500-476-Great Vocals
500. BECAUSE YOU LOVED ME “Up Close and Personal” (1996)
Vocalist: Celine Dion & Chorus
Writer/Composer: Diane Warren (1995)
This Diane Warren Movie song is a beautiful selection—and Celine certainly puts her mark it, with a sunning vocal delivery that resonates long after the song is over. With her 3rd entry on our list, this Canadian, iconic Pop / R&B / Soul singer spreads her wings again as she starts in a subdued tone, slowly raising the tempo and volume, with the eventual chorus joining in later verses. She begins; “For all those times you stood by me / For all the truth you made me see / For all the joy you brought in my life / For all the wrong that you made right / For every dream you made come true / For all the love I found in you…” Wow!…Simply Monumental!
Link 1 Original recording with movie clips 1996 Link 2 Live in Montreal Canada 1996.
499. TENDERLY (1952)
Vocalist: Rosemary Clooney (Percy Faith’s Orch.)
Writer/Composer: Walter Gross / Jack Lawrence (1946)
Many singing artists, male and female, recorded this Jazz classic but time reveals that this version of the beautiful romantic melody, indeed, belongs to Rosemary. She was a fixture as an entertainer / singer / actress from the mid-1940s to the 1990s, but her decade of hits was the 1950s. Her distinctive, deep, lilting, smooth voice was labeled ‘unpretentious,’ embraced by millions in the era right after the demise of the Big Bands, but her commitment to entertainment was legendary. She dominated the early 50s in Jazz / Pop / Novelty songs, she was a delight to watch and listen to, ‘acting’ out her songs…Beautiful History in the Making!
Link 1 Original recording in 1952. Link 2 Live performance on World of Jazz tour 1981.
498. CHUG-A-LUG (1964)
Vocalist: Roger Miller
Writer/Composer: Roger Miller (1964)
“Chug-a-lug, Chug-a-lug / Makes you wanna holler hi-de-ho / Burns your tummy, don’t cha know / Chug-a-lug, chug-a-lug.” Those inspiring and imbibing words introduce you to one of the funniest songs ever made! If you gulp down liquid alcohol without breathing, you chug it. Now, of course he’s not recommending that young people chug liquor, it’s just the thought of what happens if you chug it too quick. Roger (with his 2nd entry on our list) was an entertainer / singer / songwriter and TV star, enormously popular in the 1960s /1970s. There’s just something about “Old Country” that goes Pop!…Sensational, Absolutely a Hoot!
497. FAMILY AFFAIR (1971)
Vocalist: Sly & the Family Stone (Sly Stone / Rose Stone)
Writer/Composer: Sly Stone (Sylvester Stewart) (1971)
This American 7-piece Rock band was made up of stellar musicians, and the first modern-day inter-racial group. They may have been the most widely acclaimed act at Woodstock in 1969. One thing is for certain—Their bass-driven songs led to the creation of Funk music which became so prevalent from the 1970s and on. This R&B classic crossed all boundaries - Rock / Funk / Reggai and Pop. No two songs of theirs sounded alike. Sly and Rose Stone share the honors here, taking turns with her delicate voice and Sly’s purposeful, hoarse growl and occasional high-pitched screech. What a unique, rhythmic delivery!…Marvelous!
Link 1 Original recording 1971 Link 2 Live TV performance 1971.
496. SMELLS LIKE TEEN SPIRIT (!991)
Vocalist: Nirvana (Lead vocals Kurt Cobain)
Writer/Composer: Kurt Cobain / Krist Novoselic / Dave Grohl
Like a tsunami from the late 1980s to 2000s, came this unique sound from this American 3-piece, Alternative Rock band. The album, Nevermind, now considered one of the most influential in all Rock music, they left an indelible mark in music. Previous generations considered this industrial factory noise, with explosive guitar riffs, thunderous drums, while riding the voice of Kurt Cobain. Primed for the 90s, this song was an “anthem for apathetic kids.” No other frontman sounded like Kurt, with his instantly recognizable voice. Grunge saved Rock for another decade, but not Cobain, he died at 27…Mesmerizing Performance!
