900-876-Great Vocals
900. SAO GAN (lullaby) “Empire of the Sun” (1987)
Vocalist: Christian Bale (vocals by James Rainbird / Ambrosian Junior Choir) / John Williams Orch. / John McCarthy conductor)
Writer/Composer: Traditional. (1794c) (Welch adaptation by John Williams) (1794)
This beautiful lullaby, sung in the Welch language, is used several times in Steven Spielberg’s extraordinary film, Empire of the Sun. Each time it marks a very defining moment when a pivotal, emotional and dramatic event in the film takes an unexpected turn in young Jim’s (Christian Bale) life within the Japanese prison camp during WWII. The song by an English 13-year-old singer, James Rainbird, is magnificent, accompanied by the angelic sounds of the choir. The youthful singers sound spectacular. This is among the artistic and overwhelming scenes from the movie…Absolutely Stunning and Sublime!
Link # 1 - Scene from the prison camp as Japanese kamikaze pilots prepare to leave for battle in Empire of the Sun. Link # 2 - Scene of 12-year-old Jim at film’s beginning singing in the choir.
899. FLOWERS ON THE WALL (1966)
Vocalist: Statler Brothers
Writer/Composer: Lewis Dewitt (1965)
Not to be confused by ‘Statler Tissue,’ the Statlers changed their name from the Kingsmen, (there was already a Rock band with that name) because there was no one in the vocal group named Statler. This award-winning Country / Pop classic is a crown jewel in delivery and songwriting by Lew Dewitt, a gifted tenor in the group. “I keep hearin’ you’re concerned about my happiness / But all that thought you’re giving me is conscience, I guess / And If I were walking in your shoes, I wouldn’t worry none / While and your friends are worried about me, / I’m having lots of fun.” One writer said this song is about how useless men become after a breakup. At any rate, their 2nd song listed is superb by one of the greatest Country Groups ever, with over 30 years of hits…A Musical Entertaining Experience!
Link # 1 Original recording 1966. Link # 2 Live in Denmark 1968.
898. HELLO DOLLY (1969)
Vocalist: Barbra Streisand / Chorus / Louis Armstrong
Writer/Composer: Lionel Newman / Jerry Herman (1964)
Counting duets, we have Barbra’s 8th number on our list, and Louie’s 3rd. Her influential singing career includes the largest number of musical hits from Movie Soundtrack album sales than anyone in history. Her career covers the mid-1960s into the 2020s. His career covered over 50 years and he is renown as being one of the most recognized, celebrated musicians in Jazz history. Together they perform this great Pop duet, straight from the movie but taken from the Broadway Theater production in the mid-1960s. Her vocal control with her tantalizing acting performance is stellar, and his accompanying vocal exchanges are great, with his rough, gravelly, glorious replies…Simply Sensational!
Link - from movie clip Hello Dolly 1969.
897. BEFORE THE NEXT TEARDROP FALLS (1975)
Vocalist: Freddy Fender (Baldemar Garza Huerta)
Writer/Composer: Vivien Keith / Ben Peters (1967)
This American Tejano singer started in the 1960s but didn’t hit it big until the mid-70s with this monster hit, hitting #1 both in Country and in Pop. He soon was a Country star, appealing to American and Latino fans, as he demonstrates here by singing in both English and Spanish. He became the most successful male Tejano artist of all time, a superstar player known for blending Rock (Swamp Rock), Blues and Mariachi music, with a unique sound with his recognizable vibrato. He even brought accordion and xylophone into his Tejano formula. When he sings, “But if he ever breaks your heart / If the teardrops ever start / I’ll be there before the next teardrop falls.” You’re captured with his sincere, confident, yet his stark, vulnerable, lonely tenor…An Amazing and Jaw-Dropping Performance!
Link # 1 Original recording 1974. Link # 2 Live performance on Hee Haw 1976.
