600-576-Great Vocals
600. BLESS THE BROKEN ROAD (2004)
Vocalist: Rascal Flatts (lead Marcus Hummon)
Writer/Composer: Marcus Hummon / Bobby Boyd / Jeff Hanna (1994)
This masterpiece of a song captures the heart, it has romance, and a redemptive look toward a life of roadblocks, and a spiritual solution of self-fulfillment. It won Country song of the year, even crossing over into Pop. Marcus Hummon’s high tenor voice delivers perfect phrasing, and when the harmony comes in by the other two band members, it touches your heart with deep-seated feelings of emotion. It may be one of the most poetic and beautifully crafted songs in Country music history. And the words, “This much I know is true / That God blessed the broken road / That led me straight to you.”…Absolutely Endearing and Inspirational!
Link # 1 Official music video 2004. Link # 2 Live performance 2004.
599. BODY AND SOUL “Three’s a Crowd” (1930)
Vocalist: Libby Holman
Writer/Composer: Edward Heyman / Frank Eyton / Johnny Green / Robert Sour (1930)
As the 1920s came to a close, the 1930s spawned a new generation of ladies who cut their teeth on Jazz interpretations that became the American Songbook. That created ‘Torch Singers,’ and Libby was one of the best. She had a unique, distinctive lower register in her amazing delivery, and a very beautiful, wavering vibrato in her voice. Her performances on Broadway and in musical reviews was exceptional—then came radio and record sales. Even though her troubled life was full of scandal, this song, recorded over 200 times, displayed her lush tremolo and her 3-octave delivery—this song marked the times…Stunning and Impressive!
598. THERE’LL BE SAD SONGS (To Make You Cry) (1986)
Vocalist: Billy Ocean (Leslie Sebastian Charles)
Writer/Composer: Billy Ocean / Wayne Braithwait / Barry Eastwood (1986)
Here he is again, his 2nd song on our list, a great one about sad songs that stay lodged in our memory, and in unexpected moments, make us overcome with tears. The chorus, “There’ll be sad songs to make you cry / Love songs often do / They can touch the heart of someone new / Saying, “I love you” (I love you),” says it all. Billy delivers with a combination of R&B / Soul / Pop, with Caribbean influences. He took it to number 1, and he was a fixture in music from the mid 1980s to the mid 90s. His powerful voice was unique and brimming with a glamorous sound that allows him to have perfect sincerity and confidence…Irresistibly Romantic!
Link # 1 Official music video 1986. Link # 2 Live performance London 1986.
597. TO EACH HIS OWN “To Each His Own” (1946)
Vocalist: Tony Martin (Alvin Morris) / the Starlighters
Writer/Composer: Ray Evans / Jay Livingston (1946)
His smooth, rich baritone voice was a musical Pop staple in the 1940s and 50s. He was enormously popular as a singer / entertainer / actor in that same time period when crooners ruled the charts, especially after the demise of the Big Band era when the musician’s strike opened the floodgates for male and female lead popular vocalists. Tony was widely celebrated in many movie musicals and his distinct vocal sound in delivering beautiful melodies (his 2nd entry on the list) made him both beloved and applauded. This song from the touching movie drama was a massive hit for multiple artists, but his vocal really shines…Simply Marvelous!
596. I ONLY HAVE EYES FOR YOU “Dames” (1934) (1959)
Vocalist: The Flamingos (lead Terry Johnson) (1959)
Writer/Composer: Harry Warren / Al Dubin (1934)
The re-invention of this classic came together for this 6-piece, American, R&B / Doo-wop group in 1958 under the leadership of tenor lead singer, Terry Johnson. First, they actually played their own instruments, unlike other R&B groups. The great opening lines, “My love must be a kind of blind love / I can’t see anyone but you / (Sha bop sha bop / Sha bop sha bop)” was a revelation, in fact it was Terry’s clever Imagination! It soon became a quintessential, romantic, slow dance song of the era, sounding like no other—its lead singer later becoming a songwriter for Motown. The ethereal vocals were smooth and surreal…Beautifully Unique!