495. DON’T GIVE UP (1987)
Vocalist: Peter Gabriel / Kate Bush
Writer/Composer: Peter Gabriel (1986)
This 2nd entry each in our list is a sublime song that aims straight for the heart—and hits it! Peter and Kate (locked in embrace), give us this exquisite, stunning, celestial, Pop / Folk / Soft Rock vocal—but warning, tears may low! The bridge of the song: “Got to walk out of here / I can’t take anymore / Gonna stand on that bridge / Keep my eyes down below / Whatever may come / And whatever may go / The river’s flowing / The river’s flowing,” now seems almost sacred. “Rest your head / You worry too much / It’s going to be alright / When times get rough / You can fall back on us / Don’t give up / Please don’t give up.” One of the most stirring, heartrending songs ever recorded…An Emotional Masterpiece!
Link 1 Original music video 1986. Link 2 Back to Front Tour - Live 2012.
494. A BETTER MAN (1989)
Vocalist: Clint Black
Writer/Composer: Clint Black / Hayden Nicholas (1988)
He broke into the Country music business with his stellar album, Killing Time, and never looked back. His has the credentials as an American Country singer / songwriter / actor / multi-talented instrumentalist / producer, and he possesses one of the most distinctive mellow, baritone voices in the last 50 years, capable of almost 3 octaves. With a remarkable resemblance to Roy Rogers and blessed with his good looks, he definitely contributed to Country music’s soaring popularity in the 1990s. Capable of crossing into Pop & Jazz, this award-winning selection is a highly personal song, embraced for his heartfelt delivery…Moving and Stirring!
493. SHE (1974) (English)
Vocalist: Charles Aznavour
Writer/Composer: Charles Aznavour / Herbert Kretzmer (1974)
A Pop classic took the world by storm, but oddly enough, not in the U.S. Released also in French, German, Italian & Spanish, the song went international, proving him to be one of the world’s great troubadours. His voice was unique, and at 5-feet 3, his larger-than-life vocals resounded around the world. As a French / Armenian singer / composer / actor, he recorded thousands of songs in his career, rivaling Tony Bennett with one of the longest careers ever—70 years plus. His low gravelly voice, instantly recognized, featured his quivering vibrato. He specialized in crooning beautiful romantic ballads—this, one of his best, is…Simply Enchanting!
Link # 1 Official music video 1975. Link # 2 Official Audio video.
492. DON’T KNOW WHY (2002)
Vocalist: Norah Jones
Writer/Composer: Jesse Harris (1999)
Norah appears again for the 2nd time on our list with her Jazz standard from her award-winning album, Come Away with Me. It seems she could do no wrong in those early years of discovery, bringing a pure Jazz delivery that was so astonishing that she even surprised herself, invading both the Pop / Blues / genres. And what a delightful, melancholy delivery from what could have been a pure Blues selection! Maybe it’s because she sings in such a relaxed low alto voice, easily switching to a smooth falsetto when the occasion arises. She turned the female star Pop world upside down with her songs, introducing JAZZ…Simply Mesmerizing!
Link # 1 Official music video 2002. Link # 2 Live performance in Amsterdam 2007.
491. SAME OLD LANG SYNE (1981)
Vocalist: Dan Fogelberg / Michael Brecker (soprano sax)
Writer/Composer: Dan Fogelberg (1980)
What a great songwriter he was! Remember the second verse, “She didn’t recognize the face at first / But then her eyes grew open wide / She went to hug me, and she spilled her purse / And we laughed until we cried.” American singer / songwriter / and multi-talented instrumentalist was one of the music’s premier artists, gifting us with multitudes of songs from the 1970s - 1990s, a 30+ year career of splendid music. He was known for his impeccable use of melody and harmony, and the ability to layer his own voice with those harmonies. Perhaps he should be higher on our ranking, but the 1970s and 80s were made better by his songs…Simply Touching Exquisite!
