200-176-Great Vocals
200. ANYTHING GOES “Anything Goes” (1987)
Vocalist: Patti Lupone
Writer/Composer: Cole Porter (1934)
Can we heap enough praise on this American award-winning actress / singer / trooper? She clearly excels here, and it remains among her many celebrated performances in the Broadway Musical Theater? Her powerful and beloved mezzo/soprano voice has been entertaining and engaging since the early 1970s, and well into the 2000s. She captures our attention with this standout Cole Porter classic as she really shines and captivates, possessing a very distinctive, exceptional delivery—she is also known for belting out the hard ones. She soars here with her amazing power and vibrato…Truly Marvelous!
199. THE CANADIAN RAILROAD TRILOGY (1967)
Vocalist: Gordon Lightfoot
Writer/Composer: Gordon Lightfoot (1966)
His second selection on our list confirms the fact he was indeed Canada’s premier Folk / Country artist. As a legendary storyteller, this song introduces us to a remarkable Canadian history lesson: “There was a time in this fair land when the railroad did not run / When the wild majestic mountains stood alone against the sun.” His golden voice and heartrending delivery give this song a unique, enlightening view of the love of nature’s splendors and the labor of mankind’s population advancement. In the 3rd and 4th verses, you actually feel the slow up-tempo rising speed of the imaginary locomotive. The musical arrangement is stellar…A Moving and Stunning Experience!
First is the recording, second is a 1972 live recording.
198. JOHNNY B GOODE (1958)
Vocalist: Chuck Berry
Writer/Composer: Chuck Berry (1958)
This American Rock singer/songwriter’s amazing vocal control, his splendid lyrics, and his remarkable electric guitar style made Chuck Berry a template in the emergence and invention of R&B to Rock & Roll. His signature song was immediately identified with Rock music, his performances trendsetting, among the most influential in music history. He easily glides through his clever R&B rhymes, (“He used to carry his guitar in a gunny sack / Go sit beneath a tree by the railroad track) and his crystal-clear delivery in singing make this song a joy to listen to and admire…Absolutely Amazing, even to this day!
197. ANNIBEL LEE (1967)
Vocalist: Joan Baez
Writer/Composer: Edgar Alan Poe / Don Dilworth (1849)
No one could sing such angelic, beautiful poetry as well as American Folk singer Joan Baez—she clearly demonstrates it here with her 2nd entry on our list. This Edgar Allan Poe classic poem comes to life as she stretches her remarkable soprano voice into astonishing heights. With a beautiful music arrangement by Peter Schickele from her album “Joan,” this remarkable rendering seems like a cut from an ancient Celtic movie soundtrack. The result is truly beyond human expectation or imagination. She delivers this beautiful poem about death as a Folk priestess would…An Extraordinary Musical Epiphany!
196. I WANT TO KNOW WHAT LOVE IS (1984)
Vocalist: Foreigner (lead Lou Gramm / featuring New Jersey Mass Choir
Writer/Composer: Mick Jones / Lou Gramm
Lou Gramm rises to the occasion as the front man of one of the stellar Rock groups of the 1970s on through the 1980s. They slow it down to Soft Rock and with Jennifer Holliday and the choir supplying the background vocals, this notable megahit shines as one of the best songs of the 1980s. His phenomenal pitch and pacing made him one of the premier singers in Rock, as this song clearly demonstrates. Known for his “golden voice” and his 3-octave range, he beautifully ascends to new heights in this rapturous melody and soars upward as he searches for the meaning of love. This Rock / Pop classic is without a doubt…Stunning & Memorable!
195. A HOUSE IS NOT A HOME (1981)
Vocalist: Luther Vandross
Writer/Composer: Burt Bacharach / Hal David (1964)
If an American R&B/Soul singer/songwriter ever possessed a captivating, even inspirational voice, gracing the 1980s and into the 2000s, this is it! His incredible singing performances redefines Soul, and his beautiful delivery was stunning, to both men and women. He was able to bring tears to our unsuspecting eyes with live performances and his velvet voice became a signature of mood and romance. He could bend the notes from bass to tenor, sweeping the audience off their feet, and his musical arsenal became legendary until his untimely death at 54. Listen closely…Spellbinding!!