896. EVERY DAY IS A WINDING ROAD (1997)
Vocalist: Sheryl Crow / backing vocals Neil Finn
Writer/Composer: Sheryl Crow / Jeff Trott / Brian McLeod (1996)
Despite her winding road, American singer / songwriter Sheryl Crow has survived the 1990s and into the turbulent 2020s. As a Rock / Pop / Blues singer, she excels with her use of 2 octaves and her skill at singing anthemic, self-assured, confident Rock / Pop songs with clever lyrics and feminine attitudes. The great vibe of this Rock / Pop tune seems to be linked to seeking answers to life’s obvious questions, “Every day is a winding road / I get a little bit closer / Every day is a faded sign / I get a little bit closer / to feeling fine / (It’s been a while.) Her clear mezzo-soprano voice, though not strong, is confident and engaging, appealing to Rock / Pop / Country and Blues fans. As of this writing, she has won 9 Grammys and is considered a favorite artist by many of her contemporaries…Simply Exceptional!
Link # ! Official music video 1996. Link # 2 Official audio with lyrics 1997.
895. I WILL SURVIVE (1978)
Vocalist: Gloria Gaynor
Writer/Composer: Freddie Perren / Dino Fekaris (1978)
Amidst the Disco era, a new star was born—and Gloria Gaynor became a household word, for this well-written anthem about self-discovery and gaining strength and freedom after a devastating, heartbreaking breakup. It rose to become a transcendent expression of changing one’s life, and elevated her, to superstar status in R&B / Soul / Pop and Disco genres, becoming a massive international hit in 1979. The last verse says it all, “No, not I, I will survive / Long as I know how to love / I’ll know I’ll stay alive / I’ve got my life to live / And all my love to give / And I will survive / I. I, I will survive!” Her confidence, conviction and distinctive 2.5 octave mezzo soprano voice went to #1, marking her rise to the top. And she was very active from the 1960s through the 1980s…Progressive and Sensational!
894. ALL SHOOK UP (1957)
Vocalist: Elvis Presley / The Jordanaires
Writer/Composer: Otis Blackwell / Elvis Presley (1956)
Elvis Presley’s massively big hit, his 6th on our list, dominated radio in the Spring and Summer of 1957. This became a Rock / R&B / Country treasure as it went to #1 in all three genres, something rarely accomplished in music. He remarkably had 4 #1 songs in ’57, topping the charts for 25 weeks of that year. Considered one of his best Rock records—with the Jordanaires’ timely harmony in the chorus, added to its catchy melody. Clever lyrics like, “Well, please, don’t ask me what’s on my mind / I’m a little mixed up, but I feel fine, When I’m near the girl that i love best / My heart beats so, that it scares me to death,” doesn’t hurt either, they just add to the joy. 1957 was a highlight year for Elvis’ line of hit records, with his clear phrasing and his youthful vigor and charisma…Wow!…Sensational!
Link # 1 Original recording 1957. Link # 2 Original with lyrics 1957.
893. THE LION SLEEPS TONIGHT (Wimoweh) (1961)
Vocalist: The Tokens (Jay Siegel lead) feat. Anita Darian /
Writer/Composer: Solomon Linda (1939) George David Weiss (English) (1951)
The delight of this African influenced Folk number is its unique vibe and catchiness, if there is such a word. This American 3-to-5-man Doo-Wop / Folk / Pop group and their splendid use of Jay Siegel’s falsetto, and Anita’s theremin-sounding intermittent, soprano vocals, made this Folk Novelty one of the biggest #1 songs of 1961. They re-invented the older number of 1939, worked carefully on the recording and...well, also dig the incredible saxophone solo! And don’t forget, “In the jungle, the mighty jungle / The lion sleeps tonight / In the jungle, the mighty jungle / The lion sleeps tonight.” So many things go together in this song, but it works! Known for their splendid harmonies, The Tokens made our list…Lofty and Awesome!
Link # 1 Original recording 1961. Link # 2 Live performance over 30 years later.
