175-151-Great Vocals
175. VIENS, MALLIKA (Flower Duet) “Lakme” (1966)
Vocalist: Joan Sutherland / Marilyn Horne (London Symphony Orch. / Richard Bonynge cond.)
Writer/Composer: Leo Delibes (1883)
Joan’s Australian’s gift to the Opera world was her magnificent soprano voice, one critic defining it as “caressing molten honey.” American Marilyn’s gift, a rapturous mezzo soprano voice, specializing in “executing difficult coloratura passages.” This magnificent pairing, results in one of the most stunning deliveries as a duet in Opera history. Together, this is one of their crowning achievements in their 50-year-plus careers. Their ability read each other and hit the complex high harmonies makes this an surreal listening experience…Breathtakingly Beautiful!
174. THE DANCE (1990)
Vocalist: Garth Brooks
Writer/Composer: Tony Arata (1990)
When this American singer/songwriter hit the Country charts in 1989 with his first three albums, Garth Brooks, No Fences and Ropin’ the Wind, his popularity soared to superstar status—the rest is history. Selling more records than any other singer in the 1990s, (170 million) and more albums (156 million), only Elvis Presley and the Beatles sold more. And why? He combined Country, Rock and Pop, capturing the public with an amazing variety of song selections, and making himself accessible through continuous concerts all over the world! This selection is one of his best, about the painful memory of losing at love, even life. His sincere delivery gets inside you…Truly Moving!
173. BLUE (1996)
Vocalist: Sarah McLachlan
Writer/Composer: Joni Mitchell (1971)
From her critically acclaimed album Fumbling Towards Ecstasy, Canadian singer / songwriter Sarah M reinvents this poetic Joni Mitchell classic and delivers an ethereal vocal performance and arrangement of this enigmatic song. Starting in the 1990s, she’s been a fixture in Pop / Folk / Celtic / World music, she started Lilith Fair for female songwriters, and she plays at least six musical instruments. Her captivating angelic voice is said to be capable of 3 to 4 octaves and sometimes she gracefully bends notes to hit a higher falsetto, as she does in this splendid many-layered performance. No doubt about it…Absolutely Stunning!
172. ON A CLEAR DAY (YOU CAN SEE FOREVER) “On a Clear Day (You Can See Forever)” (1971)
Vocalist: Cleo Laine
Writer/Composer: Burton Lane / Alan Jay Lerner (1965)
Adapted from the 1965 Musical of the same name, Cleo took this standard and totally reinvented it to suit her bluesy Jazz / Pop style. This British singer has been the standard-bearer for Jazz interpretation since the 1960s, and her 3 to 4 octave range has only solidified her reputation and longevity for some of the most remarkable performances ever recorded. Still recording and performing well into the 2000s, her adaptable contralto voice is extraordinary, whether performing live or scat-singing. Listen closely, especially to the very ending…Amazing!
171. SOME ENCHANTED EVENING “South Pacific” (1949)
Vocalist: Ezio Pinza
Writer/Composer: Richard Rodgers / Oscar Hammerstein II (1947)
This Italian star was blessed with rugged good looks and one of the most superb bass singing voices of the 20th century. He appeared in multitudes of Operas and easily made the transition to Broadway Theater and Movies in the 1950s. His vocal performances were described as smooth and flexible, and rich and powerful. His singing of this musical theater song opposite Mary Martin in the 1940s was a stroke of genius. Listen attentively as he softly concludes this number with the most beautiful high note imaginable for a bass singer…Simply Spectacular!
170. FANCY (1990)
Vocalist: Reba McEntire
Writer/Composer: Bobbie Gentry (1969)
Bobbie Gentry did a great job with writing / singing this record, but Reba takes it to new levels with her perfect diction, her Country sound, and her sharp defiant delivery. This American singer has an instantly recognizable voice and owns the 1980s and1990s as the bestselling female Country artist from 1980 on, selling millions of albums and racking up more big hits than any of her contemporaries. She also is an accomplished actress and entertainer. In this special story song of survival against all odds, she delivers in a beautiful expressive contralto voice, able to pack low and high notes in a very short space as she does here…Superb! Wow!
