625-601-Great Vocals
625. S.O.S. D’UN TERRIEN EN DETRESSE “Starmania” (2017)
Vocalist: Dimash Qudaibergen (pronounced Kudibergen)
Writer/Composer: Michael Berger / Luc Plamondon (1978)
If it wasn’t for You-Tube, we probably wouldn’t know about Dimash, from Kazakhstan, who took World Music by storm in the mid-2010s. He has been soaring ever since! He displays it here with an almost impossible range, spanning some 5 to 6 octaves! He doesn’t just hit high notes, he SINGS in all of them, effortlessly using his perfect pitch to reach highs and lows that seem…inhuman! In English this song means, “not being comfortable in our own skin. When you see and experience the performance, it’s a Stunning, Riveting Tour-De-Force!
https://youtu.be/JEz1qGS0T1Q?si=fAwxAHSCfiaspNd9
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624. UNDUN (1969)
Vocalist: The Guess Who (Burton Cummings)
Writer/Composer: Randy Bachman (1969)
Canadian singer / songwriter / keyboardist, Burton Cummings, places a 2nd entry on our list. He fronted two Rock Bands, The Guess Who and Bachman Turner Overdrive, and flourished in a solo career as a Rock / Pop / Jazz / Soul singer. The band ventures into Jazz Fusion here and with one of the most distinctive voices from the 1960s-1980s, his career has spanned over 5 decades. This song validates his versatility—he even plays the flute solo in this number. His voice can be abrasive, unique, surprising, and he really can stretch the high notes of his vocal abilities…Absolutely Enthralling!
623. WHAT I DID FOR LOVE “A Chorus Line” (1979)
Vocalist: Shirley Bassey
Writer/Composer: Marvin Hamlisch / Edward Kleban (1977)
This British legend’s 2nd entry on our list is remarkable. She brings her alto-soprano voice into full-throttled reality here, taking each note, each syllable, to its beautiful, spine-tingling conclusion. This love ballad from “A Chorus Line” has a sobering effect. In its anthemic context, whatever happens to performers in their dance careers, they did it for love, without regrets. She wins us over with her mystifying smile and facial expressiveness, not holding anything back vocally. What a way to exhibit her musical pipes!…A Breathtaking Selection!
622. BLACK WATER (1974)
Vocalist: The Doobie Brothers
Writer/Composer: Patrick Simmons (1974)
One of the most gifted bands of the 1970s was an anomaly of sorts—you just couldn’t help but sing along with this affecting, catchy tune and chorus. They deliver with their 2nd entry on our list—who could resist the invite,"Well, if it rains, I don’t care / Don’t make no difference to me / Just take that streetcar that’s goin’ uptown / Yeah, I’d like to hear some funky Dixieland and dance a honky-tonk / and I’ll be buyin’ ev’rybody drinks all ‘roun,” With Patrick Simmon’s lead and the band’s vocal intervals in the chorus, it somehow morphs into a musical Rock Masterpiece of Timing! With amazing, layered tracks and studio production, it flies! Absolutely Spectacular!
621. 9 TO 5 “Nine to Five” (1980)
Vocalist: Dolly Parton & Chorus (Larry Knechtel piano)
Writer/Composer: Dolly Parton (1980)
Dolly shines again with this upbeat signature song, her 3rd on our list, counting her turn in the album Trio. She has ruled the Country / Pop and Rock charts as well. Perhaps one of the most motivational songs ever, and straight from the movie, winning Country song of the year and numerous other awards. Who can resist the opening, “Tumble out of bed / And stumble to the kitchen / Pour myself a cup of ambition / Yawn and stretch and try to come alive.” Her soprano voice was truly sensational and remarkable for this catchy tune, captivating us from its opening piano riff…A Country Classic, Spunky & Infectious!
620. JUST ONE OF THOSE THINGS “Jubilee” (1952)
Vocalist: Peggy Lee (real name Norma Egstrom) / Gordon Jenkins Orch.)
Writer/Composer: Cole Porter (1935)
This illustrious American Pop singer always delivered, as we see with her 2nd song on our list. With one of the most unique, recognizable sultry voices of the 20th century, this Jazz / Pop / Blues singer, shines here with her amazing, versatile and nonchalant delivery of this Cole Porter Jazz song from the American Songbook. “It was just one of those nights / Just one of those fabulous nights / A trip to the moon on gossamer wings / Just one of those things.” Peggy’s longevity (over 40 years) only seems to add to her legend…Dazzling and Marvelous!
