725-701-Great Vocals
725. NEW YORK, NEW YORK “On the Town” (1949)
Vocalist: Gene Kelly / Frank Sinatra / Jules Munchin
Writer/Composer: Leonard Bernstein / Roger Edens / Betty Comden / Adolph Green (1944)
This fabulous 1944 Broadway musical was a huge success, proving that large cities not only had a pulse, but a heartbeat as well. It transferred nicely to the screen in 1949, and this musical piece was lifted right from the movie, providing an even better interpretation of this glorious number. It has Kelly, Sinatra, with his 6th entry on our list, and Jules Munchin in the title main roles. Can three sailors possibly have this much fun and mischief as they look for a date? Actually filmed on locations in New York City, the numbers are a pure joy—they make you smile, laugh, and take a nostalgic look at days gone by. The memories wash right over you…A Splendid, Delightful Treat!
Link - Fabulous clip from the movie On the Town 1949.
724. MY FOOLISH HEART (1956)
Vocalist: Carmen McRae
Writer/Composer: Ned Washington / Victor Young (1949)
This song, a Jazz standard and Pop hit, was one of the biggest hits of 1950. Every singer who sang in easy-listening Pop / Jazz / Blues selections, wanted to and did record it. As an American Jazz vocalist, Carmen’s eloquent, smooth-as-silk, soprano voice was her trademark—she had the ability to influence all who would follow with her, “Behind the beat phrasing and ironic interpretation of lyrics.” Her 50+ year career was full of remarkable highlights, this song being one of her best. “For this time it isn’t fascination / Or a dream that will fade and fall apart / It’s love this time / It’s love, my foolish heart.” Of all the truly great recordings of this song, we will always come back to this piano bar, Jazz recording. Why? It transcends Pop into tunes of…Splendor!
Link # 1 Original recording 1956. Link # 2 Audio recording, Live 1956.
723. BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO (1975)
Vocalist: Neil Sedaka
Writer/Composer: Howard Greenfield / Neil Sedaka (1962)
Singer / songwriter / pianist Neil Sedaka saw his career in Jazz / Pop music soar again with this wonderful, re-invented, slow-down version of his famous signature song. In one of the most innovative moves in Pop music history he re-recorded the song, and it was considered not only better, but a more mature, slightly jazzed up, vibrato-filled performance, perfect for Jazz piano bars and romantic interludes. It became an international hit, and allowed his unique, 2.5 octave, tenor voice to re-emerge, keeping his warm tones available for over six decades. When we say unique voices, very few artists can touch his tone or his sound, which is immediately recognizable, no matter what stage in his storied career, from 1960 on. This song is among the very best of his over 1000 compositions…Romantically Sophisticated!
Link # 1 Original Recording 1975. Link # 2 Live excellent 1975 performance.
722. I’M NOT IN LOVE (2015)
Vocalist: Diana Krall
Writer/Composer: Eric Stewart / Graham Gouldman (1975)
This has become a Jazz masterpiece, a re-invented tune from the British Pop / Soft Rock group, 10cc, with their mysterious, iconic song, and taking it to a heavenly new level. Canadian Jazz singer and pianist, Diana Krall is the only Jazz singer who has had at least 8 albums debut at # 1 on Billboard’s Jazz album charts. From the early 1990s through the 2010s, she has rewarded the listener with her smokey, sultry, contralto delivery, and her striking dynamics as a real Jazz aficionado. She has also sold millions of albums and her interpretations of difficult numbers, such as this one, proves she’s not just a trendy female singer, she’s, as one writer put it, “she’s got her own gig.” This piece, Totally Exceptional and Melancholy.
Link # 1 Original audio with lyrics 2015. Link # 2 Live performance with orchestra and chorus 2016.
721. NO TIME TO KILL (1991)
Vocalist: Clint Black
Writer/Composer: Clint Black (1991)
He continues on through 35 years as a Country music singer, appears publicly with his signature black cowboy hat, and he has distinguished himself by being one of the best singer / songwriter / producer / musicians in the business. With his 2nd song on our list, he exhibits a great knack for surrounding himself in this number with 7 gifted musicians, and he gives us 4+ minutes of stellar fiddle and guitar playing. His tenor vocal expressions in this song display easy to understand lyrics, and one reason for this is he sings with power and great phrasing—the music doesn’t drown out his lyrics. His Roy Rogers good looks and his pleasant, winsome persona make him one of the leading Country male vocalists of the late 1980s through the 2010s…And he’s a great interviewer…Terrific and Celebrated!
Link # 1 Original recording 1993. Link # 2 Live performance 1993.