Link # 1 Official music video 1981. Link # 2 Live performance
490. THE THRILL IS GONE (1969)
Vocalist: B.B. King
Writer/Composer: Roy Hawkins / Rick Darnell (1951)
The “King of the Blues” really delivers here, giving us his signature song, and making an indelible mark on music history as one of the most influential artists to ever sing and play the guitar (Lucille!) His style incorporated 12-bar blues and call and response, the identifying marks of the Blues, incorporating R&B / Soul / and Pop. His popularity and influence gained momentum through the years, opening up career choices for multitudes of aspiring Blues players. There’s so much Soul in this selection, from the beautiful strings to/// “The thrill is gone / The thrill is gone away / The thrill is gone, baby / The thrill is gone away…”Nostalgic & Celebrated!
Link # 1 Official music video 1960. Link # 2 Live video 50 years later 2010.
489. FOR EMILY, WHEREVER I MAY FIND HER (1965)
Vocalist: Simon & Garfunkel (lead Art Garfunkel)
Writer/Composer: Paul Simon (1965)
This American duo offers their 4th entry on our list, a stunner. Art sings a poetic composition from Paul in what he considers one of his most challenging vocals. From the album Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme, the vocal begins as an acoustic melody with a touch of reverb and slowly builds up to a beautiful love ballad that becomes a haunting, ethereal, astounding vocal performance. “What a dream I had / Pressed in organdy / Clothed in crinoline of smokey burgundy / Softer than the rain.” Can there be any doubt? We were blessed. To be among the greatest singer / songwriters of their generation, in fact, the 20th century…Simply Poignant!
Link # 1 Original recording 1965. Link # 2 Live in 1969.
488. (EVERYTHING I DO) I DO IT FOR YOU “Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves” (1991)
Vocalist: Bryan Adams / (Michael Kamen’s Orch.)
Writer/Composer: Bryan Adams / Michael Kamen / John “Mutt” Lange (1991)
This Canadian Rock / Pop / Soul / Blues singer could do no wrong from the mid-1980s well into the 2000s. “Look into my eyes / And you will see / What you mean to me / Search your heart / Search your soul / And when you find me there / You’ll search no more.” These intro words take us to a massive worldwide 1991 hit (#1 in 19 countries.) His “sandpaper” tenor was a driving force among international singer / songwriters. Still active in the 2020s, his hoarse, gritty, raspy delivery is instantly recognized as unique for power love ballads and Rock anthems. With 75 to 100 million records sold in the 80s & 90s, his remarkable vocal sound is extraordinary in any era…Electrifying!
487. CAN’T LET GO (1991)
Vocalist: Mariah Carey
Writer/Composer: Mariah Carey / Walter Afsanasieff (1991)
What can we say about her vocal abilities, her looks, and her strength to belt it out? They say she’s capable of 5 octaves and when she reaches that familiar high falsetto and goes into her highest register (called her ‘whistle note,’) we can’t help but be astonished. Her 2nd song on our list displays a more subtle performance, with all the vibratos and vocal Olympics you’d expect from her musical repertoire. Being a songwriter / singer / producer/ actress, she can pick and choose whatever genre she wants, Pop / R&B / Hip Hop / Soul / Gospel. With more than 220 million records sold and counting, she WAS the 1990s. The magnitude of her vocals…Incredibly Stunning!
Link # 1 Official music video 1991. Link # 2 Live performance on Soul Train 1991.
486. PROUD MARY (1969)
Vocalist: Credence Clearwater Revival (John Fogarty lead)
Writer/Composer: John Fogarty (1968)
This American 4-piece Rock band could do no wrong from 1969 through 1972. They were a juggernaut in sound, no one else had the franchise on Rock / Blues, contributing to that Psychedelic, Swamp Rock sound—in short, for a short while, they were the most popular band the world after the breakup of the Beatles in 1970. It was all about the lead singer. Absolutely no one could top John Fogarty’s voice, full of power, growl, grit, rasp and a genuine, instantly recognizable sound. They came, they played, they conquered, almost every single from their debut album being a hit. This piece was their signature, impossible to not react! “Rollin’ on the river.” - Rip-Roaring Fun!