619. NORTH TO ALASKA “North to Alaska” (1960)
Vocalist: Johnny Horton & chorus (singing bass Rusty Goodman)
Writer/Composer: Mike Phillips / Tillman Franks (1960)
This Movie song was a hit, his 2nd on our list, even hitting #4 on the Pop charts. Dominating the Country / Pop / Folk genres, and greatly recognized as historically accurate, it was a history lesson, a craftily written song about the Alaska Goldrush. “Sam crossed the majestic mountains to the valleys far below / He talked to his team of huskies as he mushed on through the snow / With the Northern Lights a-running wild in the land of the midnight sun.” His primitive, unique growl and his untimely death before its release, made him a Country Legend!
618. I COULD HAVE DANCED ALL NIGHT “My Fair Lady” (1964)
Vocalist: Audrey Hepburn (voice Marni Nixon)
Writer/Composer: Frederick Loewe / Alan Jay Lerner (1956)
This wonderful song from My Fair Lady represents what’s right and wrong with leading vocals in the movies. Looking back, we think of Julie Andrews from the stage production and Audrey Hepburn in the movie. Audrey does a beautiful job lip-singing Marni’s glorious trilling and high soprano. Again, she’s the ghost singer in the sky here, with her 5th song on our list, as the century’s most unappreciated or underrated, (West Side Story & The King and I), but certainly one of the very best, singing a stunning Pop lead in this classic…Simply Enchanting!
617. SMOKE FROM A DISTANT FIRE (1977)
Vocalist: Sanford Townsend Band (lead John Townsend)
Writer/Composer: Ed Sanford / John Townsend / Steven Stewart (1977)
If you lived in the 1970s, perhaps you remember one of the most self-contained, American Pop / Rock / one-hit wonders of the century. It was perfect—Great session players, an opening drum set, a stellar sax intro, rhymical horns, great guitar work, and the R&B vocals of John Townsend, backed by Ed Sanford. This well-crafted tune for the ages featured one of the best soulful vocals ever, a musical sound including Pop, R&B, Soul, Rock, Jazz, all rolled into one, slowly rising toward a unique musical conclusion…An Marvelous Magnum Opus!
616. COME GO WITH ME (1957)
Vocalist: The Del-Vikings (lead Gus Backus / bass Clarence Quick)
Writer/Composer: Clarence Quick (1956)
This American 5-man vocal group was one of the very best of the Doo Wop / R&B / Rock groups of the 1950s. They were among the first interracial groups, and with front man Gus Backus leading the way with his distinctive, smooth, tenor voice, the song was an absolute joy, with innocent lyrics, its up-tempo beat and its magnetic intro, “Dom dom dom dom dom, /dom di dooby, /dom dom dom dom dom, /dom di dooby, /dom dom dom dom dom, /dom di dooby dom, /wah wah wah-ah.” Singer Quick’s unique bass voice is terrific…A Nostalgic Delight!
615. SEND ME A LOVER (1993)
Vocalist: Taylor Dayne
Writer/Composer: Richard Hayne / George Thatcher (1973)
From its opening piano riff to its electrifying conclusion, this song is something very special, an R&B / Soul song disguised as a Pop song! This American Pop singer / songwriter surprised everyone with this romantic power ballad about yearning for real love. As a contralto, she uses the lower span of 2 to 3 octaves, starting low and, with each verse, building toward an earthshaking finish. Her career started in the mid-1980s and she was a force for female singers through the 90s. Not one of her biggest hits—it’s one of her greatest vocal performances…Simply Mesmerizing!
614. THE SUNNY SIDE OF THE STREET “Lew Leslie’s International Review” (2011)
Vocalist: Jon Batiste
Writer/Composer: Jimmy McHugh / Dorothy Fields (1930)
This international standard was given a modern treatment by one of the most decorated American tenors of the 21st century. Able to use his Gospel / Jazz background to cross all boundaries, he’s conquered all genres as a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist / entertainer. From his album All That Jaxx, we embrace an epiphany of sorts, a delightful, happy, Jazz selection, with harmonica, with his New Orleans verve and his sensational light-hearted vocal that really encompasses Jazz / Soul / R&B and Pop. His vocals stand on their own…Amazing and Jubilant!
