Only You

Released in 2004, Only You represents Harry Connick, Jr.'s full-throated embrace of the traditional pop ballad. While his earlier work often highlighted his New Orleans piano roots or his big band leadership, this project focuses almost exclusively on his role as a premier interpreter of romantic standards. The album features a heavy reliance on orchestral arrangements, moving away from the leaner jazz trio formats of his youth. It reached the top ten on the Billboard 200, a rare feat for a traditional pop album in the early 2000s, signaling a massive crossover appeal. Critics noted that while the album breaks little new ground, it succeeds through sheer technical excellence and Connick's undeniable charisma. The tracklist is a 'who's who' of mid-century hits, including 'I Only Have Eyes for You' and 'The Very Thought of You,' all treated with a reverence that positions Connick as the natural successor to the Sinatra/Cole lineage.