595. PULLING BACK THE REINS (1989)
Vocalist: k. d. Lang / The Reclines
Writer/Composer: k. d. Lang / Ben Mink (1989)
Just when you thought you figured out Canadian singer, songwriter k. d. Lang’s musical genre, she throws you a curve from her album, Absolute Torch and Twang. Her androgynous appearance and hard to define sound, are captivating, and with her 2nd song on our list, leaves her Country / Blues route, adding Jazz, setting the stage for a career that started in the mid-1980s, continuing through the 2010s. She breaks the mold, gliding through her song, singing each stanza a different way each time. She surprises, emotes, has a lush vibrato, sings like a banshee, and breaks the barrier with jaw-dropping ease…Absolutely Avant-Guard and Riveting!
Link # 1 Official music video 1989. Link # 2 Live performance Sydney, Australia 1989.
594. SEE THE FUNNY LITTLE CLOWN (1964)
Vocalist: Bobby Goldsboro
Writer/Composer: Bobby Goldsboro (1964)
Bobby Goldsboro, a gifted guitarist / songwriter / singer / and TV personality, was a major vocalist in the 1960s / 1970s. He spent a few years as a backup guitarist in Roy Orbison’s band until 1964. One thing is for certain, he was genius in crafting lyrics about love, family relationships and personal loss in broken love affairs. This Pop song was backed up by a soft chorus and a beautiful flute in the second verse. His melodies were heart-warming and touching, but it was his unique voice, a warm and sincere baritone with a unique quiver, almost reminding one of sobbing. Hey, the last line leaves a lump in your throat…Simply Heartbreaking!
Link # 1 Original recording 1964. Link # 2 Live performance 1964.
593. YOU LIE (1990)
Vocalist: Reba McEntire
Writer/Composer: Austin Roberts / Charlie Black / Bobby Fischer (1990)
This song from the album Rumor Has It, is not a Country song about cheating, it’s a song about not communicating, letting the silence thunder over and over again, about love growing stale in a silent loveless relationship. Reba knocks it out of the park with this selection, using her 3 or so octaves, beginning in a contralto, taking it into infinity. She has more # 1 Country songs that any female artist in history, and she’s still going strong four decades later. Her 2nd song on our list shows how this unique singer / songwriter / actor and TV personality has amazing vocal power, dexterity and ability to hold her notes…A Flawless, Aching Performance!
Link # 1 Official music video 1990. Link # 2 Live performance 1990.
592. LIVE TO TELL “At Close Range” (1986)
Vocalist: Madonna (Ciccioni) /
Writer/Composer: Patrick Leonard / Madonna Ciccioni (1985)
As one of the most successful Pop singers of all time in her 50-year career, she sold over a 100 million records in the 1980s—2010s. Her vocals are always interesting, always danceable, with an iconic, girlish mezzo-soprano voice. Madonna’s performances, however, in concert and videos, are certainly not without controversy—she is known for sexually ‘pushing the envelope.’ What she lacks in vocal power, she make up with low-register vibrato and her charismatic delivery in the presentation of her songs. She is a singer / songwriter / actress, excelling in all three. This is one of her greatest vocals from the Movie soundtrack, with a great arousing musical arrangement…Simply Superb!
Link - Official music video, arranged by Patrick Leonard 1986.
591. LAST DANCE “Thank God It’s Friday” (1978)
Vocalist: Donna Summer (Arranged by Giorgio Moroder / Paul Bellotte)
Writer/Composer: Paul Jabara (1978)
Her 2nd song on our list is the award-winning dancefloor classic and a R&B / Disco / Pop masterpiece. The team of Moroder / Bellotte was an unstoppable force, unequaled when it came to pulsating beats, rhythm and synth production. However, the Queen of Disco just didn’t emote repetitious, repeated lines, but she actually Sings! The vocal control of her rich mezzo-soprano voice straddles her 3-octaves with great ease, and the lush production of strings and horns only add dimension and depth to her extraordinary vocal ability. Notice how the slow starting ballad leads up to a climactic finish…Astonishing and Spellbinding!
590. THE VERY THOUGHT OF YOU (1958)
Vocalist: Nat King Cole (Gordon Jenkins Orch.)
