400-376-Great Vocals
400. IT’S A HARD LIFE WHEREVER YOU GO
Vocalist: Nanci Griffith (1989)
Writer/Composer: Nanci Griffith (1989)
When it came to writing classic Folk Songs and songs of the true rural American experience, or Americana in general, one would be hard pressed to find anyone other than this American singer / songwriter—she even wrote on behalf of the downtrodden in other countries as well. She was a true believer, and it showed with her 2nd song on our list. From her album Storms, this angelic-voiced creature with the heart-shaped face captivated audiences in Europe or wherever she went, with her unique voice, and with her sweet as honey vocal presence. This masterpiece on intolerance is beyond compare, and does she ever deliver!…Touching, Steadfast and Elegant!
Link # 1 Original recording in 1989. Link # 2 Live performance in 1992 on Austin City Limits.
399. DRIVE MY CAR (1965)
Vocalist: The Beatles
Writer/Composer: John Lennon / Paul McCartney (1965)
This tune from their Rubber Soul album was obviously the 4th Beatles entry on our list. Why, you ask? Because it’s so much fun listening to both Lennon and McCartney singing lead at the same time, doing so with such impeccable harmony. This Rock / Blues number just further etches their name in stone, as singer / songwriters and musicians. Paul also plays lead guitar in this offering, and who can forget that final refrain, “Beep-beep, beep-beep, yeah / Beep-beep, beep-beep, yeah.” The song is spot-on on harmony, with great melody…Terrific and Jubilant!
Link # 1 Original 1965 recording. Link # 2 First live TV performance.
398. THE RUBBERBAND MAN (1976)
Vocalist: The Spinners (Lead Philippe Wynne)
Writer/Composer: Thom Bell / Linda Creed (1976)
With this funky tempo and beat, we are introduced to one of the great dance songs of the 1970s. Who could resist that stellar musical arrangement and dynamic horn section, and the lyrics…“Hand me down my walkin’ cane / Hand me down my hat / Hurry now and don’t be late / ‘Cause we ain’t got time to chat / You and me we’re goin’ out / To catch the latest sound / Guarenteed to blow your mind / So high you won’t come down.” Phillippe Wynne’s lead vocals are a marvel and this R&B / Soul / Funk / Pop / 5-piece group us showed why, with great harmonies, and infectious FUN!..One of the premier R&B groups of the 70s…What Electrifying Joy!
Link # 1 Original 1976 recording. Link # 2 Live performance on the Midnight Special in 1976.
397. WOULDN’T IT BE LOVERLY “My Fair Lady” (1965)
Vocalist: Marni Nixon (for Audrey Hepburn)
Writer/Composer: Alan Jay Lerner / Frederick Loewe (1956)
Even in a cockney accent, ubiquitous Marni Nixon triumphs again in the movie version of this adaptation from Broadway’s My Fair Lady. It’s just so heavenly and delightful—one of the show’s best numbers. She proves for the 4th time that she deserves to be on the list, with The Sound of Music, West Side Story and the King and I added to her ledger. This “ghost” voice strikes again with her angelic, exceptional vocals, and her soprano, youthful voice, catching every birdlike key. “All I want is a room somewhere / Far away from the cold night air / With one enormous chair / Oh, wouldn’t it be loverly.”…Purely Whimsical!
396. GIVE ME ONE REASON (1996)
Vocalist: Tracy Chapman
Writer/Composer: Tracy Chapman (1995)
She was a huge sensation in the late half of the 1990s as a breakthrough, guitar playing, singer / songwriter. The music world didn’t quite know how to categorize her songs—she crossed all boundaries, and this song was quite a surprise when it won an award for best Rock song by a female artist. It came out in a R&B / Blues format and crossed over into Folk / Pop / Soul! She conquered said worlds by singing in a low contralto voice, not flashy but slightly androgynous, with a very unique and steadfast sound for a solitary Folk / Blues singer. She carted off many awards and remains popular into 21st century…Listen…Positively Eclectic!
