125-101-Great Vocals
125. DON’T STOP BELIEVING (1981)
Vocalist: Journey (lead Steve Perry)
Writer/Composer: Steve Perry / Jonathan Cain / Neil Schon
As American rock band Journey’s anthemic signature song, this classic has ascended in recent years to become one of the most popular songs in modern times. Steve Perry’s enduring lead vocals, never delivered in flat monotone, have led the way to identify their great sound as one of the premier 1970-1990s Rock / Pop’s groups. Blessed with one of the most unique, distinctive and identifiable voices, his vocals soar and illuminate in full clear vibrato, peircing the very Soul. Also outstanding is Jonathan Cain’s keyboards and Neil Schon’s stellar guitar work…Absolutely Absolute!
124. MAMA TRIED (1968)
Vocalist: Merle Haggard
Writer/Composer: Merle Haggard (1968)
Merle became a Country and Western icon by his ability to write and sing about his personal life experiences. This song highlights yielding to the temptations of renegade life verses his Mama’s toiling to make life better for her son. “Despite all my Sunday learnin’ / Towards the bad, I kept on turnin’ / ‘Til Mama couldn’t hold me anymore.” Recording since the 1960s, his career spanned some 40 years. His voice, sincere, earnest and weary, reminded millions to reach down further to better themselves instead of giving up on life. This song, a Country classic, etches that in stone…Listen and Learn!
123. I WILL FIND YOU “The Last of the Mohicans” (1993)
Vocalist: Clannad (lead Maire (Moya) Brennan)
Writer/Composer: Ciaran Brennan / Moya Brennan (1993)
This stunning composition from Clannad, a premier Irish Celtic / New Age / Folk band, comes as a rescue song from a movie, and features the remarkable, angelic, shimmery voice of singer/songwriter Moya (Maire) Brennan. The band is multi-talented, multi-lingual, and multi-instrumental and their astonishing unique sound made them a standout in the 1980s and well into the 2010s. Her rapturous soprano voice in this selection may send chills up the spine, and that’s to be expected—It proves she really deserves the accolades…Astonishing, Ethereal!
122. I GOTTA BE ME “Golden Rainbow” (1968)
Vocalist: Sammy Davis Jr.
Writer/Composer: Walter Marks (1967)
Sammy Davis Jr. was without a doubt one of the most gifted, marvelous American entertainers in the 20th century. He was a singer / actor / impressionist / dancer / comedian and television star and spent his whole life in show business. Multi-talented in every way, he won the hearts of other singers and entertainers with his dynamic versatile performances. He was blessed with a remarkable theatrical voice. His interpretation of this song is extraordinary, and his voice was a wonder to behold. “I gotta be free, I just gotta be free, / Daring to try, to do it or die / I gotta be me!”…Majestic and Powerful!
121. I FALL TO PIECES (1961)
Vocalist: Patsy Cline
Writer/Composer: Hank Cochran / Harlan Howard (1961)
Patsy’s second song on the list reminds us of what a great singer she really was. This also became an instant classic, and one music historian describes her as a very powerful and versatile singer, capable of growling or purring, vaulting octaves with ease. Her eight-year recording career seemed to engage other musical genres including Pop and Blues. Even to this day she is considered one of the most influential of all Country artists, helping define the genre as the first female Country / Pop star…Pure Patsy, a Revelation!
120. TONIGHT “West Side Story” (1960)
Vocalist: Jim Bryant (for Richard Beymer) / Marni Nixon (for Natalie Wood)
Writer/Composer: Leonard Bernstein / Stephen Sondheim (1957)
All music lovers know some of the best vocal performances come straight from the collaborations between the efforts of great musicians. The combination of Sondheim & Bernstein produced this musical for Broadway in 1957. Perhaps no musical ever had as many great songs as WSS. This great number about the hopes and expectation of true love is a masterpiece. Marni’s voiceover for Natalie Wood is an epiphany, and Bryant’s response (for Richard Beymer) is convincing and heartfelt. Together they present one of the great duets in screen history…A Lovely and Enthralling Experience!