Link # 1 Original recording 1969. Link # 2 Live TV performance 1969.
485. BLACK VELVET (1989)
Vocalist: Alannah Myles (Kurt Schefter guitar)
Writer/Composer: Christopher Ward / David Tyson (1989)
This Canadian artist arrived on the musical world scene with this smash hit in 1990, drawing immediate respect from Rock / Pop / Blues / and Country artists. Why? Because she really knew how to sing and deliver with expressive Soul and vocal prowess. She has the voice for Rock, or for a raspy Blues performance. This remarkable song seems centered around the religious fervor that accompanied Elvis fans during his heyday. In this selection she displays her strong self-assured style and her ability to extend notes with astonishing accuracy and clarity, even growling a few lines necessary…What a recording!…Truly Magnificent!
Link # 1 Official music video 1989. Link # 2 Live performance on Arsenio Hall 1990.
484. INDIAN LOVE CALL “Rose Marie” (1936)
Vocalist: Nelson Eddy / Jeannette MacDonald
Writer/Composer: Amanda Glanfield / Paul Carter (1935)
Adapted from a short-lived Broadway play, this song became somewhat of a hit Movie signature piece fo both singers—Eddy with his larger-than-life, splendid, baritone voice, and Jeannette with her stunning, stellar soprano performances. They made numerous movies together from the early 1930s to the mid 1940s. Both trained in Opera and Classical, both became international box-office movie stars. His voice was rich with perfect phrasing—She was peerless, stunning to look at, and absolutely blessed with an angelic, ethereal, beautiful voice. This was perhaps their most recognizable song together, she sings in harmony, and do they ever shine!…Ecstatic and Euphoric!
Link is from the movie Rose Marie.
483. DREAM (1945)
Vocalist: The Pied Pipers / lead June Hutton (Paul Weston’s Orch)
Writer/Composer: Johnny Mercer (1944)
This beautiful easy listening sound was wonderfully vocalized by a quartet that went through many changes in the 1940s / 1950s (including Jo Stafford), but that was the norm in those days. They sang with Tommy Dorsey’s Big Band and backed up singers such as Frank Sinatra. This was a massive, big hit led by their great, smooth harmonies and extraordinary uplifting sound, referred to as the sound of the 40s during the war years. It concludes, “So dream…when the day is through / Dream…and they might come true / Things are not as bad as they seem / So dream, dream, dream.” How could you not dream?…Splendid, Transcendent, and Reassuring!
Link - With the Ernie Felice quartet 1945.
482. THE SONG REMEMBERS WHEN (1993)
Vocalist: Trisha Yearwood
Writer/Composer: Hugh Prestwood (1993)
This beautiful poetic song proved to be a masterpiece of connecting memories of faded love to events and regrets of the past. As one of America’s supreme Country artists of the 1990s / 2000s (Trisha’s 2nd entry on our list) we are moved by the sadness and remorse of the lyrics as she lets that flood of memories wash over her. Some say she sounds a lot like Linda Ronstadt when she’s in those higher registers, but her voice is sincere, honest, moving and heartfelt, taking this song to another level even when she hits those higher notes. She tenderly delivers the message with such remarkable clarity, just transfer yourself…With such Heart… Sublime!
481. DON’T KNOW MUCH (1989)
Vocalist: Linda Ronstadt / Aaron Neville
Writer/Composer: Barry Mann / Cynthia Weill / Tom Snow (1980)
Simply stated—One of the greatest televised live duets in music history! This award-winning song marked Aaron’s 2nd entry on our list and Linda’s 5th. With each passing decade each generation has reacted and accepted their moving, sincere, authentic delivery as one of the best award-winning R&B / Soul / Pop musical performances of all time. Aaron’s incredible, flowing baritone and vibrato and Linda’s crystal-clear octave changes to a high falsetto are wonders to behold. Perhaps they were really in love with each other, but up to the very last note when he displays his beautiful note-bending hum…We’re Mesmerized and Captivated!
Link # 1 Official music video 1989. Link # 2 Live televised performance 1990.