169. PIE JESU “Requiem” (1987)
Vocalist: Sarah Brightman / Paul Miles Kingston
Writer/Composer: Andrew Lloyd Webber (1987)
Sarah Brightman’s angelic voice and interpretation of Webber’s now famous piece from “Requiem” send this astonishing performance into spiritual epiphany. Paired with young Kingston in this hymnal experience, his youthful, classical soprano is breathtaking, especially when the two join together in blissful harmony. But it’s not over—the chorus join them on the final verse, sending the offering into a fulfilling heavenly experience. This is Sarah’s third offering in a duet on our list, and it’s well-deserved. The music is heavenly, as are the voices…Stunning and Beyond Belief!
168. LUCRETIA McEVIL (1970)
Vocalist: Blood, Sweat & Tears (David Clayton Thomas)
Writer/Composer: David Clayton Thomas (1970)
Is it possible that a band can conquer Pop / Rock / Jazz / R&B and pure Blues? The answer—a resounding YES! Canadian singer/songwriter David Clayton Thomas truly is one of the outstanding, distinctive, natural Blues voices ranging from the late 1960s and well into the 2000s. His 9-plus piece band took on all musical genres, combining Jazz-infused Rock with a generous amount of brass instrumentation. This shining example displays his big and burley singing voice, as well as his fearless iconic delivery. His larger-than-life vocal really stands out—the man has Soul!…Absolutely Astonishing!
167. THE SOUND OF MUSIC “The Sound of Music” (1965)
Vocalist: Julie Andrews
Writer/Composer: Richard Rodgers / Oscar Hammerstein II (1958)
Without doubt, one of the most famous exhilarating opening scenes in Movie history is her singing on the hilltop in this introduction number from “The Sound of Music.” Julie Andrews was unquestionably right for the part because her near perfect extraordinary clarity, her wonderful classically trained 4-octave voice, and her effortless soprano vibrato showcase her wonderful vocals. It led her to international stardom. She was superb and comfortable whether singing and /or acting on stage, in concert, or in movies. He crystal-clear expressive phrasing here is one of the very reasons Musicals are made…Captivating and Life Affirming!
166. FOR YOUR PRECIOUS LOVE (1958)
Vocalist: Jerry Butler & the Impressions
Writer/Composer: Arthur Brooks / Richard Brooks / Jerry Butler (1958)
Very few R&B / Soul singers matched the cool delivery of the “Iceman,” with his unique, full-throated, smooth, distinguished vocals. Popular for over fifty years from the late 1950s on, this singer/songwriter interpreted Soul numbers with such incredible sound, feeling, and charisma, that his voice became a constant throughout all those years. The Iceman’s vocal performances were identified as a one-of-a-kind sound that was instantly recognized. and his backup group, the Impressions, made this song into one of the most beautiful romantic slow-dance classics in American history…Amazing and Unforgettable!
165. IT’S ALL IN THE GAME (1958)
Vocalist: Tommy Edwards
Writer/Composer: Charles Dawes / Carl Stigman (1912)
He possessed one of music’s greatest vocal gifts with his mellow, splendid delivery. This song became the greatest hit of 1958, one of the biggest hits of the 1950s. Some music writers consider this song the first number-one hit by an African American artist: but not so. That would be the case if we just go back to 1955, when Billboard introduced its Hot 100, but the Mills Brothers went to number-one in 1943 with Paper Doll and Nat King Cole with Mona Lisa in 1950. This hit is a true wonder, however, by surviving the early Rock revolution, and it’s because he sings it with such heartfelt sincerity and assurance. Truly a modern classic of an old standard…Nostalgic and Romantic!
164. RING OF FIRE (1963)
Vocalist: Johnny Cash
Writer/Composer: Merle Kilgore / June Carter Cash (1963)
This remarkable recording by gave him his second entry on our list. Co-written by his future wife and suggested by Cash to use mariachi-horns in this Country classic was a huge gamble, somewhat of an anomaly, but it worked—It even became a huge Pop crossover hit. The hunch paid off and Johnny sings this with confidence and bravado and his famous gravelly delivery reaches new heights, coming across as a liquor-induced growl. The fans loved it—and even the critics…An Enduring, Spellbinding Country classic!
163. THESE EYES (1969)
Vocalist: The Guess Who (Burton Cummings)
Writer/Composer: Randy Bachman (1968)
Most musicians will agree that front man Burton Cummings of The Guess Who was truly one of the greatest voices in Rock music from the late 1960s until the late 1990s. This Canadian group had numerous hits in the 1970s as Hard Rock / R&B Soul / and Soft Rock became their repertoire. Respected by many for his songwriting with Randy Bachman, his solo career, and the one thing that stood out—his voice, and the ease in which he switched octaves and notes. In this song he really delivers, changing pace from high to low, from fast to slow, and he sends this song into unexpected ecstasy…Absolutely Amazing!
