heart who told stories of lives and drama. Romantic emotions are for both important in their works.