395. TENNSSEE BABE (Oh Lisa)“The Alamo” (1960)
Vocalist: The Kim Darby Singers
Writer/Composer: Dmitri Tiomkin / Paul Francis Webster (1960)
This came in a pivotal scene in John Wayne’s epic film, The Alamo, and was heard in the movie as the women and children were allowed to leave before the final attack on the fortress by the Mexican army. It’s a beautiful treasure by the blended voices and superb musicianship of the Tiomkin-Webster team. The final verse, “Tennessee babe, save your dimples for me / Don’t let the one get away / Oh Lisa, my darling, though you’re only three / You’ll be a grand lady someday,” is a jolt to the senses for its beauty and vocals. Sometimes great songs get lost in time, but this one shouldn’t—it’s a total surprise and a feast for the ears…Purely Exquisite!
Link is a hidden gem for melody and harmony.
394. NO SUGAR TONIGHT / NEW MOTHER NATURE (1970)
Vocalist: The Guess Who (Burton Cummings)
Writer/Composer: Burton Cummings / Randy Bachman (1969)
The unmistakable sound of Burton Cummings in the late 1960s / 1970s is unique and euphoric—he was one of the most exciting Rock artists of that era. His distinctive voice, his 2nd entry, soared with grit, fire and emotion and of his songs, this double song was among his best. He displays his vocal power and attitude in this double song, two distinct melodies, and the final collage, molding both together in the finale, before the words —“Dat’n-doo-dow dow-dat’n-doo-dow.” Cummings won great respect later as a solo artist in the 70s and 80s. You could actually understand this Rock star’s lyrics when he sang…A Tour-de-Force!
Link # 1 Original 1970 recording (You’ll love the last verse when song goes into a split personality.) Link # 2 Live performance (just as good!)
393. BORN TO BE BLUE (1946)
Vocalist: Mel Torme (Sonny Burke’s music arranger and orch.)
Writer/Composer: Mel Torme / Bob Wells (1946)
The “Velvet Fog” wrote or co-wrote over 250 songs in his long, respected and fabulous career, but perhaps this was one of his favorite Jazz Standards. This American Jazz, Pop, Blues singer never fails at surprise, and he does it here with his 2nd entry to our list. It appears as a torch song, recorded when he was only 20 years old, but as one critic said, “One of his most sophisticated and atmospheric performances.” One thing that always stands out in a Mel Torme tune is his smooth-as-silk delivery, unimaginable clarity and astonishing vibrato as he scales his three octaves. He’s a musical instrument! Loss of love sounds…So Ecstatic!
392. I CAN’T STOP LOVING YOU (1958)
Vocalist: Don Gibson / The Jordanaires) (Chet Atkins guitar)
Writer/Composer: Don Gibson (1957)
One of the premier singer / songwriters of the 1950s - 1970s, his songs were a staple in that era, many crossing over from Country to Pop, Rock and R&B. This amazing song about unrequited love is a classic, covered by many other artists including Ray Charles. Don’s voice was a smooth, rich baritone with not too much twang, contributing why so many of his recordings were crossover hits. Known as a big influence in developing the “Nashville Sound,” and a strong proponent of Rockabilly sound, along with Jim Reeves, Sonny James and Marty Robbins. Chet Atkins’s great guitar work only made his songs better…Absolutely Monumental!
Link # 1 Original recording in 1958. Link #2 Live performance on TV in 1963.
391. THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM (The Quest) “Man of La Mancha” (1972)
Vocalist: Richard Kiley
Writer/Composer: Mitch Leigh / Joe Darion (1965)
This selection from La Mancha is an overwhelming vocal performance, and as it’s been covered by numerous artists through the decades—this is one of the best! Richard Kiley was legendary as an actor in movies, TV and Broadway, known for his “warmly authoritarian,” rich, baritone voice, found very useful in voicing documentaries and movies, (example-the narrating voice in the park vehicles in Jarassic Park.) His rich distinctive voice was award worthy as he introduced this role as “Don Quixote.” Notice his power and passion as he advances each verse as he makes this Broadway song his own…Magnificent and Inspirational!
