475-451-Great Vocals
475. CARIBBEAN QUEEN (No More Love on the Run) (1984)
Vocalist: Billy Ocean / and Chorus (Sax solo Vernon Jeffrey Smith)
Writer/Composer: Keith Diamond / Billy Ocean (1984)
Arriving on the music scene in the 1980s, it became his biggest decade in Soul / R&B / Funk / Pop and Blues. With incredible charisma and a voice to match, his persona was larger than life, and his vocals were smooth, powerful and captivating. This award-winning song was a sensation, bringing him worldwide attention, being the first black artist with a British / Trinidad heritage to win an award. His voice was instantly recognized, and his choice of musical production was stellar— he had a run of great dance hits, exuding with lyrical beauty. His baritone voice covers nearly 3 octaves, and it is a joy listening to him…Superbly Sensational!
Link - Official music video.
474. DEVIL WOMAN (1962)
Vocalist: Marty Robbins
Writer/Composer: Marty Robbins
Marty’s 3rd entry on our list is a wonderful example of his song and storytelling abilities as he proved himself a mainstay in Country / Folk / Pop. In the years comprising the 1950s through the 1970s, he reached out to his legions of fans with hits that stayed with you, long after selling on the charts. His great vocal strength demonstrated that he was a troubadour of melody, phrasing, style and lyrical beauty—this song is living proof of that! Who can forget that chorus, “Devil woman, devil woman, let go of me / Devil woman, let me be / Just leave me alone / I want to go home.” Begging Mary’s forgiveness, Marty delivers!…A Perfect, Stellar Performance!
Link # 1 Original recording in 1962, Link # 2 Live in Nashville 1964.
473. BLUE EYES CRYING IN THE RAIN (1975)
Vocalist: Willie Nelson
Writer/Composer: Fred Rose (1946)
His unexpected hit in the mid 1970s became a landmark in Country / Folk / Pop music, with his 4th entry on the list. Willie never really went away, he sold millions of records, doing concerts (Austin City Limits, Farm Aid) and writing songs, recording with multitudes of singers, of all genres. His name became a household word, cutting countless albums and becoming one of the most influential singers in the in Country Music history. His mature, almost primitive vocals and his acoustic guitar lent themselves perfectly to a singing voice you could trust…just from experience alone. He really shines here…Aching and Timeless!
Link # 1 Original music video 1975. Link # 2 Austin City Limits Live in 1976.
472. GLORY BOX (1994)
Vocalist: Portishead (Beth Gibbons)
Writer/Composer: Beth Gibbons / Geoff Barrow / Adrian Utley (1994)
This unusual song from this U.K. trio introduced a miner music revolution as a cross between electronic (featuring a short excerpt from Isaac Hayes’s Trip Hop) and Indie Alt-Rock / Alt-Pop. Not intended as a single but, surprisingly, it was a big hit in the U.K. and U.S. The selection demonstrated that the lead singer was not satisfied in her romantic relationship, she wanted or needed more. But it was the unmistakable, the unique, captivating, contralto voice of Beth Gibbons won the public’s attention. Here she displays a torchy vocal performance, in a good way, from the album, Dummy, displaying an astounding, rare vocal quality. Rising to the top…Irresistibly Magnetic!
Link - Excellent audio from live performance in Roseland NY 1995.
471. ON MY OWN (1986)
Vocalist: Patti Labelle / with Michael McDonald
Writer/Composer: Burt Bacharach / Hal David (1986)
This R&B / Soul / Blues / Pop song was a stroke of genius—uniting their distinct voices made this one of the great duets of all time. Patti released her first solo album in 1977, before that she was lead singer of her group, Labelle. She has been a presence in American music ever since with her 3 + octave soprano voice. With Michael Mcdonald (his 3rd entry on our list) it was a no brainer, she wanted Soul—she got it—they recorded this song tpgether—separately. He may be the most ubiquitous artist who ever recorded. (Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan, ect.) Her voice in this selection just reeks with Soul, varying from soft to strong… a Beautiful Experience…Emotionally Stirring!