613. If YOU DON’T KNOW ME BY NOW (1972)
Vocalist: Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes (lead Teddy Pendergrass & chorus)
Writer/Composer: Kenny Gamble / Leon Huff (1972)
The Philadelphia R&B / Soul / Pop sound of this group is a stunning orchestral production with great backup singers, with Teddy as the exceptional Soul singer. Their sweet, mellow sound of the 1970s made this a perfect song for slow dancing. Pendergrass went on his own until his singing career ended by accident. His remarkable, influential vocals were recognized by his emotional delivery and his unique, raspy baritone. This song is a perfect example of voicing our strengths and our weakness, a plea for the preservation of love…Irresistibly Stirring!
612. RAMBLE ON (1969)
Vocalist: Led Zeppelin (lead Robert Plant (acoustic & electric guitar) (bass John Paul Jones / John Bonham drums)
Writer/Composer: Robert Plant / Jimmy Page (1969)
By the time the 1970s were over, their 3rd selection on our list from Led Zeppelin II, rose from Middle Earth (Lord of the Rings) to excel individually and collectively with some of the most jaw-dropping playing in Blues / Rock history, selling over 11 million units of this album. What can be said about Plant’s high, piercing vocals? He sings in a low alto, then in the chorus, explodes into the loudest of yelps and phrasings. Jimmy Page’s guitar performance is versatile, flawless and Jones and Bonham?—What can we say? Prepare yourself…Mercurial and Dynamic!
611. HELP ME (1974)
Vocalist: Joni Mitchell
Writer/Composer: Joni Mitchell (1974)
Canadian singer / songwriter Joni Mitchell does it again, crossing genres with this fabulous love song from her album Court and Spark, her 4th entry on our list. Recorded with Tom Scott’s 6-piece Jazz Band, she rises to the occasion this time with her extraordinary Jazz soprano sound. “Help me / I think I’m fallin’ / In love again / When I get that crazy feeling I know / I’m in love again / I’m in trouble / ‘Cause you’re a rambler and a gambler / And a sweet-talking lady’s man.” This suave, rambling melody was Joni’s biggest hit…Simply Euphoric!
610. IF I LOVED YOU “Carousel” (1954)
Vocalist: John Raitt
Writer/Composer: Oscar Hammerstein / Richard Rodgers (1945)
He is one of the finest male vocalists of the Musical Theater, a baritone with a beautiful relaxing delivery that would make women swoon and men green with envy. He may be better known as Bonnie Raitt’s father, but it was his sumptuous interpretations of Broadway Musicals that put him in such demand from the 1950s on through the 1970s. Carousel was a culture changing musical that affected musicals even today. This may be the best recording of this R&H classic. Please check out this performance—to the very last note…Simply Magnificent!
609. KISS AN ANGEL GOOD MORNING (1971)
Vocalist: Charlie Pride
Writer/Composer: Ben Peters (1971)
This groundbreaking Country song plowed new ground, opening the way for black artists to break into Country music, even winning the award for the best Country song in 1972. He became a superstar with his rich baritone voice. Every juke box was playing, “You’ve got to kiss an angel good mornin’ / And let her know you think about when you’re gone / Kiss an angel good mornin’ / And love her like the devil when you get back home.” This signature song, by far his biggest hit, unexpectedly crossed onto the Pop charts. Listen, a precious gem…Lofty, Stirring!
608. I JUST CALLED TO SAY I LOVE YOU “The Woman in Red” (1984)
Vocalist: Stevie Wonder (Stevland Hardaway Judkins)
Writer/Composer: Stevie Wonder (1984)
Stevie Wonder, with his 3rd entry on our list, is now a legend, “No April rain, no flowers bloom / No wedding Saturday within the month of June / But what it is, is something true / Made up of these three words that I must say to you.” His crooning ability to sing romantic songs appeals to everyone, and his writing, production, and multiple capability to play almost any instrument (in this case, synthesizers) is awe-inspiring. This award-winning international song topped the charts in 19 countries in Pop, R&B and Soul…Wow! Simply Mesmerizing!
607. SILKIE (1961)
Vocalist: Joan Baez
Writer/Composer: Traditional (Unknown) / modern translation Noel Duggan
Spanning more than 6 decades, she and Bob Dylan have the longest careers than anyone ever in Folk music. She plays this jaw-dropping Traditional Folk piece with a lone acoustic guitar—her marvelous, distinctive voice does the rest, with her 5th entry on our list. Her angelic, strong, quivering vibrato leads her extraordinary, mezzo-soprano voice, from her Joan Baez # 2 album. This mystical story legend features a woman who has her child taken away from a great selkie of Sule Skerry, transforming from a seal to human…A Stunning Treasure!