720. CHANSON D’ENFANCE “Aspects of Love” (1997)
Vocalist: Sarah Brightman
Writer/Composer: Andrew Lloyd Webber / Charles Hart / Don Black (1989)
Sarah’s beautiful voice soars into the heavens here, displaying her high soprano vocals with her song from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s play. With her 4th appearance on our list, she proves she’s not just another high voice, but a remarkable, gifted vocal artist with this French entry, easily catching our attention as a World Music artist. She floats with her heavenly voice, effortlessly proving—it’s not how strong one’s voice is, it’s how you use your gift to make such extraordinary sounds and music. A marvelous musical arrangement accompanies her…Exquisite Offering!
719. I CAN’T STAND THE RAIN (1974)
Vocalist: Ann Peebles
Writer/Composer: Ann Peeples / Don Bryant / Bernie Miller (1973)
This is one of those songs that has gained momentum through the years that seems to grow in popularity as a R&B / Soul / Blues classic. This catchy tune doesn’t allow you to stand still—it grows on you. Ann Peebles recorded it first in Memphis, and it seemed a musical tsunami developed—everyone wanted to record it, and many did, with multiple covers duplicating and re-inventing the song. Known as a dominative singer with a powerful, fluent, Southern-style, unique voice, we love the way she introduces “rain” in this number, hitting a high falsetto each time she sings the word. “I can’t stand the “rain,” against my window / Bringing back sweet memories / I can’t stand the “rain,” against my window / ‘Cause he ain’t here with me.” Aching and Electrifying!
Link # 1 Official audio with words 1974. Link # 2 Live performance 1974.
718. I WAS THE ONE (1956)
Vocalist: Elvis Presley / the Jordanaires
Writer/Composer: Aaron Schroeder / Bill Peppers / Claude Demetrius / Hal Blair (1955)
Elvis’s 5th entry on our list is not a masterpiece, but it’s the pinnacle of one of the great, abrupt changes in the American and world music landscape—it would never be the same! It was the flip side of Heartbreak Hotel, his first 2-sided hit, his first Nashville recording, and his first venture with RCA. A love ballad of a regretful breakup, this became one of the very first slow-paced Rock songs. His low baritone delivery, his primitive Rockabilly style and, at the time, his unique way of musical presentation, makes it a must for students of American music. And the intro, “I was the one who taught her to kiss / The way that she kisses you now / And you know the way she touches your cheek / Well, I taught her how.” Now, that’s as good as it gets…Nostalgic and Exceptional!
Link # 1 Official audio recording 1956. Link # 2 Live performance in 1956.
717. I COULD HAVE DANCED ALL NIGHT (1956)
Vocalist: Julie Andrews / & Chorus singing counterpoint.
Writer/Composer: Music Frederick Loewe / Lyrics Alan Jay Lerner (1956)
In her breakout performance as Eliza Doolittle, Julie became a sensation, joining the Mt. Rushmore of female vocalists, actors, and entertainers. From that musical performance to well into the 21st century, she expresses her joy and excitement after an impromptu dance with Professor Henry Higgins, a turning point in the Broadway Musical. Her soprano voice here is amazing, with stunning, youthful, crystal-clear vocalizing, with charisma, jaw-dropping stage presence, and astounding vocal phrasing, attitude, and power, absolutely making this song her own, her 4th number on our list. She is now legendary, with great vocals from the 1950s and into the 1990s…A Sparkling Celebration!
Link # 1 Orginal Broadway recording. Link # 2 On the Dinah Shore Show in 1958.
716. SINGING THE BLUES (1956)
Vocalist: Marty Robbins
Writer/Composer: Melvin Endsley (1955)
Not to be confused with Guy Mitchell’s massive # 1 hit song in 1956 / 57, this version became a Country / Rock / Pop sensation, largely due to his exceptional guitar playing and his flair to vocalize yodeling into his arrangement. He really gets our attention (his 4th on our list) with this well-crafted song with these lines in the chorus, “The moon and stares no longer shine / The dream is gone I thought was mine / There’s nothing left for me to do / But (yodeling) cry-cry-cry-cry over you.” Great Country (Rockabilly) songs readily crossed over onto the Pop charts and this one became a classic, putting Marty Robbins on a 3+ decade career as an American singer /songwriter, selling millions of records. Marty’s rich baritone introduces a now legendary crying Blues sound…A Stellar Diamond in the Rough!
Link # 1 Original recording 1956. Link # 2 Live performance in 1957.