892. LOVE CAN BUILD A BRIDGE (1990)
Vocalist: The Judds (Wynonna & Naomi)
Writer/Composer: Naomi Judd / Paul Overstreet / John Jarvis (1989)
The most celebrated and decorated female Country duos in history simply has to be the Judds. As the mother and daughter rose to fame in the in the 1980s, they became the most popular group of the 80s and 1990s, with daughter Wynonna taking lead vocals with her powerful contralto voice and mother, with her stunning beauty, blending in with perfect harmony, their 2nd entry on our list. In time Wynonna went solo as her mother’s health declined. The personal message of this song is simple, “Love can build a bridge / Between your heart and mine / Love can build a bridge / Don’t you think it’s time? / Don’t you think its time?” Though it was not their biggest hit, it’s universal message became their signature song. They left an indelible mark on Country / Pop history…Beautiful and Touching!
Link # 1 Official recording with lyric 1990. Link # 2 Recording with audio 1990.
891. SEASONS OF LOVE “Rent” (1996)
Vocalist: Original Cast (featuring
Writer/Composer: Jonathan Larson
How can you work the number,“Five hundred twenty-five thousand, six hundred minutes” (number of minutes in a common year) into the lyrics of a Broadway Musical number, featuring male and female singers, accompanied by a lone piano, guitar, organ, bass and drums? Well, Jonathan Larson did it, with his megahit Musical play Rent! Can a Musical describe the value of a human’s life, since the 4 leads have either HIV or AIDS, and the chorus vocalizes what it means to possess a “Measure of Love?” The singers show us that they can! What a marvelous array of different voices to carry this message, an intricate song without being preachy or condescending…An Amazing Display of Exceptional voices!
Link from the Broadway Musical Play 1996.
890. DEEP RIVER (1927)
Vocalist: Marian Anderson
Writer/Composer: Harry T. Burleigh (1924)
Though not considered a Blues or Jazz singer, we shift musical gears and put this extraordinary, contralto, classical singer in a class by herself with a Blues / Spiritual / Gospel cover of a song she took to another level. Now considered a Traditional Spiritual and written by emancipated African American slaves after the American Civil War, and not fearing the consequences, she showed great courage. Received in Europe as a masterpiece of Classical delivery, she was treated with respect and dignity in the days after WW1, very much unlike her acceptance in the U.S. That all finally changed when she was allowed to sing in front of 75,000 on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, an event that was momentous in changing race relations in America. Her voice ways it all…Inspirational and Deeply Moving!
Link - From the original recording 1927.
889. WHITE FLAG (2003)
Vocalist: Dido (Dido Florian Cloud de Bournevialle O’malley Armstrong)
Writer/Composer: Dido Armstrong / Rick Nowels / Rollo Armstrong (2003)
An English singer / songwriter made a huge splash in the new century, as this song hit #1 as a Pop song in numerous countries, even nominated for the Grammy song of the year. Known for her sugar-sweet voice and beautiful stage presence, her 2.5+ octave, mezzo-soprano voice seems to glide through the air, catching our thoughts, intentions and heart with a soft, versatile, saccharine sound that stands on its own, very welcome in the 21st Century. She doesn’t excessively bend the notes to cater to the whims of modern audiences. Here she refuses to give in on a long relationship of love, as she repeats in the chorus, “I will go down with this ship / And I won’t put my hands up and surrender / There will be no white flag above my door / I’m in love and always will be.” …Celestial and Euphoric!
Link # 1 Original music video 2003, Link # 2 Live at 8 in 2005.
888. YOU’LL NEVER KNOW “Hello Frisco, Hello” (1943)
Vocalist: Dick Haymes
Writer/Composer: Harry Warren / Mack Gordon (1943)
This song was based on a poem written by a war bride, Dorothy Fern Norris, and it went on to become an award-winning song in the midst of WWII. Haymes delivers with a crooner’s touch, and with an artist’s brush stroke. Though from Argentina, Dick fit into America’s male Pop / Jazz landscape by working in films and musicals from the mid 1930s to the mid 50s, but his personal life took its toll on his singing voice—hence, he is not included among the likes of Crosby or Sinatra, even though his unique, expressive baritone was considered by many as astounding. His 2nd offering on our list is a classic—he delivers it with incredible relish…A Stellar love ballad with his Midas Touch!