390. THE BREEZE AND I (Andalusia) (1955)
Vocalist: Caterina Valenti (Werner Muller Orch.)
Writer/Composer: Al Stillman (1940) / Roberto Lecuona (1928)
A true international sensation, especially in the 1950s / 1960s, this French-Italian singer / songwriter / entertainer, could sing in 4 octaves, speak in 6 languages and and recorded music in 12 languages. She also was an accomplished guitar player, and enjoyed great popularity on numerous TV shows. But it was her great voice, a remarkable mezzo-soprano style with world appeal, that contributed to her half century vocal career. She could interpret complex numbers with incredible sparkle and confidence, with an uplifting, sweet, yet strong delivery. She was enormously famous in Europe, and this was her signature song…Unexpected Euphoria!
389. RIVER DEEP, MOUNTAIN HIGH (1966)
Vocalist: Ike & Tina Turner
Writer/Composer: Phil Spector / Jeff Barry / Ellie Greenwich (1966)
When this song was released in 1966, it couldn’t find a home. It was a huge hit in Europe, but it’s timing was off. This 3rd selection from mainly Tina Turner, was a knockout punch in normal times, but with the Viet Nam War brewing, the British musical invasion present, and Ike Turner later unsure the song was not relevant for its day, Phil Spector’s “wall of sound” couldn’t save it. In spite of the great backup singers, Tina’s powerhouse wailing vocals, her rough, tough, yet yearning delivery, the song has reached iconic proportions with each passing year. She puts her Soul into it, along with R&B, Rock, and Pop…Spectacular and Sensational!
388. MORNIN’ (1983)
Vocalist: Al Jarreau
Writer/Composer: Al Jarreau / David Foster / Jay Graydon (1983)
This American singer / songwriter / entertainer could wear any hat he wanted to—he won 7 different Grammy Awards in Jazz / Pop / and R&B. Simply stated—he sang with Soul, and many thought his voice was truly liberating, like this song. He soared within his 2 and a half octaves, sang in foreign languages, and toured Europe and Asia. In his almost 50 year career, he was a knockout in the 1980s, and still prevailed in spite musical changes in the industry. His eclectic delivery was versatile, innovative and superb, as he achieved legendary status in worldwide popularity. His voice became a musical instrument…Absolutely Exhilarating!
Link # 1 Official music video in 1983 - Wonderful! Link # 2 Live performance in 1986.
387. HEART OF GLASS (1979)
Vocalist: Blondie (Deborah Harry) Music arrangement Georgio Moroder
Writer/Composer: Chris Stein / Deborah Harry (1978)
Considered one of the greatest Dance numbers ever recorded, this worldwide phenomenon was considered Rock / Disco / New Wave. It was a powerhouse vocal performance with Deborah Harry, leading the way with her cooing, purring, alluring, alto vocalizing. Her charisma / stage presence was outstanding in the late 1970s / 1980s, and she didn’t disappoint—she possessed a persona that did not include yelling, screeching or vocal gymnastics. Hey, she sold millions of records anyway, making way for dozens of female vocalists who would jump on the New Wave bandwagon…Pulsating and Rhythmic!
386. WHAT’S NEW (1983)
Vocalist: Linda Ronstadt (Nelson Riddle Orch.)
Writer/Composer: Johnny Burke / Bob Haggart (1939)
She took a big risk by making an album of Jazz standards from the American Songbook in 1983, but why worry, her voice very seldom misfired. As part of her “Trilogy’ in the mid 1980s, she put out three albums of Jazz love ballads, and sold millions of copies! Selected from the 1983 album, What’s New, with Nelson Riddle’s wonderful musical accompaniment, this stellar vocal performance is a Jazz / Pop delivery for the ages. Her 4th entry on our list is well-deserved—she presents a clear-as-crystal, smooth delivery with remarkable clarity, holding nothing back, holding those long notes with complete ownership…Absolutely stunning!
385. E LUCEVAN LE STELLE “Tosca” (1974)
Vocalist: Luciano Pavarotti (Royal Philharmonic Orch. / Leona Magiera cond.)