606. THE BRIDGE OF TEARS (1998)
Vocalist: Clannad (lead vocals Maire Brennan, Keyboard / mandolin Ciaran Brennan
Writer/Composer: Noel Duggan
Part of this superb traditional Irish tune is sung in the Gaelic dialect, qualifying it as a foreign language World Music / New Age entry. It is the Irish Folk band’s 2nd entry on our list, and the lyrics refers to a threshold from life to death, begging the listener to experiences their own feelings of loss and love. From their 1998 album Landmarks, Clannad’s award-winning musical arrangement is stunning with impeccable harmonies tracking throughout. With Maire Brennan’s ethereal, vocal performance, it’s a stunning work of art…Enchanting!
https://youtu.be/cci0Fa0uQTA?si=UsWqhPpIR1TnGxDC
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605. STAND BACK (1983)
Vocalist: Stevie Nicks & chorus (featuring Prince on synthesizers)
Writer/Composer: Stevie Nicks (1983)
A bonified superstar by the 1980s, this Rock song, her 5th on our list including Fleetwood Mac, was a monster hit, pretty well cementing her status as one of the premier female Rock stars of the 20th century. Influenced by the heavy New-Wave / Synth Rock of the 2nd British invasion, it was her low, hoarse, vocal growl that astonished and captivated her worldwide audience. Her contralto voice perhaps had never been better—her insistence on this synth-driven melody enabled her to have a dance number written on her honeymoon night…Simply Surreal and Haunting!
604. BALI-HAI “South Pacific” (1958)
Vocalist: Vic Damone (real name Vito Farinola)
Writer/Composer: Richard Rodgers / Oscar Hammerstein II (1949)
An American singer of Pop / Jazz / Broadway and Show tunes, this was a beautiful love ballad. Sinatra believed had the “Best Pipes in the business.” Vic recorded over 2000 songs in a career that started in 1947 and carried through 2010. He was also an actor and probably guest starred in more TV appearances than anyone in the 20th century. His voice—Oh, what a magnificent instrument! His smooth, silky baritone lent itself to perfect interpretations of the Musical Theater, as he does in this R&H number from South Pacific…Beloved and Rapturous!
603. LAY DOWN (CANDLES IN THE RAIN) (1969)
Vocalist: Melanie (Safka) / The Edwin Hawkins Singers
Writer/Composer: Melanie Safka (1970)
When this surprise Rock / Folk number was introduced to the 500,000 Woodstock crowd in 1969, it became a worldwide sensation in 1970, amidst the Viet-Nam War. It became a cry for peace, and its lyrics resonated with millions of people. “We were so close, there was no room / We bled inside each other’s wounds / We all had caught the same disease / And we all sang the songs of peace.” With the superb Gospel sound of Edwin Hawkins Singers, accented by Melanie’s piercing, low-to-high, contralto voice, full of Passion, Innocence, and Feeling!
602. SEVEN BRIDGES ROAD (1981)
Vocalist: The Eagles (James Burton guitar)
Writer/Composer: Steve T. Young (1969)
Could these Rock artists perform a Folk song that made fans and musicians alike do double-takes with their crystal-clear harmonies? Absolutely, with this incredible blend of Folk / Country / Rock / Pop blending vocals. The 1980s, entering their experimental phase, and this song, as their 2nd song on our list, proved to be a unique revelation—No instruments but a lone guitar, from one of the most successful Rock groups of all time, (1970-1990s.) They used this song as a warmup before they would take the stage, 5 men into one mike…Simply Terrific!
601. SAM (1977)
Vocalist: Olivia Newton-John
Writer/Composer: Don Black / Hank Marvin / John Farrar (1976)
She was not just an Australian / British Pop icon—she also had 15 top ten hits in the 1970s and 80s, selling more than 100 million records, more than any female artist of that era. Her 2nd on our list, one of her best, displays her sweet soprano voice, a perfect interpretation for a loving, longing, sincere tune. Her amazing crystal-clear delivery gives us a fluid, mellow Pop song of quiet strength, enabling her to change notes and octaves, without resorting to vocal exaggeration or acrobatics. Result—She owns this…Flawlessly Sublime and Elegant!
Link # 1 Original recording 1976. Link # 2 Live performance 1976.