194. DREAM A LITTLE DREAM OF ME (1968)
Vocalist: The Mamas & the Papas (lead Cass Elliot)
Writer/Composer: Fabian Andre / Wilbur Schwandt / Gus Kahn (1931)
Cass Elliot’s rendition of this older generation Pop classic permanently fixed her star as a lead vocalist of classic standards. This second entry of the American Folk/Rock group, the Mamas and the Papas, showcases her beautiful, pristine, and remarkable voice. She excels here as a Pop interpreter, proving without a doubt, with her smooth and sunshiny delivery, she could now be counted among the century’s most crystal-clear beautiful voices. It was said that the candor of her distinctive style is what brought such beautiful harmony to the group, but judge for yourself…Absolutely and Aesthetically Dazzling!
193. HE’LL HAVE TO GO (1960)
Vocalist: Jim Reeves
Writer/Composer: Joe Allison / Audrey Allison (1960)
It’s undeniable—Jim Reeves is an American Country / Western legend—His voice validates that statement! “Gentleman” Jim’s rich baritone voice lent itself to crooning Country ballads that crossed over into the Pop charts as well, as this great song, his biggest hit, illustrates. His biggest decades were the 1950s / 1960s, and his influence was phenomenal until his untimely death in 1964. His voice was as smooth as velvet, and he was among the first Country superstars who introduced Country / Pop to worldwide audiences. “I’ll Tell the man to turn the jukebox way down low / And you can tell your friend there with you / He’ll have to go.” Making up your mind never sounded so…Beautiful!
192. DON’T THINK TWICE, IT’S ALL RIGHT (1963)
Vocalist: Peter, Paul & Mary (lead Peter Yarrow)
Writer/Composer: Bob Dylan (1962)
Bob Dylan’s magnificent song of lost love and departure is presented here from perhaps the greatest Folk / Folk/Rock trio in music history. They were leaders among the protest, social justice movements in the 1960s. It was also their era of greatest popularity for songwriting, concerts and recordings. In this case tenor Peter Yarrow does the honors with his heartfelt smooth-as-silk delivery, “I’m walking down that long, lonesome road, babe / Where I’m bound, I can’t tell / But goodbye is too good a word, gal / So I’ll just say “fare-thee-well.” Their influence on music is legendary, and this song is living proof…Touching and Beautiful!
191. SIR DUKE (1977)
Vocalist: Stevie Wonder
Writer/Composer: Stevie Wonder (1976)
His second entry on our vocal list lands us on this wonderful rendition of Stevie Wonder’s homage and respect to musician/songwriter Duke Ellington. This complex offering is full of high energy and wonder and has the jazzed up-tempo sound reminiscent of the Big Band era, undoubtably proving—Blindness is no handicap for this musical genius. Not only has he mastered multiple instruments, but his skillful songwriting and performances have revolutionized modern R&B, Soul, Pop, Rock, Funk, and Jazz—He is truly a WONDER, practically owning the 1970s with his award-winning albums! This song is a joy to behold…Absolutely Sensational!
190. TOO-RA-LOO-RA-LOO-RA-(That’s an Irish Lullaby) “Going My Way” (1944)
Vocalist: Bing Crosby
Writer/Composer: Royce Shannon (1913)
This American award-winning song from an award-winning movie solidified Bing’s stardom in music and movies. Already as one of the most popular singers in the world during World War II, his third entry on our list is both enchanting, beautiful, and sentimental. This extraordinary melody was brought back to life by the movie, and once again it proved that Crosby’s artistry was legendary as an entertainer—he could’ve received accolades just by singing the phonebook! His beautiful mellow baritone is classic, persuasive, and delicate…So Sublime!
189. STUCK LIKE GLUE (2010)
Vocalist: Sugarland (Jennifer Nettles)
Writer / Composer: Shy Carter / Jennifer Nettles / Kevin Griffin / Kristian Bush
This sensational American lead singer of Sugarland has carved out a niche so inviting that she has become one of the most endearing Country/ Pop / Jazz / Reggai Fusion artists in this new century. Her performances are electrifying, her exciting delivery is remarkable, and her charisma is magnetic. She sings with ownership of any song she performs, and her pronunciation and wordplay are pure Country—she even Raps in this selection. Her distinctive vocals remind us of Dolly or Reba, but much more aggressive and sassier…Breathtakingly Happy!
188. PAINT IT BLACK (1966)
Vocalist: The Rolling Stones (lead Mick Jagger)
Writer/Composer: Mick Jagger / Keith Richards (1966)
This English Rock group has passed the longest endurance test in Rock history. From the Bristish invasion in 1964 until well into the 2010s, they have toured, recorded, and performed in every decade since. Their longevity has contributed to selling over 200 million records. Their popularity lasted so long because of their great musicianship, their blues-influenced riffs, Mick Jaggers prancing singing style. and their “bad boy” stage persona. The song seems to be influenced by eastern European melodies accompanied with a gypsy-sounding whirling dervish. This is one of Mick Jaggers finest vocal performances, and its lyrics convey grief and loss. Definitely hard to ignore…Incredibly Infectious and Astonishing!