Writer/Composer: Giacomo Puccini
This aria from Tosca has always been a challenge for great tenors, but Pavarotti delivers the goods with his 4th listing. There can be no doubt that his performance of this number is heavenly, his voice is phenomenal, and this beloved aria always forces repeated curtain calls, because of its power and vocal purity. He amazes us here with his ability to hold a note without it losing any of its majestic power, leaving the audience stunned with jaw-dropping excellence. He is the best opera singer to introduce to new audiences, and he hits all 3 and a half octaves with relative ease. This stunning masterpiece is hard to beat…Indefatigable, Rapturous!
384. COAL MINER’S DAUGHTER “Coal Miner’s Daughter” (1971)
Vocalist: Loretta Lynn
Writer/Composer: Loretta Lynn (1969)
This Country Music legend is without doubt one of the great stories in music history—how a dirt-poor woman rose out of the coal dust in eastern Kentucky to become one of the great singer / songwriters in the modern era. Her career lasted 6 decades and her voice, with enough of a nasal soprano sound to immediately be recognized, is a story for the ages. The movie was an outstanding bio-pic and it is a pleasure to see. It was said that her singing voice was “one designed for telling the truth,” and that it “cut through music like a sharpened blade”—perfect for her Country roots and experiences…An Absolute Marvel…Powerful, yet Vulnerable!
Link # 1 Loretta’s 1969 recording. Link # 2 Sissy Spacek’s from the movie Coal Miner’s Daughter.
383. I SAID I LOVE YOU…BUT I LIED (1993)
Vocalist: Michael Bolton
Writer/Composer: Michael Bolton / Robert “Mutt” Lange (1993)
The most insincere lie ever told in a song may be…”I said I loved you, but I lied / ‘Cause this is more than love I feel inside.” Michael Bolton, An American Pop / Soul / Blues / even Rock singer / songwriter made his presence known from the late 1980s till to well into the 2000s. His iconic persona was everywhere, and his vocals were easily recognized as he stretched his blue-eyed Soul approach to each number with his unique sound, along with long shoulder length hair. For a while in the 1990s, he was the world’s most popular singer. Never has a white man sounded like this, a baritone that prefers singing in high notes…Lofty and Indomitable!
Link # 1 Origianl 1993 musical video and recording. Link # 2 Live 2005 performance.
382. SOMEONE LIKE YOU (2011)
Vocalist: Adele
Writer/Composer: Adele Adkins / Dan Wilson (2011)
Some say it’s Pop, some say it’s Blues, but the finished product was a thing of beauty, a combination of both, embraced by the public in 19 countries as their number 1 song by this amazing artist. She co-wrote this song about her own experiences with her man taking on a new relationship, and the result was another mega-hit from her album 21. Her award-winning, standout delivery is praised by both critics and fans alike, validating her fame and launching her career into the stratosphere. You can feel the pain, emotion and beauty in this number, and it grabs the heart, something rare in Pop music…Melancholy, Shattering, Stunning!
Link # 1 Original offial video in 2011. Link # 2 Live on David Letterman Tonight Show in 2012.
381. JAILHOUSE ROCK “Jailhouse Rock” (1957)
Vocalist: Elvis Presley
Writer/Composer: Jerry Lieber / Mike Stoller (1957)
Elvis’s high energy Rock song was one of his best—this number is the one that everyone thinks of when they think of Elvis in the movies. His 3rd song on our list is a Rock Classic, and it’s the signature number from the film. I mean how you could not like the splendid lyrics from the Lieber / Stoller team? “The warden threw a party in the county jail / The prison band was there and they began to wail / The band was jumpin’ and the joint began to swing / You should’ve heard those knocked out jailbirds sing.” Clever and priceless is every verse, he delivers the goods in his greatest singing movie performance. Absolutely Awesome…He Rocks!
Link is straight from the 1957 musical number the movie.