Writer/Composer: Ray Noble (1934)
A case could easily be made that Nat King Cole was the most successful black male singer of the 20th century. He certainly sold more records and albums between the times of Bing Crosby to Elvis Presley. His King Cole Trio was an amazing 3-piece Jazz group, and in 1956, he broke the color barrier by being the first black artist to have his own TV show. But perhaps his greatest contribution to music was his smooth, perfectly enunciated, clear as crystal, baritone voice, evident here with his 3rd listed entry. This Jazz rendition of Ray Noble’s 1934 hit proves it’s not how many octaves you can master, but how you can master the 2 you possess…What Phrasing! What Resonance! What Beauty!
Link - Original recording remastered.
589. SHALL WE DANCE “The King and I” (1956)
Vocalist: Deborah Kerr (voice Marni Nixon / with Yul Brynner)
Writer/Composer: Richard Rodgers / Oscar Hammerstein II (1951)
Looking back, when Yul Brynner and Deborah Kerr discuss love and romance in this great Theater choice sequence, leading to this wonderful transformative piece, it is the turning point in their relationship. The sound is extraordinary, magnificent is the orchestration, the dance is out of this world—the voice of Marni Nixon, dubbed for Miss Kerr, is superlative. With her 5th entry on our list, she doesn’t abdicate to any other vocalist, she is Perfect for this fabulous, life affirming song. Her soprano voice is crystal-clear, her phrasing and vocal control is splendid, and she delivers one of the great musical numbers in movie history… Truly Spectacular!
Link - This Theater song, a clip from the movie, The King and I.
588. DIFFERENT DRUM (1967)
Vocalist: The Stone Ponys / (lead Linda Ronstadt)
Writer/Composer: Michael Nesmith (1967)
Is it any surprise now that Linda Ronstadt is a phenomenon, with her 7th pick on our list? “So, don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I knock it / It’s just that I am not in the market / For a boy that wants to love only me.” This chorus marks her 2nd Rock song on our list, and this was a moment in time when female artists were trying to make inroads into a male-dominated music culture that defined the 1960s. The band featured her exceptional voice, and even though the melody meandered somewhat, her strong, amazing soprano vocals stood out with dexterity, vibrato and emotion —She’s one of the most gifted, influential singers of any age…Simply Sensational!
Link # 1 Orignal recording 1967. Link # 2 Live performance 1967.
587. WAITING FOR A GIRL LIKE YOU (1981)
Vocalist: Foreigner (Lead Lou Gramm) / Opening motif by Ian MacDonald / Synthesizer Thomas Dolby
Writer/Composer: Lou Gramm / Mick Jones (1981)
This song was put together by the great British / American artists and arrangers, producing one of the most applauded and beautiful Pop, Soft Rock power ballads of the 20th century, giving this Foreigner Rock band their 2nd entry on our list, and one of their biggest hits. Lou Gramm’s lead vocals soar into infinity amidst a total ethereal sound by great keyboard technology, a standout in the 1980s. Gramm’s stellar vocals are based on skill, versatility, and mastering his ability to move with ease through his amazing vocal range. Oh, some interesting trivia! This song stayed #2 for 10 straight weeks…Lofty and Convincingly Awesome!
Link - Official extended music video 1981.
586. BYE BYE LOVE (1957)
Vocalist: Everly Brothers (featuring Chet Atkins on guitar)
Writer/Composer: Felice & Boudleaux Bryant (1957)
Their 2nd entry on our list is their debut song in 1957, a Country Rockabilly classic, covered many times, but never surpassed in this selection. This American duo set the harmony standard in the late 1950s, and well into the 60s. They excelled as Country / Rock / Pop artists and songwriters, and their harmony was absolutely unmatched until the late 1960s when Simon and Garfunkel became the best-selling duo. With an intro acoustic guitar and chorus, Phil and Don took turns as lead vocalist, followed by their exquisite harmony after each verse, within the chorus. This recording became one of most influential in shaping modern music…Amazing and Legendary!
Link # 1 Original recording 1957. Link # Live performance 1957.