470. MARRAKESH EXPRESS (1969)
Vocalist: Crosby. Stills & Nash (Graham Nash lead vocals)
Writer/Composer: Graham Nash (1966)
Graham Nash wrote this upbeat, merry song while still a member of the Hollies in 1966, while touring Morocco. It has gathered momentum since then and has become a Folk / Folk Rock / Pop classic since its release, and with the formation CSN, it became a classic. Never has Folk music sounded so…Happy! This was their first hit, and with Nash taking on lead vocals, their harmony was perfect as they brought a new sound to Folk music. The impeccable vocalizing of their 3rd entry on our list was amazing, and through the years it has taken on an epic rise, achieving its pinnacle in the Rock / Pop landscape…Awesome and Celestial!
469. THIS IS THE MOMENT “Jekyll and Hyde” (1994)
Vocalist: Anthony Warlow
Writer/Composer: Frank Wildhorn / Leslie Bricusse (1990)
This Australian singer surely possesses one of the most beautiful, distinguished voices ever from that country, specializing in Pop, covering standards, and starring as a character actor/singer in multiple Musical theater productions. He favored the challenging roles in such musical plays as Jekyll and Hyde and Phantom of the Opera. His lyrical baritone voice was classically trained and he displays a great persona and stage presence. His power and tone easily captivate his audience with his rapturous control of near 3 octaves. His musical career started in the 1980s and he’s still going strong in the 2020s. This is one of his best…Purely Sensational!
Link is from his Live performance.
468. BE-BOP-A-LULA (1956)
Vocalist: Gene Vincent & His Blue Caps.
Writer/Composer: Gene Vincent / Donald Graves / Bill Davis (1956)
Gene Vincent was one of the early pioneers of Rockabilly music, a mix of the old-fashioned Rock & Roll and prominent guitar-driven Country / Hillbilly. Though not given any credit as one of early Rock’s most influential artists such as the Sun Record / Memphis performers were, he introduced the “hiccup” sound before Buddy Holly, and he was one of the earliest to feature a guitar solo in his biggest hit record. The results were phenomenal—and for a brief while he gave Elvis a run for his money! Check out the scream by his drummer twice in this selection— nothing could stop this primitive Rock juggernaut…Electrifying!
467. PEOPLE “Funny Girl” (1968)
Vocalist: Barbra Streisand
Writer/Composer: Jule Styne / Bob Merrill (1964)
This is Barbra’s 6th entry on our list and perhaps her signature song. There is no doubt that her voice soared to unexpected heights in her 20s, and the rest is history for this legendary recording artist. Her vocal control, almost magical, “A feeling deep in your soul / Says you were half, now you’re whole / No more hunger and thirst / But first be a person who needs people / People who need people / are the luckiest people in the world.” She is the consummate artist in every degree! She possesses one of the most flexible voices in Pop music history, and one of the most durable. Can anyone else sing this song but her? Not hardly…Flawless, Beyond Compare!
Link # 1 Original recording 1064. Link # 2 Clip deom the movie Funny Girl 1968.
466. THINK (1968)
Vocalist: Aretha Franklin / backup Sweet Inspirations
Writer/Composer: Aretha Franklin / Ted White (1968)
This selection is phenomenal—a rollicking Rock number that disguises itself as a R&B classic, that really is Pop—or is it a Soul song? It’s all of those and without trepidation, in an amazing vocal exhibition. She is all over the musical map here, changing octaves in rapid-fire succession, yet hitting each note, each vocal nuance, each verse, in such precise control that it’s truly astounding. She “performs” the song—check out her performance in the “Blues Brothers” movie. We can’t truly imagine anyone else doing this song, her 4th entry on our list. She held her own during the British musical invasion. Go Girl!…A Sensational Tour-De-force!
Link # 1 Original recording in 1968. Link # 2 A scene from the movie The Blues Brothers 1980.