187. BUT NOT FOR ME “Girl Crazy” (1959)
Vocalist: Ella Fitsgerald
Writer/Composer: George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin (1943)
Ella’s second entry on our list is another Gershwin classic. The “first lady of song” delivers with a delicate smoothness that’s not only captivating, but emotionally heartrending. She took her Jazz / Pop talents and voice to Europe, South America and Japan, among other places, and the world showed extraordinary appreciation, whether she was singing from the American Songbook in the 50s and 60s, Scat-singing Jazz standards, or beautifully covering love ballads such as this one. Her flawless performance here of her true golden voice is without histrionics or vocal gymnastics…she embraces the song…and what a teacher she is!…Simply Divine!
186. CELESTE AIDA “Aida” (1972)
Vocalist: Placido Domingo (New Philharmonic Orch. / Ricardo Muti cond.)
Writer / Composer: Giuseppi Verdi (1870)
Amazing indeed is this world-famous aria, especially as performed by this Spanish legendary Opera singer! His powerful confident delivery and his actor’s penchant for drama make his one of the most popular and imposing tenors of all time, with a career that spans from the early 1960s into the 2010s. This is his second entry on our list, next to his performance as part of the Three Tenors—and his Opera singing career is one of the longest in history, now singing in baritone since the late 2000s. This award-winning artist is highly sought after, and rightly so—as this incredible performance clearly shows. His remarkable passion in this delivery is stellar (Can he ever hold a note!), his vocal control is wondrous…Superlative!
185. THE FATHER OF GIRLS (1970)
Vocalist: Perry Como
Writer/Composer: Erwin Drake (1963)
From the 1940s and well through the 1970s, this American Pop crooner endured, and his laid-back, silky-smooth delivery was a standard for album sales, TV variety shows, and concert performances. He became one of the most popular singer / entertainers in the world, selling millions of records, turning out hit after hit, even in the midst of the musical and cultural changes of that era. This album cut, released later in his career, is a marvelous example of how touching it is to raise a daughter, as our children seem to grow up too fast. His vocal here is beautiful, soul-searching and nostalgic…Heart-Rending!
184. NO ORDINARY LOVE (1992)
Vocalist: Sade
Writer/Composer: Sade Adu / Stuart Matthewman (1992)
This singer/songwriter’s voice personified the Latin / African rhythms of the mid 1980s until well into the 2000s, covering Jazz / Soul / Pop musical categories. She is a British/Nigerian one-of-a-kind, smooth, soft singing contralto, singing notes and phrases in the lowest of tones that go straight into the deep inner thoughts of the Soul, singing about loss and her heartfelt celebration of the unique quality of love. She captivated the 1980s and 1990s with her moody, breathy, and sultry delivery—sometimes compared to melting butter—her unique style and positive influence definitely put her in a class by herself. Listen closely…Gratifyingly Superb!
183. HELLO YOUNG LOVERS “The King and I” (1965)
Vocalist: Frank Sinatra
Writer/Composer: Richard Rodgers /. Oscar Hammerstein II (1951)
This is the third list entry for “old blue eyes” and how well-deserved it is! From his 1965 album September of My Years, and with Glenn Osser’s lush orchestral strings backing him up, he takes this Rodgers and Hammerstein classic and transfers the listener to heavenly bliss. His rich baritone delivery is flawless, he glides effortlessly through every stanza, every nuance, every syllable, and he doesn’t have to bend the note to protect his breath control. This is just another gem in his 60-year musical career. And the last verse…Oh…Wow! Confession and Redemption never sounded so Persuasive!
182. MY GIRL (1965)
Vocalist: The Temptations (lead David Ruffin)
Writer/Composer: Smokey Robinson / Ronald White (1964)
No debate, this song is certainly one of the greatest and most beloved R&B / Soul songs of all time and David Ruffin’s illustrious singing made it an instant classic. With one of the most recognizable bass intros in history, “I got sunshine on a cloudy day / when it’s cold outside, I’ve got the month of May.” His soulful delivery is full of sincerity, yearning and honesty—has a guy ever sounded more convincing as he lauds and praises his girlfriend in this Soul experience? This Motown milestone is pure pleasure, and a joy to listen to. Their third entry on our chart spawned a string of hits that endured through the 1960s and 1970s, making them one of the most successful R&B groups of all time…Just feel it!…Legendary!