585. IF HE WALKED INTO MY LIFE “Mame” (1966)
Vocalist: Eydie Gorme
Writer/Composer: Jerry Herman (1966)
This American Pop singer enters our list with her signature song, a beautifully arranged selection from the musical Mame, that showcases her extraordinary stage presence, her warm velvety voice and amazing vocal control. As the wife of singer and duet partner, Steve Lawrence, her career lasted from the 1950s through the 2000s, over 60 years. She sang Pop, Latino, Bossa Nova and Broadway songs with confidence and power, holding a note with beautiful endurance. This is an award-winning good example as she soars, moving effortlessly through her 3 octaves that touch our heart with this intimate treasure of a song. Wow!…Absolutely Stupendous!
Link # 1 Original recording 1966. Link # 2 Live performance 1967.
584. DOG AND BUTTERFLY (1978)
Vocalist: Heart (Anne Wilson lead / Nancy Wilson backing vocals)
Writer/Composer: Anne Wilson / Nancy Wilson / Sue Ennis (1978)
American Hard Rock sister singers, Anne & Nancy, are multi-talented instrumentalists and recording artists who through the 1970s -1990s made an impact on music like no other female vocalists. They could Rock with the best, they were great musicians and took the back seat to none of their male contemporaries—Nancy was one of the great guitar players of their era. Anne, what can you say? She simply was one of the greatest Rock Singers of her age, and in this piece, their 3rd on our list, she slows it down while Nancy harmonizes. It’s a masterpiece—Slow Rock fused with Folk Rock. Her voice, edgy, precise, powerful, agile…Simply Breathtaking!
Link # 1 Original recording video 1978. Link # 2 Link # 2 Live in Seattle 1995.
583. CREEQUE ALLEY (1967)
Vocalist: The Mamas & the Papas (lead Mama Cass) (flute Jim Horn)
Writer/Composer: John Phillips / Michelle Phillips (1966)
This Folk/Rock story song, their 4th on our list, is an autobiography of the formation of the Mamas and the Papas as a group. They pay homage to many of their other musical contemporaries and influences that were formed in those early to mid-1960s. John and Michelle’s cleverly crafted lyrics make this delightful song a historical musical lesson of the Folk scene and it is a joy to experience. In this song we hear Mama Cass, and Michelle sing together and then trade verses with John and Denny Doherty, followed by the chorus. They harmonize and blend voices beautifully, largely by Cass’s crystal-clear, bell like vocals…Sparkling Wordplay!
Link # 1 Original recording 1967. Link # 2 Live performance 1967.
582. ONE DAY MORE “Les Miserables” (2012)
Vocalist: Ensemble Cast (various singers, entire chorus)
Writer/Composer: Alain Bloubil / Claude-Michel Schonberg / Herbert Kretzmer / Jean Marc Natal) (1985)
For over three decades this Theatrical musical adaptation of Victor Hugo’s epic novel had the staying power to be the crowning example of Classical music. It was an enormous success in France, where the story takes place, in England and the U.S., selling millions of albums and running decades on Broadway. This, like an Opera, has no spoken dialogue, and is sung in its entirety. This piece may be one of the most moving, powerful ensemble numbers ever recording, as the cast all take turns singing for freedom to cherish their dreams and causes, to the death if necessary…Monumental!
https://youtu.be/ydpmzU_i2hg?si=dIgu_OAo4Ytj2AuI
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581. GOOD DAY SUNSHINE (1966)
Vocalist: The Beatles (Paul McCartney lead)
Writer/Composer: Paul McCartney / John Lennon (1966)
Their 6th song on our list, a is delightful, happy, gleeful offering from the Beatles album Revolver, features Paul’s impeccable lead, beginning with the chorus, and repeating it three times. It has endured criticism for years as a weak song from one of their stellar albums, but as Leonard Bernstein once argued— it has unique chord changes and structure, making it a great musical achievement. Almost considered children’s music, nearly all adults in all cultures embrace it. Paul is credited with the writing, and his cartwheel-turning, mirthful vocalizing has become legendary. How could such a lovely, surprising melody be possible?…Simply Cheery and Jubilant!
LInk # 1 Original recording 1966. Link # 2 Remastered performance 1968.
580. LA MOMMA MORTE “Andrea Chenier” (1955)
Vocalist: Maria Callas / Philharmonic Orch. (Tulio Serafin cond.)