465. IF I DIDN’T CARE (1939)
Vocalist: The Ink Spots (Bill Kenny)
Writer/Composer: Jack Lawrence (1939)
This song is a crown jewel in the history of American music, being a legendary recording featuring lead singer Bill Kenny. It would prove to be one of the most influential songs by black artists, paving the way for R&B / Soul / Pop / Gospel / Jazz, even Doo-Wop. It was also one of their first songs to hit number 1, paving another way for black singing groups (i.e. The Mills brothers) to be beloved by a white public. Bill’s treasured 4-octave voice was a marvel, marking the first time that a lead singer could actually sing in a falsetto, sounding amazingly like a theremin, with impeccable clarity. Listen to the last note…Simply Astounding!
464. THE SHADOW OF YOUR SMILE “The Sandpiper” (1965)
Vocalist: Tony Bennett (Antonio Bennadetto)
Writer/Composer: Johnny Mandell / Paul Francis Webster (1965)
Tony’s 2rd entry on our list is an American classic, and his storied career is nothing short of a miracle—he entertained, sang and recorded for more than 70 years, longer than any other singing artist. He is the ultimate interpreter of the the American Songbook, and his survival of record hits through the constantly changing trends in the music business is phenomenal! His distinctive voice and vocal delivery is the stuff of legends—he proved it by having respect of almost all musical genres. He conquered Traditional Pop / Jazz / Swing / Blues and covers of Movie and Broadway productions…This example…Absolutely Exquisite!
Link # 1 Original recording 1065. Link # 2 Live performance a few years later.
463. HERE COMES THE RAIN AGAIN (1983)
Vocalist: The Eurythmics (Annie Lennox)
Writer/Composer: Annie Lennox / David Stewart (1983)
An extraordinary voice for a now legendary singer, the Eurythmics were huge in the 1980s in Pop, Synth-Pop, Soul and Rock. What makes this British duo so popular is Dave Stewart’s great guitar work and production skills and Annie’s wonderful, immaculate, contralto voice. How can she totally manage all 3 octaves with such perfect pitch, with such beautiful delivery and such physical persona. She is widely recognized as the white female vocalist who oozes with Soul. She opens the song, “Here comes the rain again / Falling on my head like a memory.” —and you’re her captive, immediately! This song hits the musical jackpot…Incredibly Flawless!
Link # 1 Original recording - official video 1983. Link # 2 The Event Tour - Live performance years later.
462. I FEEL FOR YOU (1984)
Vocalist: Chaka Khan (Yvette Marie Stevens) / harmonica Stevie Wonder
Writer/Composer: Prince (Prince Rogers Nelson) (1979)
Anyone growing up in the 1970s knows she was a force, with a 3 plus octave voice that would light up any dance party. She was known as the Queen of Funk, but she busted through and captured Soul / R&B / Disco and early stages of Hip Hop. This award-winning song is just a sample of the collaboration she made with other artists, and she made the most of it. She had the stage presence of Tina Turner, and she was the frontwoman of the band Rufus in the 1970s. She broke out on her own in the 80s, and she has never stopped since—truly is an international star. She moves us here with her vocal range and she really delivers!…Truly Spectacular!
Link original music video in 1984.
461. WITCHITA LINEMAN (1968)
Vocalist: Glen Campbell
Writer/Composer: Jimmy Webb (1968)
This amazing song is a near-perfect composition from the pen of stellar songwriter Jim Webb. For Glen’s 2nd entry on our list, a beautiful example of how a former session-man can deliver a perfect Pop song, with numerous influences from Folk, Country, Blues and even Jazz, the finished product is a delight to behold. Glen was the perfect choice for Jimmy Webb’s song, with his guitar mastery, his smooth, rich tenor voice was a fan favorite, always appealing, flowing with a crooner’s vibrato, and without having to resort to vocal histrionics. You can feel the emotion in his delivery as he sings about his melancholy loneliness…Stunning!
Link # 1 Origianl music video 1968 Link # 2 Live from his Goodtime Hour TV show.