119. DRUNK ON LOVE (1994)
Vocalist: Basia
Writer/Composer: Basia Trzetrzelewska / Danny White (1994)
This sensational recording came from Basia’s great album “The Sweetest Illusion.” Her captivating vocal energy and alluring charm make it a must for Latin style Jazz, Soul, Pop and Samba dance melodies. She’s a multi-lingual Polish singer/ songwriter, a worldwide phenomenon since the early 1980s and still toured well into the 2010s. Her vocal presence in her videos, concerts and recordings make her a captivating entertainer in the 3 or 4 octaves she has mastered. She has excellent production values, gifted musicians and her multi-tracking studio techniques are a wonder to behold…Outstanding and Pure Joy!
118. THE WORLD IS WAITING FOR THE SUNRISE (1951)
Vocalist: Mary Ford (Les Paul guitar)
Writer/Composer: Gene Lockhart / Ernest Seitz (1918)
This wonderful song of love, bliss and hope has been recorded by multitudes of artists, but this is the version that really stands out, again by Les Paul’s stellar guitar playing and Mary Ford’s wonderful multitracked voiceovers and her lilting, splendid phrasing and delivery. No need for auto-tune here! As their second selection on our list, how can we deny it? It just happily bounces from wall to wall, just like bubbly champagne and invokes very little criticism. It proudly declares…It’s good to be alive!…Rapturace, Euphoric!
117. ME AND MY SHADOW
Vocalist: Mandy Patinkin
Writer/Composer: Al Jolson / Billy Rose / Dave Dryer (1927)
This version of this great Pop standard rises to a new level, by an American actor who can really sing…or is it by a singer who can really act? Amazing indeed is Mandy’s gifted tenor delivery which he can transform with ease to a high baritone. Known for one-man concerts and his beautiful interpretation of Broadway Musical numbers, he sings with ease and confidence. Popular since the early 1980s, his craft has developed a great following, and with this remarkable performance he reinvents this Jolson / Rose / Dryer song with pleasure…What a Discovery!
116. RELEASE ME (1962)
Vocalist: Esther Phillips (Anita Kerr Singers backup)
Writer/Composer: Eddie Miller / Robert Yount / James Pebworth / W.S. Stevenson (1949)
Also known as “Little” Esther Phillips when she recorded this song, she possessed an extraordinary gift—she could change her vibrato to a quiver or tremolo when you least expected it, similar to Aaron Neville, and her edgy, sensual and self-assured delivery made her one of the best R & B / Blues, Jazz and Soul singers of the 1960s /1970s. Although she was not a household name, her style was years ahead of her time, a real trendsetter, and this was her biggest hit. Backed up in the chorus by the Anita Kerr Singers, her voice astounds us the moment she opens with, “Ummm.” So Very Unique…and Mesmerizing!
115. CON TE PARTIRO (Time to Say Goodbye) (1997)
Vocalist: Andrei Bocelli / Sarah Brightman
Writer/Composer: Francisco Sartori / Lucio Quarantotto (1995)
This beautiful duet by Italian classical sensation Bocelli and Brightman was a worldwide phenomenon. Andrei, a tenor Pop and Opera star, has sold millions of records since the early 1990s. Blind since early childhood, he lets nothing stop him from delivering here with his usual warmth and emotion. Sarah’s second entry on our list, famous for her theater songs, accompanies him in a beautiful, sweet and angelic performance. The result is a flowing, romantic, classical presentation, with amazing audience reaction. The song was written for their performance together and is now a worldwide classic…Exhilarating and Beautiful!
114. THE MAN THAT GOT AWAY “A Star Is Born” (1955)
Vocalist: Judy Garland
Writer/Composer: Harold Arlen / Ira Gershwin (1954)
Judy’s second selection is a legendary Show tune in the form of a torch song, all about the highs and lows of entertainer relationships. It is legendary because it stands out as one of the best vocal performances in Cinema history, and she etches it in stone, making it a crowning achievement to her 30-year singing career. She takes it from the top, not holding back, singing as very few could in those days about the heartbreak of losing her man. You can feel it in her every word…A Superb Performance!