715. COME SAIL AWAY (1977)
Vocalist: Styx (lead Dennis DeYoung)
Writer/Composer: Dennis DeYoung (1977)
Styx became known as an American Rock / Progressive Pop band with two lead singers, Dennis DeYoung and Tommy Shaw. This song really displays DeYoung’s gifted tenor voice. Their musical gifts and stage presence filled stadiums in the 1970s on through the 80s, and this is considered one of their finest songs from their multi-platinum album, The Grand Illusion. The 5-piece bands ability to shift gears into a higher tempo is very evident, as a slow piano intro turns into a surprising, explosive, synthesizer-driven piece that rocks, with DeYoung’s strong voice transcending the thunderous musical accompaniment. His soaring vocals lift this number into one of the signature sounds of the 70s, and his vocal prowess was repected by all genres of music…Absolutely Mesmerizing!
Link # 1 Original music video 1977. Link # 2 Album extended version 1977.
714. SEEMS LIKE OLD TIMES “Annie Hall” (1977)
Vocalist: Diane Keaton / Artie Butler piano
Writer/Composer: Carmen Lombardo / John Jacob Loeb (1945)
Sometimes we discover that singers can really act in films, but sometimes it’s harder to discover that actors can sometimes really sing—that’s precisely what we discover here in Woody Allen’s romantic comedy, Annie Hall. This award-winning film showcases Keaton’s perfect delivery of this Pop / Jazz piano bar song, and it stays long in the memory after the film is over. Her perfect phrasing and delicate performance of the song was both a farewell tune in the movie, as well as a revelation on how good and natural her voice really was, singing it extra slow with “smoldering confidence.” She exudes a shy, inviting charisma, a come hither grace…not…”la de da”…Purely Sublime, Beautiful!
Link - great scene from the movie Annie Hall 1977.
713. ABSENT MINDED ME (1964)
Vocalist: Barbra Streisand (Peter Matz Orch. and arranger)
Writer/Composer: Bob Merrill / Jule Styne (1963)
This number from Barbra’s award-winning album, People, is a Pop song that morphs into a kind of torchy Blues song, thanks to a beautiful and subdued musical arrangement by Peter Matz. Looking back, it seems now that it could be a showstopper from Broadway. Her vocal clarity is exquisite, every nuance and note change is a work of art. And the lyrics, she reminds us…”Absent minded me / Absent minded me / I’m losing a key / Or missing a glove / Just like me to lose my love / Gotta find it, absent minded…me” Her 7th entry on our list is powerful as she reminds us that her memory from her former love is all she has left, and as she draws the song to its conclusion, she turns the number into a Blues song…Momentous and Captivating!
712. YOU AND ME AGAINST THE WORLD (1974)
Vocalist: Helen Reddy
Writer/Composer: Kenny Ascher / Paul Williams (1974)
She was one of the most popular Australian-American female vocalists of the 1970s, not because of her strong overpowering voice, but because of her sensitive, warm, instantly recognizable, wavering soprano vocals. She, like most other female vocalist of the 1970s And ‘80s, was a singer / songwriter / actress, with a wide string of hits, this being one of her most beloved, embraced songs. It addresses the relationship of a working mother and her young son, “You and me against the world / Sometimes it feels like you and me against the world / And for all the times we cried / I always felt that God was on our side,” is a particularly touching line. “I love you too, Mommy.” Helen’s array of good songs crossed the boundaries of Pop / Folk and Country, and resonated worldwide…Wonderfully Touching and Endearing!
Link # 1 Original recording 1974. Link # 2 Live performance the Glen Campbell Music Show 1974.
711. AMELIA (1976)
Vocalist: Joni Mitchell (feat. Larry Carlton elec. guitar)
Writer/Composer: Joni Mitchell from album Hejira
What can we say about Joni’s 5th entry on our list? She reflects her inner feelings on loss of love and Amelia Earhart’s 1937 tragic loss of life as she tries to fly solo across the Pacific Ocean. The result—an iconic masterpiece of a Folk / Jazz song, as only she could sing it. She sums it all up by ending each verse, “It was just a false alarm.” From the opening verse, “Six jet planes leaving white vapor trails / across a bleak terrain,” we are captivated, as she accompanies and convinces us with her heavenly, beautiful, chameleon like, charismatic voice…Stunningly Mesmerizing!
Link # 1 Original Recording. Link # 2 Live concert 1979.