460. CHILDREN OF DARKNESS (1967)
Vocalist: Joan Baez
Writer/Composer: Richard & Mimi Farina (1965)
Again with arranger Peter Schickele and with her magnificent soprano voice, she sings this haunting melody as if it’s a dirge to the fallen in war, but wait—it’s a tribute to Folk singer Richard Farina who died in a motorcycle accident. Her crystal-clear delivery and production that accompanied all her songs really shines here, perfectly accenting the Celtic / Scottish sounding musical interludes between each verse. Again, her vocals here don’t need a bridge or chorus, just 4 verses presenting her pitch-perfect sound, (4th entry on our list) is a treasure as she graces our listening ears with an easy, lower octave performance. You may wish the song had more verses…Simply Captivating!
459. Al DI LA (Beyond) (1961)
Vocalist: Emilio Pericoli
Writer/Composer: Carl Donida / Giulio Mogol (1961)
This sensational Italian entry went worldwide in 1961/62, and it seemed everyone wanted to record it, even in English. It was a Pop song that had particular appeal as a romantic love ballad and at the time, and romantic it was, anything Italian was romantic. (Remember Volare, Return to Me?) Emilio was an Italian Pop singer / actor with the looks and a great voice to match, very well known in Europe, and he even sang this song in American film, Rome Adventure. It sold multitudes of copies, led by the beautiful music arrangement and his wonderful, tenor delivery, displaying his vocal control and magnetic bravado. The song is…Heavenly and Ecstatic!
Link # 1 Original recording 1961. Link # 2 Scene from movie Rome Adventure 1961.
458. E SUSANNA NON VIEN (The Dove Sono) “The Marriage of Figaro” (1998)
Vocalist: Renee Fleming / James Levine cond. (Metropolitan Orch.)
Writer/Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1787)
There is much debate in Classical music circles about which female singer had perhaps the finest Opera voice or the greatest delivery, however, this recording at the N.Y. Metropolitan has to be one of the most magnificent ever. American vocalist Renee Fleming was not just a diva, she was a celebrity! She interpreted some of the most complex pieces, including Mozart in this selection, and she performed at major events, concerts, sang in movies, even recording Jazz, many in multiple languages. Her lyric soprano, 3 to 4 octave voice is, without doubt, astounding and remarkable, and here she exhibits tempo shifts with eloquent ease…Divine and Awe-Inspiring!
457. I’M YOUR CAPTAIN (Closer To Home) (1970)
Vocalist: Grand Funk Railroad (lead Mark Farner) / Cleveland Symphony Orch.
Writer/Composer: Mark Farner (1970)
This American 3-piece Rock band hit the scene in the early 1970s, selling millions of records, filling stadiums, a force in Hard Rock / Rock / and Pop, and as this song clearly demonstrates, even Progressive Rock. Becoming a masterpiece, especially noteworthy is the Closer to Home interlude, where the flute and strings begin their beautiful ascent as the vocals slowly fade. Mark Farner’s vocal particularly stands out as strong, commanding, and eloquent—he really has his moments here. He could stand out in Any band! The whole production begs the listener—play the 10-minute version rather than the 5-minute version…Amazingly Overwhelming!
Link # 1 Original recording at over 10 minutes with full orchestra. Link # 2 Live performance in 1970.
456. HALLEY CAME TO JACKSON (1990)
Vocalist: Mary Chapin-Carpenter
Writer/Composer: Mary Chapin-Carpenter (1990)
“It came from the east just as bright as a torch / The neighbors had a party on their porch / Daddy rocked the baby, Mother said amen / When Halley came to visit in 1910.” How does she do it? This hidden gem from the album Shooting Straight in the Dark, is a perfectly crafted song that certainly deserved more airplay. Her rich contralto voice sings it in a perfect storytelling vocal, with Mark O’Connor’s great fiddle playing, a cherished example adapted from writer Eudora Welty’s article. From the late 1980s - 2000s, she is the premier songstress and writer of Country music, with her 3rd entry on our list. You carefully, will agree, she is a Treasure…One of the best story songs ever!