887. I’D RATHER GO BLIND (1968)
Vocalist: Etta James (Jamesetta Hawkins)
Writer/Composer: Ellington Jordan / Billy Foster (1967)
Whether it’s Soft Rock / R#B / Soul or Blues, they all mesh together when it comes Etta. With each passing year she becomes more and more a part of America’s stream of consciousness as people recognize this U. S., iconic artist as Blues and Soul personified. As perhaps one of the most meaningful songs about the unbearable loss of a doomed relationship, her soulful, pleading vocals burn into our hearts. “Whoo. whoo, I was just, I was just, I was just / Sittin’ here thinkin’, of your kiss and warm embrace, yeah / When the reflection in the glass that I held to my lips now, baby / Revealed the tears that was on my face, yeah,” Her 2nd song on our list is a demonstration of her 3-octave, gritty, passionate, contralto voice, and displaying the message and feelings in the most expressive way possible…Exasperating and Magnificent!
Link # 1 Original recording 1968.
Link # 2 Live performance Montreux, Switzerland 1975.
886. WITH PEN IN HAND (1969)
Vocalist: Vikki Carr (Florencia Vicente de Casillas-Martinez Cardona)
Writer/Composer: Bobby Goldsboro (1968)
“Can you teach her how to roll up her hair / Can you make sure each night / That she says her prayers / Well if you can do these things / Then maybe she won’t miss me / Maybe she won’t miss me.” Very few songs ever reached the emotional, heartrending pain as this classic Bobby Goldsboro composition, as delivered from the woman’s point of view by Vikki Carr. It was a remarkable point in pop culture as she delivered this Pop song about a woman losing her kids in a court custody battle. Her performance was talked about for years as she cried real tears in delivering it. As an American vocalist whose musical career has spanned over 50 years, she captivates us with her crystal-clear contralto voice, moving within her 2 octaves, with excellent phrasing and vibrato…A Touching, Shattering Tour-de-Force!
Link # 1 Original recording 1969. Link # 2 Live performance, Ed Sullivan Show, 1969.
885. PERFECT (2017)
Vocalist: Ed Sheeran
Writer/Composer: Ed Sheeran
Very few Pop songs of the 21st Century have made such an indelible mark on pop culture as this one, so much so, that it appeals to almost every facet of the music community—Pop / Rock / Folk and R&B. With his 2nd listed song, Ed’s voice is not overpowering—it’s soft, resonant and sensitive, and he uses his 2 octaves in a skillful, appealing and trustworthy way, usually accompanied by his guitar. He is, as of 2025, the most streamed vocal artist of the 21st Century. As a British singer / songwriter in every sense of the word, singing sincerely of romance. The chorus says it all, “Baby, I’m dancing in the dark with you between my arms / Barefoot on the grass while listenin’ to our favourite song / When I saw you in that dress, lookin’ so beautiful / I don’t deserve this, darling you look perfect tonight.”…So Stirring!
Link # 1 Offical music video 2017. Link # 2 Official audio video with lyrics 2017.
884. KEEP ON LOVING YOU (1981)
Vocalist: REO Speedwagon & chorus (lead vocals Kevin Cronin, guitar solo Gary Richrath)
Writer/Composer: Kevin Cronin / Gary Richrath (1980)
As this song brought attention to the unique voice of Kevin Cronin, and the tune prevailed as one of the great #1 Rock hits of the 1980s. They were a 5-piece, American Rock band starting in the 1960s, skyrocketing to fame with their 9th album High Infidelity in 1980, Their numerous hits of the 80s displayed a great talent and perseverance for melody and well-phrased words, and the album sold over 10 million copies. The guitar solo is a cart-blanche example of the 80s and Cronin delivers with his distinctive vocals, with their biggest, unexpected power ballad with that defining opening piano riff and, “You should have seen by the look in my eyes, baby / There was something missin’ / You should have known by the tone of my voice / But you didn’t listen.” …Clearly Stupendous!