113. THE TRACKS OF MY TEARS (1965)
Vocalist: Smokey Robinson & the Miracles
Writer/Composer: Smokey Robinson / Pete Moore / Marv Toplin (1965)
Smokey Robinson is one of the great singer/songwriters in R & B history. He sings with Soul and absolute sincerity, with an unmistakable silky-smooth sound and his group became one of the defining artists of the Berry Gordy’s Motown sound for the 1960s and 1970s. Their style included Doo-wop, Pop, Rock and Soul. His vocals are described as high tenor with a beautiful falsetto, displayed here with amazing dexterity. This group without doubt became one of the most influential in music history and they had multitudes of hits…Simply Superlative, Splendid!
112. RUNNING SCARED (1961)
Vocalist: Roy Orbison
Writer/Composer: Roy Orbison / Joe Melson (1961)
He had one of the most recognizable voices in Rock and Pop in the 20th century. As one of the most gifted American singer/songwriters, his voice transcended the other rock artists and contemporaries of his time because of his 3-octave, unique, haunting vocal style and delivery. Highly respected for his soaring melodies, many of his songs were heartrending love ballads as well as songs of personal heartbreak, and this story song is absolutely right on the money, with a Hitchcockian last line…Stunning, Electrifying surprise ending!
111. ONCE IN LOVE WITH AMY “Where’s Charly” (1948)
Vocalist: Dean Martin
Writer/Composer: Frank Loesser (1948)
This wonderful Pop song from the effervescent Dean is his second selection on our list. No one else ever captured the beautiful, wistful and carefree nature of this delightful love song with such a happy and joyful delivery. This crooner’s youthful voice shines with bubbling jubilance. Others recorded this number, but this is clearly his song to embrace. He could sing with blissful exultation without any use of histrionics or vocal wobbling—It just floats effortlessly with wonderful enthusiasm…Romantic, High-spirited, and Loving!
110. VINCENT (1972)
Vocalist: Don McLean
Writer/Composer: Don McLean (1971)
This American Folk singer/songwriter presents us with one of the most poetic, touching and meaningful songs ever written, paying homage to the life of the great French impressionist, Vincent van Gogh. He paints a beautiful, poignant scenario as a tribute to the painter’s life, and it is delivered acoustically as a soft folk-like prayer—easy to see that sadness and metaphorical truth can pay respect to those great artists who were tortured souls. Reaction to the song may be so emotional that tears may flow—it’s generational, just like it was when it was first written. “He took his life as lovers often do.”…Whew! Overwhelming!
109. MAN IN THE MIRROR (1988)
Vocalist: Michael Jackson / Siedah Garrwtt / The Winans / Andrae Crouch Choir
Writer/Composer: Glen Ballard / Siedah Garrett (1987)
As the King of Pop, Michael’s extraordinary showmanship, his dynamic vocal presence and his amazing footwork, made him one of the most popular singers in history. From his childhood days in the early 1970s as part of the Jackson Five to his untimely death in 2009, he mastered Soul, R&B, and Pop as perhaps no other singer ever has, and his Thriller album continues to be one of the best sellers of all time. The production values and backup vocals are incredible in this song, and Michael’s childlike voice, full of sensitivity and grit, stands out as one of his greatest vocal deliveries. He’s an icon…It’s Absolutely Sensational!
108. DREAMS (!977)
Vocalist: Fleetwood Mac (Stevie Nicks lead)
Writer/Composer: Stevie Nicks
Among the most popular Rock/Pop groups in the 1970s / 1980s was Fleetwood Mac, and they seemed to do no wrong in delivering catchy tunes and melodies that became instant classics, even when they were going through personal crisis. Stevie Nicks’ low one-of-a-kind voice came across as edgy, alluring, mystical and earthy, and she had that remarkable ability in those lower contralto tones, to come across as husky, genuine, yet vulnerable. This song showcases her unique sound and the band’s great musicianship. Without a doubt...Amazing and Captivating!
107. SIGNORA, ASCOLTA! “Turandot” (1972)
Vocalist: Montserrat Caballe (London Symphony Orch. / Zubin Mehta cond.)
Writer/Composer: Giacomo Puccini / Franco Alfano (1926)
When listening to this selection, you may be experiencing one of the most awesome examples of a female Opera aria in music history. This is her third selection in our ranking and words cannot describe her stunning and remarkable voice—she could very well be the greatest soprano of the 20th century. She masters at least 4 octaves and takes her bel canto style into interstellar dimensions, and at the conclusion of this number listen carefully to her astonishing control as she hits the last 5 or 6 bars…Truly one of the Greatest Musical Moments…EVER!