380. MEMORIES ARE MADE OF THIS (1955)
Vocalist: Dean Martin (backup voices The Easy Riders)
Writer/Composer: Terry Gillickson / Richard Dehr / Frank Miller (1955)
This absolute Pop delight is Dean’s 4th entry on our list. The song was a huge hit as a whimsical recipe for hopeful love, all delivered with a Caribbean Calypso beat, with Dean’s wonderful delivery in perfect vibrato and crystal-clear, joyous mirth. From the very beginning intro we’re hooked by the Eay Riders, “Sweet, sweet, the memories you’ve given me / You can’t beat the memories you’ve given me.” This number 1 song was one of the crooner’s biggest hits, proving the singer / actor was the “King of Cool,” and the hits just kept on coming. His appeal was universal and his voice was beloved by all his peers…Radiantly Marvelous!
Link # 1 Original recording in 1955. Link # 2 Live TV performance in 1956.
379. BEYOND THE SEA (1959)
Vocalist: Bobby Darin
Writer/Composer: Jack Lawrence / Albert Lasry (6) (Based on Charles Trenet’s “La Mer”
This catchy love ballad from American singer / songwriter has become an American classic in the field of Jazz / Swing and Pop. He sings it was such great pizazz and finger-snapping confidence, it just can’t be helped that it has become so embraced as a Jazzed-up signature song. He was remarkable in his transition from Rock to Pop and then Jazz—soon to follow would be Folk, Country, R&B and Blues. It made him enormously popular in his short career in the 1950s / 1960s as one of the most gifted singer / entertainers of the 20th century. He croons lovingly in this selection, making it impossible for movies not to love him…Wow! Spectacular!
Link # 1 The Original 1959 recording. Link # 2 Concert live 10 minute performance version
378. ALWAYS ON MY MIND (1982)
Vocalist: Willie Nelson
Writer/Composer: Johnny Christopher / Wayne Thompson / Mark James (1972)
His legendary status as a Country singer / songwriter was etched in stone with this remarkable song, his 2nd on our list. It charted in the top 100 for half a year and his award-winning album “Always on My Mind” charted for an incredible 5 years. His “rugged looks and individualism” and his one-of-a kind nasal, baritone voice made him an icon in his Country / Pop / Folk 60-year career. He has earned worldwide acclaim and this cover song is a shining example of reinventing songs of others as well as his own compositions. This sad love ballad is a great revelation because of his appeal to all audiences…Intimate, Touching and Splendid!
Link # 1 Original 1982 recording. Link # 2 Live performance in 1983.
377. SOLVEIG’S SONG “Peer Gynt” (1991)
Vocalist: Sissel Krykjebo
Writer/Composer: Edvard Grieg (1875)
When a Norwegian peasant abducts a bride from her wedding, only to abandon her later to see the world, how long-suffering can she be at her spinning wheel? How long must she wait, knowing he will return? In short that is the essence of Peer Gynt, and the lovely melody of this song make it one of Grieg’s true classics. Sissel’s 3rd entry on our list is likewise phenomenal, never to disappoint. Her vocal is lonely, tantalizing and revealing, even though it’s not in English. She always captivates her audience by her angelic, inspirational delivery, again with such ease by which she touches every note…Absolutely Enchanting!
Link # 1 Original concert performance in 1983. Link # 2 Concert performance in 2019.
376. PUFF, THE MAGIC DRAGON (1963)
Vocalist: Peter, Paul & Mary (lead Peter Yarrow)
Writer/Composer: Peter Yarrow / Lenny Lipton (1958)
This children’s song about kids losing their innocence is a great example about how people jump to conclusions about hidden meanings, namely songs about drug use. This delightful tune is beautifully vocalized by the trio as Peter sings lead and the Mary and Paul accompany him on the chorus and by exquisite humming. Very few singers in Folk music, or any other kind of music, could blend harmonies so well, done with superb voices and timing. Their 2nd offering on our list is a thing of beauty, and it was one of their biggest hits, making the trio one of the most successful groups of the 1960s…Impeccably Wondrous and Appealing!
Link # 1 Origian 1963 recording. Link # 2 Live performance in 1965.