Writer/Composer: Umberto Giordano (1896)
Not known as one of the most famous Opera pieces, this proves to be one of the saddest Opera arias of all time, translated “They Killed My Mother!” It takes place when a daughter tragically loses her mother during the French Revolution. Greek Classical star, Maria Callas, with her treasured soprano voice, takes us back there with great theatrical splendor, featuring a signature legendary performance, her 3rd entry on our list. Many may remember this as the defining moment in the film, “Philadelphia.” This selection displays her vocal versatility and dramatic abilities, possibly leading to her being hailed, ‘La Davina.’…Truly Extraordinary!
Link # 1 Original recording 1955.
https://youtu.be/5oZi2fovnZQ?si=CJwCuEAIsDk8ve8b
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579 HEAD OVER HEELS (1985)
Vocalist: Tears for Fears (Roland Orzabal lead / Curt Smith / and Chorus
Writer / Composer: Roland Orzabal / Curt Smith (1985
The outstanding album, Songs from the Big Chair, of this British Rock / New Wave / Pop group, has 2 lead singers, a rare accomplishment in music, and they were childhood friends. This incredible production came together with a chorus of 3 female backups, the stunning piano intro by Andy David, and Smith’s backing vocals and bass guitar. Roland Orzabal’s tenor voice is rich, clear, power-packed, with captivating control of his 2 to 3 octaves, and he has a extraordinary, magnetic stage persona. They released some of the most amazing, eclectic vocals of the 1980s, and became a supergroup of that decade…A Breathtaking, Phenomenal!
Link # 1 Original recording and video 1985. Link # 2 Live recording - Montreux, Switzerland 1987
https://youtu.be/CsHiG-43Fzg?si=XmuidYudAFr8IaSz
https://youtu.be/wuUo3i9IO60?si=UY8fwJFn7ONtr3OO
578. ANGEL (1997)
Vocalist: Sarah McLachlan
Writer/Composer: Sarah McLachlan (1997)
This Canadian singer / songwriter pretty much chisels her name in stone on the Mount Rushmore of female vocalists here, bringing her international fame as a trend-setting vocalist. Her 2nd entry on the list is a Captivating anti-drug song. As of 2015 she has sold over 40 million albums to her Pop / Rock / Folk / Celtic fans. Her mezzo-soprano vocals span less than 3 octaves, but she knows exactly how to utilize her soft chest voice with her head voice, skipping over traditional expectations by giving the lyric a surprise high note, or low note. Some call it a lazy delivery, but the beauty of her voice is…Simply Stunning and Enlightening!!
577. QUESTA O QUELLA “Rigoletto” (1981)
Vocalist: Luciano Pavarotti (London Symphony Orch. - Richard Bonynge Cond.)
Writer/Composer: Giuseppi Verdi (1855)
In this world-famous Opera, the Duke clarifies his arrogant attitude toward women, and his thoughts take center stage as he unrepentedly tells the world. Pavorotti takes this acrobatic number to a stunning demonstration of how great and mesmerizing his voice really was, with his 5th number on our list, including the 3 tenors. This number requires splendid vocal control, power to hold notes, and to be able to sustain magnetic audience admiration with jaw-dropping suspense. The orchestration is superb, and this proves to be one of his greatest deliveries, right in the prime of his stellar tenor career…Absolute Tour-de-Force!
Link # 1 Live Performance 1981. Link # 2 Original recording 1981.
576. IF I WERE A CARPENTER (1966)
Vocalist: Bobby Darin
Writer/Composer: Tim Hardin (1966)
This song proved that Bobby Darin was not just a Pop / Jazz singer, but a Folk singer as well. For his 3rd entry on our list, he begins in a lower key, and slowly putting more grit into his performance, also playing the acoustic guitar. It has been said the song may be about insecure male romantic relationships. Whatever the case. this Tim Hardin Folk-Rock song was a huge hit for Darin—his mellow use of his melancholy baritone really shines here, producing a thought-provoking and beautiful melody that’s been recorded by multiple artists ever since. “Would you marry me anyway, would you have my baby.” …Hauntingly Romantic!
Link # 1 Original 1966 recording. Link # 2 Live performance 1971.