Link # 1 Original music video 1981, Link # 2 Live performance The Midnight Special 1981,
https://youtu.be/wJzNZ1c5C9c?si=plbW4ZQ6VHOtu_Dx
https://youtu.be/dnKSUBueI-w?si=1z0bkDEcFyMAOvF_
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883. I JUST CALLED TO SAY, ‘I LOVE YOU’ (2000)
Vocalist: Diane Schuur / featuring Herbie Hancock
Writer/Composer: Stevie Wonder “The Woman in Red” (1984)
Diane Schuur was SURE she had to give this song all that she could, and then some! She took her 3 and half octaves to this Lincoln Center tribute honoring Stevie Wonder—an amazing moment in the stream of time, a blind female vocalist honoring another blind vocalist, two iconic singers not giving in to what’s considered a serious handicap. Her cover of his wonderful song was almost supernatural, not disappointing, a heralded Jazz performer celebrating an R&B / Soul / Rock / Pop performer, with Herbie Hancock’s subdued backing, just simply…bringing the house down. Her mezzo-soprano, crystal-clear, perfect phrasing comes through, appealing to every genre, even a surprising ending, in her full Jazz delivery. It was a momentous occasion in the field of music and Truly a Legendary Performance!
Link - in 1999 at Lincoln Center, Washington DC, honoring Stevie Wonder.
https://youtu.be/VFzIseRifDk?si=oxNY30uLrrswEkzL
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882. THE SHOW MUST GO ON (1991)
Vocalist: Queen (Freddie Mercury)
Writer/Composer: Brian May / Freddie Mercury / John Deacon / Roger Taylor (1990)
Lead frontman of the 4-man British Rock band Queen, Freddie Mercury, was front and center with this marvelous Pop / Rock tune, and when he recorded it, he only lived for six more weeks. Now, widely acknowledged as one of the world’s great singers, his legendary vocals and charisma grow more and more each year. The song’s message is as if he’s telling the band to keep enduring and prevailing, long after he’s gone. Regardless, it’s a splendid production that aches with lyrics such as, “The show must go on / The show must go on / I’ll face it with a grin / I’m never giving in / On with the show.” Freddie’s dynamic presence here cements the message and the song into legendary status as he vocalizes in solo until the band joins in on the last verse…A Tour-De-Force…A Time Capsule Performance!
Link # 1 Original music video 1991. Link # 2 Live performance 1991.
881. I’M A WOMAN (1963)
Vocalist: Peggy Lee
Writer/Composer: Jerry Leiber / Mike Stoller (1962)
Peggy’s 4th song on our list is a Blues / Jazz piece that stands on its own. Was it really bold and alluring? Yes, indeed, mainly for the tantalizing lyrics in the last verse, teasingly playing cat and mouse with the listener. “I got a twenty-dollar gold piece / Says there’s nothing I can’t do / I can make a dress out of a feed bag / And I can make a man out of you! / “Cause I’m a woman / W O MA N / I’ll say it again.” Any way you slice it, she knows how to deliver a Jazzy / Blues / Pop song and tell us how to keep our man close by with this anthemic ode to a happy relationship. Her perfect pitch, her nuanced sense of subtleties and rhythm, made her a perfect candidate for a crowd-pleasing Swing singer and her contralto delivery was always welcomed for over 40 years beginning in the 1940s…Ecstatic and Avant-Garde!
Link # 1 Original recording 1963 remastered. Link # 2 Live performance 1963.