710. FOOTLOOSE “Footloose” (1984)
Vocalist: Kenny Loggins
Writer/Composer: Kenny Loggins / Dean Pitchford (1984)
Anyone from the mid-1980s knows the bass guitar riff that hearkens the beginning of this never-aging teenage dance movie, Footloose. It remains a strong thread that runs through coming-of-age films about the perils of being a teenager in these elusive times. It has taken its place among great numbers in the 1980s movie culture. Loggins really delivers here, with a tune that absolutely forbids standing still—you just gotta dance! His vocals are light, airy, sensational, and yet he delivers them with a raspy growl. The song was a smash, a perfect present for a three-decade career for this American singer / songwriter who gave us Rock / R&B / Pop, even Children’s music. His distinctive voice really shines…Simply Exhilarating!
Link # 1 Official Kenny Loggins audio recording. Link # 2 Official Movie clip of the song.
709. THE WAY YOU MAKE ME FEEL (1987)
Vocalist: Michael Jackson & Chorus
Writer/Composer: Michael Jackson (1987)
The King of Pop excels here, taking this rocket of a R&B tune to a stratospheric launch from his multi-platinum album, Bad. In the music video he shows off his vocal prowess by using all 4+ octaves of his versatile, recognizable voice, “Gon girl,” and his iconic, surprising, dance moves, wooing the girl that tries to ignore him. Of his own compositions, this solidified his place as an amzing American singer / songwriter / dancer—at this point in his career he was appealing to all musical genres, R&B / Rock / Pop / Soul. His recordings made him one of the most successful vocal artists in history, and his appeal and adulation was worldwide. He does his own sensational overdubbing in the background vocals with his 3rd entry on our list. We can’t imagine anyone else performing this song…Beyond Compare!
Link # 1 Original recording 1987. Link # 2 Live performance 1987.
708. ALONE (1987)
Vocalist: Heart (lead Ann Wilson guitar / Nancy Wilson piano (Howard Leese Guitar solo)
Writer/Composer: Billy Steinberg / Tom Kelly (1983)
The Wilson Sisters are at it again, this time with a power-packed performance that would become a # 1 song and a staple of Classic Rock. As their 4th entry on our list, they firmly carve their place on the Mt. Rushmore of American Rock female singers / songwriters / guitarists. The music video shows what physical acrobatics the girls could pull off in the song, and at the end of the second chorus, Ann let out a scream that could make Robert Plant flinch! The love ballad becomes a power ballad at that point, and when the girl’s voices unite, it’s a feast of pure harmony seldom heard in a Rock / Pop offering. Ann utilizes her full 3+ octaves here, and her soprano voice grabs the listener and doesn’t let go. A Stunning, Sensational Performance!
Link # 1 Original music video 1988.’s
707. I’LL COME RUNNING BACK TO YOU (1957)
Vocalist: Sam Cooke
Writer/Composer: Sam Cooke (1956)
Sam Cooke’s distinctive, Gospel-trained background with the Soul Stirrers in the 1950s helped him become one of the truly iconic, legendary singers of the 1950s & 60s. His 4th entry on our list proves his influence as a R&B / Soul / Jazz / Pop singer, and he gently lets his unique voice convince us that his love and devotion from this song is real. It floats beautifully into the atmosphere for its sincerity, concluding with the words, “I try to forget, have no regrets / This love of ours could always start anew / Just call my name, I know, I know, I know I’m not ashamed / I’ll come running back to you.” This American singer / songwriter, and his smooth, mellow, recognizable tenor voice sadly left us with his untimely death at 33 years. His following since has phenomenally increased each year…Elegant and Enchanting!
Link # 1 Original recording 1957. Link # 2 Original complete audio with lyrics 1957.
706. GOD BLESS THE CHILD (1968)
Vocalist: Blood, Sweat & Tears (David Clayton Thomas)
Writer/Composer: Arthur Herzog / Billie Holiday / (1939)
This number’s 2nd appearance on our list, and the 3rd appearance by BS&T, has certainly made its mark in 20th Century music. This time it was reworked, in fact, re-invented by this 9-piece band, passing into history as a Jazz classic as well as Rock / R&B / Soul and Big Band piece. Canadian David Clayton Thomas took it upon himself to not diminish Billie Holiday’s timeless song, but to embellish it for future generations, with one of the greatest ensembles of musicians imaginable. But his voice, oh, what an instrument it is here! His voice growls, it sings with gritty resolve, it dives into darkness, it captivates in pure Blues, not bad for a Rock / Pop / Jazz band. Instantly recognizable with his hard-to describe vocals, he always entertained in concert…Absolutely Mind-Blowing!
Link # 1 Official audio 1968. Link # 2 LIve performance 1971
705. QUEST REGGIA “Turandot” (1972)
Vocalist: Joan Sutherland / Luciano Pavarotti / JohnAldis Choir / (London Philharmonic Orch. / Zubin Mehta cond.)
