100-76-Great Vocals
100. ONE MORE TRY (1988)
Vocalist: George Michael
Writer/Composer: George Michael (1987)
When British George Michael went solo from the Pop Group, Wham, he would become one of the most popular singers of the 1980s and 1990s. His remarkable voice, unique power and stage presence became a world phenomenon, dominating the charts with his version of blue-eyed Soul / Pop / Rock. His musical performances surprised everyone but himself and this Blues offering clearly demonstrates his artistry, and his uncanny ability to put genuine emotion into his delivery…Prepare to be overwhelmed—Amazing, Astonishing!
99. ST LOUIS BLUES (1925)
Vocalist: Bessie Smith (Louis Armstrong coronet)
Writer/Composer: W. C. Handy (1914)
This landmark W. C. Handy song, one of the first Blues vocals to find success, as American audiences discovered Blues and Jazz in the 1920s on RADIO. This new music, now being embraced by the Big Bands, and the singers of the new “Jazz Age.” Bessie was well known as the “Empress of the Blues”—her 10-year career and repertoire was loaded with almost all of the great Blues standards of the 1920s. Her voice was powerful, passionate, earthy and hard-edged, and she personifies the Blues in this offering…Incredibly Authentic and Engaging!
98. ANNIVERSERY SONG (Based on 1880 song “Danube Waves”) (1947)
Vocalist: Al Jolson
Writer/Composer: Al Jolson / Saul Chaplin (1946)
For the first half of the 20th century, Al Jolson was arguably the world’s most famous singer / entertainer. His Jewish and Vaudeville roots and his love of the Blues and Jazz, prompted him to perform many times in blackface, leading many modern artists to assume it was a putdown of black performers, but most writers and singers of his era agree that it was to pay homage to the creators of the music he loved. His theatrical delivery was punctuated by an extraordinary tenor voice that later became a beautiful full-throated baritone, as this song clearly reveals. His usual dynamics weren’t necessary for this extraordinary performance…Absolutely Stunning!
97. MISTER SANDMAN (1954)
Vocalist: The Chordettes
Writer/Composer: Pat Ballard (1954)
With this Pop standard of the 1950s, this girl group quartet enjoyed enormous popularity with novelty, romantic and beautiful examples of how great good harmony could be. They possessed a very unique sound, very much unlike the contemporary female groups of that time. Their individual talents helped them master barbershop quartet sounds for women, not an easy feat. Their harmonies were so amazingly in sync they could hum as well as sing, as this song illustrates. As one of the biggest hits before the Rock era, its magnetic hum buzzes like a hive of sweet bees…A Joy and Delightful!
96. A CASE OF YOU (1971)
Vocalist: Joni Mitchell
Writer/Composer: Joni Mitchell (!971)
She is one of the most gifted female singer / songwriters of the 20th century…Period! From the late 1960s on she specialized in Folk, but also embraced Rock, Jazz, even R&B. She started as a mezzo soprano and as she’s aged (like fine wine), her voice has turned into a lower chameleon-like contralto. This song, a complex melody, is a criterion on which poetry in song is based, a melody of love lost, and its flowing aching heartbreak. This example shows us the rare quality of singing thoughts, not just lyrics. It’s a True, Genuine, Astonishing experience!
95. DON’T CRY FOR ME, ARGENTINA “Evita” (1982)
Vocalist: Julie Covington (Anthony Bowles cond. / London Symphony Orch.)
Writer/Composer: Andrew Lloyd Webber / Tim Rice (1976)
Webber and Rice practically dominated Musical Theater from the early 1970s into the 2000s. This gorgeous song and melody is one of their most beautiful compositions, and Julie Covington does a stellar job here with her sensitive delivery and heartfelt emotion in the original cast. She desires her fellow Argentinians to love her, not mourn her, and she passionately pleads for their affection. Her version, praised for its delivery, is a perfect challenge for multitudes of other female artists—its powerful orchestration sends chills…Absolute Epiphany!
94. MARIA “West Side Story” (1960)
Vocalist: Johnny Mathis (Glenn Osser Orch.)
Writer/Composer: Leonard Bernstein / Stephen Sondheim (1957)
In 1957 Johnny Mathis hit the music world as the epitome of the beautiful, smooth, clear male voice—the Pop world would never be the same! He gave us hit after hit, well into the 1970s. His interpretation of standards and Theater songs, and his instantly recognizable, unique voice, has kept him in the musical limelight for decades. His vocal control is amazing as he switches from middle tenor to a high falsetto, without labor or effort. This classic is done with such precision that he almost becomes a musical instrument…Magnificent!
93. BLACK COFFEE (1988)
Vocalist: k. d. Lang
Writer/Composer: Paul Francis Webster / Sonny Burke (1949)
One writer said this extraordinary voice was “blessed with destiny.” He was probably right, her vocals soar over the musical landscape with artistry, precision, and perfection, and she proves it here with her amazing control on this standard “torch” piece from the past. People marvel at her control as she handles Pop, Country, Blues and Jazz with excellent interpretation. Her 1992 album “Ingenue” introduced her to worldwide audiences. Smooth and confident, she delivers this classic about loneliness with perfect pitch, without extravagance…Marvelous!
92. HOTEL CALIFORNIA (1977)
Vocalist: The Eagles (lead Don Henley)
Writer/Composer: Don Felder / Don Henly / Glenn Fry (1977)
“You can check out any time you want, but you can never leave.” These threatening and haunting words play out the conclusion of one of the most enigmatic Rock songs of all time. As Don Henley sings lead, those mysterious words showcase their biggest hit…Result, a signature song that guaranteed worldwide recognition. Alway ranking as one of the most esteemed, respected songs of the Rock era, the stellar vocals, harmonies, and production are masterpieces. Accolades to the Spanish style guitar intro of Don Felder & