950-926-Great Vocals
950.
Vocalist:
Writer/Composer:
949. THE WEIGHT (1968)
Vocalist: The Band (lead Levon Helm)
Writer/Composer: Robbie Robertson (1968)
An enigmatic Folk, Rock / Roots Rock number surfaced in the late 1960s that eventually influenced musical pop culture for generations to come. The Band was a 5-piece American / Canadian group that, in this case, had Levon Helm as the lead singer. The use of his sincere, gritty vocal delivery and the group’s primitive sound gave this song the “kick” it needed to catch the public’s attention. Martin Scorsese’s 1978 film, The Last Waltz, added to the mystique, further impressing this clever number into music’s social consciousness… Monumental!
948. HOLD ON “Bridesmaids” (1990)
Vocalist: Wilson Phillips (Carnie & Wendy Wilson / lead Chynna Phillips)
Writer/Composer: Glen Ballard / Chynna Phillips / Carnie Wilson (1989)
These are the daughters of American Rock stars, the Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson, and John Phillips of Mamas & Papa’s fame—these girls could really sing, and with exquisite harmony! They were major 1990s Pop stars with clear feminine voices, always easy to identify, with easy-to-understand lyrics, careful not to overbend the notes with too much excess. It was a massive hit, going worldwide, and it endured a long time with the help of the movie, winning several major music awards. Chynna wrote the song’s positive message as a motivation to break free from alcoholism and drugs, and the message resonated—their 3-part harmony was always vocalized into a single microphone…Simply Sensational!
Link # 1 The official music video 1990.
947.
Vocalist:
Writer/Composer:
946. BEFORE THE NEXT TEARDROP FALLS
Vocalist: Freddy Fender
Writer/Composer:
945. RESCUE ME (1965)
Vocalist: Fontella Bass
Writer/Composer: Raynard Minor / Carl Smith / Fontella Bass (1965)
944. GOLD DUST WOMAN (1977)
Vocalist: Fleetwood Mac (Stevie Nicks)
Writer/Composer: Stevie Nicks (1977)
943. TAKING IT TO THE STREETS (1976)
Vocalist: Doobie Brothers (lead Michael MacDonald)
Writer/Composer: Michael MacDonald (1976)
942. BREATHE (2000)
Vocalist: Faith Hill
Writer/Composer: Holly Lamar / Stephanie Bentley (1999)
941.
Vocalist:
Writer/Composer:
940. DON’T SPEAK (1996)
Vocalist: No Doubt (Gwen Stefani)
Writer/Composer: Gwen Stefani / Eric Stefani (1995)
939.
Vocalist:
Writer/Composer:
938. OKLAHOMA “Oklahoma”
Vocalist: Alfred Drake
Writer/Composer: Richard Rodgers / Oscar Hammerstein II
937. THOSE WERE THE DAYS (1968)
Vocalist: Mary Hopkin (Arranged by Richard Hewson) / Produced by Paul McCartney
Writer/Composer: Boris Fomin / Gene Raskin (1968)
This beguiling Folk song from Welsh singer / songwriter, Mary Hopkin, put her on the musical map during the late 1960s and early 70s, within the musical British invasion—and she deserved it! With a splendid musical arrangement showcasing her wonderful soprano voice, she broke though the jumble of British bands and, rivaling the popularity of Petula Clark, took this song to # 1 in multitudes of countries. Her use of 2 octaves is amazing, casting a crystalline, angelic spirit, perfect for concerts, taverns, or singalongs. If this song can’t take you back, none can. Her vocals are unique, refreshing, with a birdlike celestial quality…Simply Superb!
936. FOOLISH GAMES (1995)
Vocalist: Jewel
Writer/Composer: Jewel Kilcher (1994)
935. LADY (1980)
Vocalist: Kenny Rogers
Writer/Composer: Lionel Ritchie (1980)
934. YOU’LL NEVER WALK ALONE “Carousel” (2004)
Vocalist: Sissel (Krykjebo)
Writer/Composer: Richard Rodgers / Oscar Hammerstein II (
933. HE’S SO SHY (1980)
Vocalist: The Pointer Sisters
Writer/Composer: Tom Snow / Cynthia Weil (1980)
932. HERE AND NOW (1989)
Vocalist: Luther Vandross
Writer/Composer: David Elliot / Terry Steele / Charles White (1989)
931. DON’T TAKE THE GIRL
Vocalist: Tim McGraw
Writer/Composer:
930. ME QUEDO CONTIGO (I Stay with You) (2018)
Vocalist: Rosalia (Rosalia Vila Tobella) & Chorus
Writer/Composer: Crescencio Ramos Prada / Enrique Salazar (1957)
This beautiful Spanish song about the power of love is delivered on a golden platter by Rosalia, one of the most popular, recognized and respected singers in the world today. She’s a Spanish vocalist, musician and songwriter—she’s become a world sensation! As a Pop star, she has perhaps excelled to diva status because of her ability to embrace Pop, Folk, Flamenco, Reggae and Avant-guard genres, with ease. She uses her 2 to 3 octave alto/soprano range to maximize emotion, sultriness, power and her persona…Absolutely Overwhelming!
929. CHEEK TO CHEEK “Top Hat” (1935)
Vocalist: Fred Astaire (Frederick Austerlitz) (Dance partner Ginger Rogers)
Writer / Composer: Irving Berlin (1934)
928.
Vocalist:
Writer/Composer:
927. DRIVE (1984)
Vocalist: The Cars (Benjamin Orr)
Writer/Composer: Ric Ocacek (1984)
926. SERENADE “Serenade” (1956)
Vocalist: Mario Lanza (Alfredo A. Cocozza) / and chorus
Writer/Composer: Sigmund Romberg / Dorothy Donnelly / Rudolf Shanzer / Ernst Welisch (1924)
He was the most famous, sought after, applauded, influential, and demanding Opera vocalist in the world in the late 1940s and through the 1950s. He chose a movie career instead of the World Opera stage, much to the chagrin of opera purists. Result—his good looks, acting between songs, and persona led to massive success, even crossing into Pop music. His 2nd entry on our list proves his versatility and his booming, powerful, crystal-clear voice, made believers out of even the most jaded listeners. This song should be ranked higher…Bellissimo!
Link #1 From the movie “Serenade”
Link #2 From the movie “The Student Prince”