Writer/Composer: Giacomo Puccini / Franco Alfano (Finishing for deceased Puccini) / Renato Simoni / Giuseppi Adami (1926)
In the world of Classical music, this Opera piece by Puccini is one of the most popular duets in its long romantic history. It marks world renown Pavarotti’s 6th entry on our list and world-famous Australian Joan Sutherland’s 3rd. This great duet dances with feeling, power, acting and beauty in bringing great melody to the world’s legions of fans of this selection and this performance. Joan confirms here—she’s one of the leading coloratura sopranos of the century, and Pavarotti…well, what more can we say?…A Stunning, Jaw-dropping Performance!
704. APRIL SHOWERS “Bombo” (1922)
Vocalist: Al Jolson
Writer/Composer: Buddy G. DeSylva / Louis Silvers (1921)
Jolson sings again, (not the movie), but the reality, when radio ruled the airwaves, and it seemed he could do no wrong. In 1921 radio became the biggest thing in entertainment, and safe to say, Al Jolson, led the revolution with hit song after hit song. He took this Jazz / Pop tune all the way to the top, and for most of the decade of the “Roaring 20s,” he was the most popular entertainer in the world. His bombastic, Mr. Showmanship, tenor voice was a welcome change after World War I and was one of the only positives during and after the Spanish Flu Pandemic brought on by the war, that killed around 50 million people, more than the war itself. This positive piece was like a breath of fresh air, and Jolson delivered it perfectly…High-Spirited and Uplifting!
703. SAY SOMETHING (2013)
Vocalist: A Great Big World (Ian Axel / Chad King) / Christina Aguilera
Writer/Composer: Mike Campbell / Ian Axel / Chad King (2011)
This song soars into America’s consciousness—Why? Because it’s a Pop piano ballad that really touches the heart—both singers vocalize their thoughts and emotions of a romantic breakup, with regret, sadness and expressive humility. The lyrics are powerful, largely because of Christina’s extraordinary soprano voice, and her wise restrained use of the upper registers of her amazing 4-octave voice, she remains one of the most popular American / Latino singers of the 21st century. Ian Axel’s voice comes from deep within himself, as he transcends his obsessive, compulsive disorder (OCD) and touches our emotions with jaw-dropping sensitivity. “Say something, I’m giving up on you / I’m sorry that I couldn’t get to you / Anywhere, I would have followed you / Say something, I’m giving up on you.” Whew! Moving and Sublime!
Link # 1 Original video recording 2013. Link # 2 Live performance American Music Awards 2014.
702. RED DIRT GIRL (2000)
Vocalist: Emmylou Harris (featuring Mark Knopfler guitar)
Writer/Composer: Emmylou Harris (2000)
“Me and my best friend Lillian / And her blue tick Hound dog Gideon / Sittin’ on the front porch, coolin’ in the shade / Singin’ every song the radio played.” And so we’re introduced in spades to her and her best friend Lillian. In Emmylou’s 5+ decades of music and her choice of recordings from her plethora of albums, give us a sampling of her astounding, ethereal vocals and the touching reaction to her “silken” soprano voice. This respected American singer / musician with her 3rd entry on our list, is a shining example of her songwriting skills, and her shimmering voice attracts musicians from Country / Bluegrass / Rock / Folk and Americana. This tragic reflective song from growing up in rural Alabama, takes you there, and transfers you to another era of surviving…Phenomenal and Mournful!
Link # 1 Official video in 2000. Link # 2 Live performance at Farm Aid 2005.
701. AND YOU AND I (Cord of Life / Eclipse / The Preacher, The Teacher / Apocalypse - with 4 parts)
Vocalist: Yes (Jon Anderson lead)
Writer/Composer: Jon Anderson / Steve Howe / Bill Bruford / Chris Squire (1972)
This is an intended Folk Song that ends up also being Progressive Rock. Whatever the intention, their 2nd entry listed is an enigma of sorts, a 5-part poetic expression of the history of love, from its birth until the “seeds of life” transfer us from the “apocalyptic” cradle— to the grave. The fan base bought into it as…perhaps…Progressive Folk? Whatever we think, it is a British masterpiece, from each key member of the band’s 4-point harmony, Chris Squire’s sensitive guitars, Rick Wakemans keyboards, to Jon’s searing, high, lead vocals…Truly Overwhelming!
Link # 1 Remastered song from 1972 album Close to the Edge recording. Link # 2 Live concert from 1975.