106. LOVE, REIGN O’ER ME (1973)
Vocalist: The Who (lead Roger Daltry)
Writer/Composer: Pete Townsend (1973)
The Who is not just another British rock band, they are now recognized among the best Rock artists in music history. Their talent, musicianship and innovative production techniques put them among the very elite as leaders in Rock / Blues Rock and Progressive Rock music—their influence from the late 1960s on cannot be denied. This is considered a haunting masterpiece for Roger Daltry, as he demonstrates the power, the passion, and yes, the strain in his abrasive delivery, and an epiphany for Pete’s keyboard work…An Incredible Music Experience!
105. FERNANDO (1976)
Vocalist: Abba (lead Anni-Frid Lyngstad)
Writer/Composer: Benny Anderssen / Bjorn Ulvaeus / Stig Anderson (1974)
As one of the premier Pop supergroups of the 1970s and 1980s, they gave us an immediate recognizable sound like no other on Earth. This Swedish group, (2 females / 2 males), and their vocal harmonies, were off the charts, and they were a dominant force in the world’s Pop market at the time. This song of two freedom fighters in the Mexican Revolution had a beautiful romantic vibe attached, adding to its worldwide acceptance, and they mastered many languages in translating the lyrics to the world market. Anni’s wonderful and sincere lead vocals stand out, as does the production and harmony…Exhilarating and Awesome!
104. FOREVER AND EVER, AMEN (1987)
Vocalist: Randy Travis
Writer/Composer: Paul Overstreet / Don Schlitz (1987)
Randy’s distinctive baritone voice has been described as a deep nasal whine, but it rings with truth and storytelling in the traditional Country and Gospel way. Starting in the late 1970s this singer/songwriter and actor has been one of the most influential forces in American Country music. This sweet song of love and devotion to a lifelong wife make it a country music staple and essential. This says it all, "They say time can play tricks on a memory / Make people forget things they knew / Well, it’s easy to see, it’s happening to me / I’ve already forgotten every woman but you.” …Simply Touching and Warm…Allover!
103. COURTYARD LULLABY (1994)
Vocalist: Loreena McKennitt
Writer/Composer: Loreena McKennitt (1991)
This Canadian singer/songwriter’s vocals descend directly from somewhere in the heavens. Angelic voices sometimes reach Earth—This is one of those times! She sings in many languages, she plays a heavenly harp, and she transcends World Music, Folk, Celtic, and New Age. She has stunned, amazed and astonished audiences all over the globe since her musical career began in the mid-1980s. This extraordinary piece is from her album “The Visit” in 1991. Her soprano voice here seems deeply influenced by folklore which only enhances our listening experience…Absolutely Enchanting!
102. SUPPER TIME (1964)
Vocalist: Barbra Streisand / (Ray Ellis orch.)
Writer/Composer: Irving Berlin (1933) “As Thousands Cheer”
With Barbra’s second song on the list, we experience how she emotes every nuance, every word, every heartache, of this Irving Berlin show-tune that reeks with Blues and sorrow—“Cause that man of mine ain’t coming home no more.” Again, she knocks it out of the park! Originally written as a song for Ethel Waters forbidding the tragedy of racial violence, it also has become a standard for a woman who is abandoned by her man. Regardless, it’s a magnificent vocal delivery from Streisand’s 1964 album, “People.”…Mournful and Shattering!
101. I HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE (1968)
Vocalist: Marvin Gaye / (the Andantes background)
Writer/Composer: Norman Whitfield / Barrett Strong (1967)
His second entry on our list is an absolute classic in the R & B, and Soul category. It cannot be denied that his delivery here is astounding by one of the premier Soul singers of the 20th century—it became the biggest hit with the Motown sound up to that time. Paul Riser’s string arrangement and the studio crew produced an impeccable portrayal about a guy’s girlfriend making the wrong choice with a rival man. Within his 3 or 4 octave range, he switches tone from baritone to tenor and hits surprising falsetto with amazing fluency. Maybe his best song…Superb!