181. BLUEBERRY HILL (1956)
Vocalist: Fats Domino
Writer/Composer: Al Lewis / Larry Stock / Vincent Rose (1940)
This singer/songwriter was one of the first true innovators contributing to the worldwide cultural changes in American music that led to the beginning of Rock & Roll. His early recordings of Rhythm & Blues and his New Orleans piano style of Boogie-Woogie led to recordings from the late 1940s and through the 1950s as one of the sparks that led to that change. This number-1 song was his biggest hit, becoming his signature song. With his mellow baritone delivery his vocals and sound were immediately recognizable, and he became a musical hit machine well into the 1960s. With this reinvented older song, he combined Rock, Rhythm & Blues and Pop, hence becoming a household name…Still Marvelous!
180. BROKEN HEARTED MELODY (1959)
Vocalist: Sarah Vaughan
Writer/Composer: Hal David / Sherman Edwards (1958)
The divine Sarah Vaughan’s second entry on our list is an upbeat, samba inspired, Bossa Nova influenced, Jazz / Pop standard recorded in 1958. It became one of her biggest hits and validated the fact that she was an astounding artist capable of inspiring, embracing, and convincing people to listen to her excellence in pace, power and unmistakable clarity in enunciating her lyrics. In this song she phrases some lines alluringly, some in the highest notes of her at least 3 octaves, and some even sensually. “Noooow you just keep taunting me / wiiiiith the memory of (Ba-da-da) / his tender love.” What a talent, what a Voice!…Absolutely Dazzling!
179. I LEFT MY HEART IN SAN FRANCISCO (1962)
Vocalist: Tony Bennett
Writer/Composer: George Corry / Douglass Cross (1953)
American singer Tony Bennett wasn’t just a Pop / Jazz / Big Band / Swing / Show Tunes master, he was a legendary performer whose singing career lasted through SEVEN decades, one of the longest in history. Owning a voice that endured all the changes in the music industry, it was immediately recognizable, and oh, so many were those who sang duets with him just to be in his company. This signature selection was his biggist number-1 hit, and its delivery is superb. His remarkable offering of this beautiful song unforgettable, “To be where little cable cars / climb halfway to the stars.” He doesn’t just croon a song, he exemplifies singing!…Heartfelt and Extraordinary!
178. THE BELL SONG “Lakme” (1947)
Vocalist: Lily Pons
Writer/Composer: Leo Delibes (1883)
This French American coloratura soprano was a member of the New York Metropolitan Opera for over 30 years. Famous the world over, she was blessed or gifted with an angelic beautiful voice, flowing through 3 or 4 octaves effortlessly to the shock and dismay of her listening audiences. Her voice and breath control were compared to a clarinet, and rightly so. With this selection she became iconic, and notice—she has no trouble reaching even the highest notes with a smooth as silk delivery that defies expectation or imagination. There is no straining as she reaches heavenly heights in this most difficult selection…Absolutely Stunning in its Beauty!
177. GOLDFINGER “Goldfinger” (1964)
Vocalist: Shirley Bassey (John Barry’s orch.)
Writer/Composer: John Barry / Leslie Bricusse / Anthony Newley (1964)
British-Welsh songstress Shirley Bassey is a legend with few equals. This is perhaps the very best and most famous song from a James Bond movie, and her delivery of it is nothing short of astonishing. Known for a career that started in the early 1960s and still going strong in the 2010s, she masters 3 octaves with her mezzo-soprano style and extraordinary breath control, along with a stunning vibrato. This was her biggest musical hit and, along with John Barry’s great orchestration, she took the world by storm as an iconic musical artist. Her last note finale—Unbelievable!…Absolutely Captivating!
176. CARA MIA (1965)
Vocalist: Jay & the Americans (lead Jay Black)
Writer/Composer: Lee Lange / Tulio Trapani (1954)
In the midst of the mid-1960s British invasion of singers, the American Pop / Rock band, Jay (Black) and the Americans, delivered amazing vocals, weathering the musical changes in the 1960s. This was a sterling example of lead singer Jay’s extraordinary powerful voice and his impeccable vocal control. He was often referred to as “The Voice,” and he went on to perform in concerts for years, well into the 2000s. His majestic power and breath control captured a huge public following, and if you listen to this selection. he soars, taking it to celestial heights…Astounding!