880. IF I FELL (1964)
Vocalist: The Beatles (lead John Lennon)
Writer/Composer: John Lennon / Paul McCartney (1964)
This beautiful, heralded love ballad, a true Pop song, was ahead of its time, dropping off the musical radar for a time, and now re-emerging as a masterpiece of melody and harmony. Their 8th listed song was different, with Lennon & McCartney sharing the microphone for their close harmonies, like the Everly Brothers. The beautiful sound mix in harmonies make this a winner, as its popularity has only increased through the passing of time, “If I fell in love with you / Would you promise to be true / And help me understand? / “Cause I’ve been in love before / And I found that love was more / Than just holding hands.” It’s really a song about being sure that the love he’s falling into, is the real thing. Time and again the Beatles show their ability to soar in melody and harmony…Purely Endearing!
Link - Remastered original recording from album Eleanor Rigby 1964.
879. HAPPY “Despicable Me 2” (2014)
Vocalist: Pharrell Williams & chorus
Writer/Composer: Pharrell Williams (2013)
A funny thing happened in 2013—the release of Pharrell’s falsetto-driven record, a phenomenal worldwide smash hit, a #1 song in over 20 countries, and the biggest hit of 2014, a ubiquitous tune that stayed on the charts, not for weeks, but for months. The catchy tune had everything going for it, a positive message, a Grammy award as ‘Song of the Year,’ and a clever American R&B singer / songwriter who pulled off a song that sailed into a groove that appealed to R&B / Neo Soul / Funk and Pop audiences. Has ‘clapping’ ever been so much fun? Its infectious chorus, “Because I’m happy / Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof / Because I’m happy / Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth.” Our times could use more vocals like this…An Absolute Gem…Pure Joy, and a Revelation!
Link - This music video has over a billion streams 2014!
878. EVENING FALLS
Vocalist: Enya
Writer/Composer: Enya
The sounds of Enya, not just her mesmerizing vocals, attracts so many legions of fans the world over to her music. Primarily a studio artist instead of a concert performer, she still, as of her 4th entry on our list, produces the ethereal sound of what we think angels may sound like—hence, her album, Watermark. Laying down multi tracks is a thing of beauty, but so is her solitary soprano voice. Her stunning songs make her the bestselling Folk / Celtic / New Age music artist of all time, and this is just an example of her harmonic melodies…Simply Enchanting!
877. NEW YORK STATE OF MIND (1976)
Vocalist: Billy Joel (featuring Richie Cannata saxophone)
Writer/Composer: Billy Joel (1976)
He can’t help himself, his real heart and love is in New York, and this number proves his love for Jazz as well as Rock, Pop, or even R&B. His piano skills are just absolutely amazing, and he sings with such heart, sincerity and attitude that it’s hard to imagine anyone not liking his vocal performances. His 4th number listed became a signature song, especially after the tragic events of 9-11. He concludes the last verse. “It comes down to reality / And it’s fine with me ‘cause I’ve let it slide / Don’t care if it’s Chinatown or on Riverside / I don’t have any reasons / I’ve left them all behind / I’m in a New York state if mind,” And he ends it, “I’m just taking a Greyhound on the Hudson River Line / ‘Cause I’m in a New York State of mind.” This song took on a life of its own…Overwhelming and Monumental!
Link # 1 Original audio recording 1976. Link # 2 Live Madison Square Garden 2016.
876. CIRCLE OF LIFE “The Lion King” (1998)
Vocalist: Tsidii Le Loka & Chorus (Broadway Play)
Writer/Composer: Movie - Elton John / Tim Rice Writer/Composer: Play - Mbongeni Ngema / Elton John (1994)
From the opening words in Zulu (World Music), and from the 1994 worldwide hit, the animated movie, the Lion King, this became part of the music culture of the 1990’s, spawning this rendition of the astounding hypnotic opening, and its equally successful Broadway musical play. No animated movie ever made such an impression on world entertainment as this powerful display of preserving nature. The award-winning vocals are spine-tingling, “Nants ingonyama bagithi baba,” for the astonishing richness in its heartfelt emotional delivery…A gratifying impact…Stunning, Inspirational!
Link - Original recording form the Animated 1994 film.