162. VESTE LA GIUBBA “I Pagliacci” (1907)
Vocalist: Enrico Caruso
Writer/Composer: Ruggiero Leoncavallo (1892)
This could very well be the most famous and popular song ever recorded before radio broke through in 1920. This world-famous aria brought instant fame and recognition to the Italian Caruso as the world’s greatest tenor in the early 1910s. In retrospect, he still holds his own as one of the great ones, keeping in mine there were no microphones, electronics and his recording of this was done on a cylinder, before the days of vinyl. Some music historians consider him the first singing performer to achieve “superstar” status, considering that Opera, Vaudeville and Tin Pan Alley were the only music available in America…Still Astonishing!
161. SINCERELY (1954)
Vocalist: The McGuire Sisters
Writer/Composer: Harvey Fuqua / Alan Freed (1954)
There’s no question about it, the sweet sound of the McGuires became the most popular Pop female singing group in America. The trio possessed a tight 3-point harmony, and they became a constant hit machine in the 1950s, covering and re-inventing other songs as well as their own original material. They specialized in live performances, television and night clubs, reuniting years later, catering to standards in their song book. This song stands out as the longest running at number-1 of the century by a female group—10 weeks! Their lilting sound was instantly recognizable, an infectious delight, and they held their own even during the Rock and Roll explosion of the mid 1950s…Illustrious, a Sheer Joy!
160. WHAT A FOOL BELIEVES (1979)
Vocalist: The Doobie Brothers (lead Michael McDonald)
Writer/Composer: Michael McDonald / Kenny Loggins (1978)
This American Rock band had already become major stars in Rock / R&B Soul / Blue-eyed Soul, even Country. Their stellar high-pitched harmony on the chorus is an absolute wonder to behold. Lead singer, Michael McDonald, with the band from 1975-1982, formerly sang backup on numerous songs, including Steely Dan, but here he sings astonishingly beautiful with his high tenor to falsetto. This whimsical tune of wishful thinking instead of real love is hard to imagine with someone else’s blue-eyed Soul delivery. From verse one, you’re hooked, “He came from somewhere back in her long ago.” …Nostalgia never sounded So Good!
159. GET HERE (1991)
Vocalist: Oleta Adams (Produced by Roland Orzabal)
Writer/Composer: Brenda Russell (1988)
This beautifully crafted whimsical song by Brenda Russell became one of the great miss-you love songs of the 1990s. Discovered and then covered by American Soul singer Oleta Adams while in Europe, it became a sensation, a signature song and ultimately, a worldwide hit. She delivers it here with an astonishing sincerity, honesty, reaching our heart with an inspirational performance. She displays great emotion and amazing vocal strength with this beautiful Soul / Pop arrangement. It’s anthemic feel for longing and reuniting make it one of the best love songs of the 1990s. “I don’t care how you get here, get here if you can.” …Tender and Poetic!
158. MY BABY LEFT ME (1956)
Vocalist: Elvis Presley
Writer/Composer: Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup (1951)
Elvis Presley’s second entry on our list is an obscure Rock / Blues classic from his very early days, the B-side of his mega hit, I Want You, I need You, I Love You. We are hooked from the very beginning with the opening drum intro, the sliding-down-the-scale bass hook, and Scotty Moore’s classic guitar riffs. His youthful dynamic is on full display here and his Sun records sound is spot-on, an early example of re-inventing a Blues song into a Rock song. It’s this kind of upbeat delivery that ultimately led to his becoming the best-selling solo artist of all time with over 500 million records sold. He rocks!…An Amazing Performance!