480. O PATRIA MIA “Aida” (1961)
Vocalist: Leontyne Price (Metropolitan Orch. / Sir Georg Solti cond.)
Writer/Composer: Giuseppi Verdi (1872)
Verdi’s beloved Opera has quite a backstory in the 20th century. As a fictional story taking place in ancient Egypt, Miss Price breathes new life into this Classical piece,“O My Homeland!” Her introduction into the Met, a historical one—marks the first African American to headline a major Opera! In her 50-year career, she may have taken this aria to a new celestial zenith, transcending above those other great prior performers who were also spectacular. This American soprano brought the audience to its feet, with perhaps the longest applause ever—42 minutes. Her 3 to 4 octave vocal is stunning, transfixed in its history—Simply Magnificent!
479. SMAOINTE (Thoughts) / (pronounced Smweenyah) (1991)
Vocalist: Enya
Writer/Composer: Roma Ryan / Eithne Bhraonain (Enya) / Nicky Ryan (1991)
Irish singer / songwriter Enya excels here with her 2nd entry. What a triumph! She dedicates this Gaelic tune to her grandparents, and this selection comes from her superlative album Shepherd Moons. She mastered Folk / New Age / Celtic and Pop—she also takes those genres to new levels for world audiences, with Nicky Ryan’s production techniques of using Enya’s multi-layered voiceovers. Very few artists can take Gaelic words that translate so beautifully, and she does it with ease with her mezzo-soprano vocals. Her 3 + octaves range is awash in clarity—her angelic voice is beautiful and astounding…Simply Surreal and Ethereal!
478. ONE HAND, ONE HEART “West Side Story” (1960)
Vocalist: Richard Beymer (voice Jim Bryant) / Natalie Wood (voice Marni Nixon)
Writer/Composer: Stephen Sondheim / Leonard Berstein (1957)
As Tony and Maria pledge their undying love for each other, performed by the voices of Jim Bryant and Marni Nixon (her 5th selection on our list), we experience from the Sondheim / Bernstein writing team, one of the most moving, beautiful, romantic moments in Broadway / Movie history, and this selection is from the Movie. The singers perform the number in the church scene, knowing that their pledge to each other may not be accepted socially, so they solidify their devotion to each other. Take special note in the last verse as the couple joins together in perfect harmony, delivering the song as if it were a prayer—it’s the stuff that dreams are made of…Inspirational and Exquisite!
Link # 1 A scene from the 1960 classic film musical with Natalie Wood & Richard Beymer. Link # 2 The same scene in the 2021 version of the movie remake with Ansel Elgort & Rachel Ziglar.
477. IT WAS ALMOST LIKE A SONG (1980)
Vocalist: Johnny Hartman
Writer/Composer: Hal David / Archie Jordan (1977)
This standout Jazz piece was first noticed in the movie The Bridges of Madison County, bringing much needed attention and accolades to this relatively unknown recording artist. His 2nd listed song is rich, persuasive baritone brought legions of new fans into the Jazz world. He became synonymous with deep, expressive emotion in his songs, making every single word count. We’re hooked from the very start, “Once in every life / Someone come along / And you came to me / It was almost like a song.” He delivers this song with such masculine sincerity, and such honest reassurance—that it just simply cannot fail…Impeccably Endearing!
476. IT’S NOW OR NEVER (1960)
Vocalist: Elvis Presley
Writer/Composer: Aaron Schroeder / Wally Gold
Inspired by Tony Martin’s version of “There’s No Tomorrow.” and the 1907 Opera selection “O Sole Mio,” this became a monster hit, selling over 20 million records. Elvis’s 4th song is an exit from pure Rock into the Pop market, and it paid off, enlarging his fan base, capturing and energizing them—he was the most popular singer in the world at that time. He captivated his audience—he was not afraid to really, really sing through his 3 octaves with power and gusto, minus guitar! This was his favorite song of his career, and he puts everything into it, going from low baritone to high tenor. Wow! What a marvelous production and recording…Simply Spectacular!
Link includes scenes from Elvis’ return from armed forces 1960.