Link # 1 Original recording 1n 1990. Link # 2 Live performance in 2012.
455. WHATEVER LOLA WANTS “Damn Yankees” (1955)
Vocalist: Sarah Vaughan & Chorus
Writer/Composer: Richard Adler / Jerry Ross (1955)
Sarah can do no wrong with her presentation here of a Broadway standard that has become a perfect Jazz entry, her 4th on our list. Her amazing contralto voice, her use singing in the lowest of her 3-octave range, assure us that she is indeed one of the greatest Jazz singers of all time. With her surprisingly unusual virtuosity, she sings this piece with amazing dexterity with rich, deep, alluring delivery. Who can resist the words, “I always get what I came for / And your heart and soul is what I came for. / What ever Lola wants (Lola wants) Lola gets (Lola gets). She owns those low notes with her distinctive, smokey delivery…Sumptuously Mesmerizing!
454. COME AWAY WITH ME (2002)
Vocalist: Norah Jones
Writer/Composer: Norah Jones (2001)
She arrived on the music scene in 2001 with her unique award-winning album of the same name—and she sold an excess of 50 million records since! She was the new voice of Jazz, but transcended that category and appealed to the masses of Pop / Blues / Country and even Folk. Her soft-spoken vocals, her sultry delivery and her easygoing seat at the piano launched her heralded career into the stratosphere. Not blessed with a strong voice, but blessed with an easily recognized sound, she is perfect for those melancholy, bluesy sounds that make great Jazz vocalists stand out. Just listen and be carried away…An absolute gem of a song!…Superlative!
453. I GOT RHYTHM “Girl Crazy” (1931)
Vocalist: Ethel Waters
Writer/Composer: George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin (1930)
She was not just a singer from the Jazz age in the 1920’s, she was a spoke in the wheel of American history. With her 3rd entry on our list, she shows why—she could present a Jazz / Blues / Pop piece as well as anyone who ever lived! She had that wonderful quality of singing as soft as a lamb’s lullaby, or singing with a growl of a grizzly, when and if the song needed it. She could purr, emote, or break your heart with incredible loneliness. With a musical career that spanned 1920s through the 1960s, she was also an award-winning actress. Her sweet alto voice sparkles here, from this Movie standard. Her emotion-felt delivery is Stunning and Amazing!
451. COULD IT BE MAGIC “Based on Chopin’s Prelude in “C” Miner” (1973)
Vocalist: Barry Manilow
Writer/Composer: Frederich Chopin (1931-1839) / Adrienne Anderson / Barry Manilow (1971)
Barry was the voice of Pepsi and numerous other commercial jingles until the public realized he had a great voice—full, rich, powerful and steadfast. This selection is his mix of Classical and Pop and it introduced his strong, yet touching, voice to the masses in what would become a long career, lasting deep into this 21st century. From the 1970s on he was one of the busiest men in music, with Pop / Rock / and Jazz performances, touching almost every facet of music—singer / songwriter / pianist / Broadway composer / production and acting. This piece takes on a life of its own, from Chopin to infinity…Incredibly Inspiring!
Link # 1 Original recording 1973. Link # 2 Live from the Midnight Special 1973.
450. THE TWELFTH OF NEVER (1957)
Vocalist: Johnny Mathis / Ray Coniff Orch. & Chorus
Writer/Composer: Paul Francis Webster (1957)
This Pop romantic song marks his 3rd entry on our list and, oh, what a lovely entry it is! As one of the most listened to male vocalists of the 20th century, he recorded this piece in the stellar year of 1957, leaving a lifetime of memories in his more than 60-year career. He croons, he swoons, he delivers with vocal excellence that most singers can only dream about, stretching his octaves, etching his name in the Mount Rushmore for Pop artists. The stunning background vocals only add to its beauty, as does the accompanying harp. This was the flip side of the single Chances Are—one of the very best 2-sided hits ever made…Perfectly Enthralling!