157. ALL BY MYSELF (Based on Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto #2 in C Minor) (1996)
Vocalist: Celine Dion (Produced by David Foster)
Writer/Composer: Eric Carmen (1975)
For Celine’s second entry, she takes this Eric Carmen song and presents it as an anthem for solitary loneliness, and it became a massive hit as she stretches her pipes into the stratosphere. She gives it her all, promoting her voice from Pop diva to Rock / Pop status. Many fans hoped she didn’t hurt her voice when she hits that momentous high note near song’s end. And even though some say this power performance may require some getting used to, and whether it known for its beauty or for its power-packed, style and delivery, very few small-statured artists can fist-pump their chest to demonstrate such passion as she delivers here…Uncanny and Sensational!
https://youtu.be/NGrLb6W5YOM?si=K52MnaLxqlaMPJyB
https://youtu.be/NnDzxbt4dZ0?si=xD13jBy2QsLDIr0M
156. (Sittin’ on) THE DOCK OF THE BAY (1968)
Vocalist: Otis Redding
Writer/Composer: Otis Redding / Steve Cropper / (1967)
Considered by many as one of the greatest American singer/songwriters of classic Soul / R&B / Pop selections of all time, his rough, gravelly, and sometimes staccato delivery was always instantly recognized. From his Gospel background, his influence was monumental, even though he lived only 26 years. This signature song of his was a massive hit, hitting number-one in the middle of the “British invasion” of the mid 1960s. He delivers it with such emotion and hopefulness, in spite of its lyrical desperation, “Sittin’ here resting my bones / and this loneliness won’t leave me alone.” This nostalgic piece is one of the century’s great songs! Reminisce…and Recapture the Mood!
155. COME TO MY WINDOW (1994)
Vocalist: Melissa Etheridge
Writer/Composer: Melissa Etheridge (1993)
As one of the strongest influences in female Hard Rock / Pop Rock and Folk Rock in the 1990s, she’s still going strong. This singer / songwriter is known for her raw, raspy, coarse but sensational voice, and her live performances rank her as one of the most dynamic Rock musicians of the last generation. She can purr, she can growl, and she sing with power as she does with this song about forbidden love—or is it about unsettling relationships? This song is considered anthemic for its independence, its attitude, and its angst. She really delivers…Simply Electrifying!
154. ROCK-A-BYE YOUR BABY WITH A DIXIE MELODY “Sinbad” (1918)
Vocalist: Al Jolson
Writer/Composer: Jean Schwartz / Joe Young / Sam Lewis (1918)
With his swaggering braggadocio and his on-his-knee take-charge delivery, this song is considered a standout for music historians in the first 20 years of the 20th century. It doesn’t matter whether it’s sung in black face or not, it’s his delivery here that defines the Vaudevillian musical styles of those first two decades. He didn’t need a microphone and, amazingly, you can understand every word. He doesn’t just sing it—he performs it! And as he said many times, “You ain’t seen NOTHIN’ yet!”…An Astonishing Musical Performance!
153. HALLELUJAH (1993)
Vocalist: Tim Buckley
Writer/Composer: Leonard Cohen (1984)
This American singer / songwriter’s career was just getting started before his tragic death at 31 years. His version of this Leonard Cohen classic seemed to cement his legendary status in the field of Folk/Rock and Alternative Rock / Blues. It reveals his marvelous vocal control, distinctive sound and a style that mesmerized his audiences. It was said he worked within 4 octaves, with the great ability to hold onto a note a long time and move seemingly without effort to a higher octave. Even with Biblical passages, this is not considered a religious song, but a song of lost love. However we view its interpretation, it’s Stunning!
152. RESPECT (1967)
Vocalist: Aretha Franklin (Background vocals Carolyn & Erma Franklin)
Writer/Composer: Otis Redding (1965)
Aretha’s second entry on our ranking is without doubt, one of the most influential R&B / Soul songs in American music history. She really nails it, her signature song, a rocking, gospel-charged delivery, impossible to duplicate! As her breakthrough song, her dynamic vocals are considered as one of the greatest examples of independence, attitude, and equality ever recorded. Listen to her “spraying a wash of notes over a single word or syllable,” as she adds emotional impact to her message…Wow! She really started something big, a New Style!
151. TRUE LOVE “High Society” (1956)
Vocalist: Bing Crosby / Grace Kelly
Writer/Composer: Cole Porter (1956)
This Cole Porter classic is considered one of the most beautiful and tender duets in screen history. Even though Grace Kelly doesn’t come in with her wonderful harmony until the last chorus of the song, this is Bing’s second entry on our chart and it’s a beauty, even this late in his 50-year career. This lovely duet, a major hit, 4 months on the Pop charts, occurred right in the midst of Rock’s revolutionary worldwide domination of music. Its melody, unforgettable, its vocal delivery sublime, setting the standard for romantic love songs…Timeless and Beloved!
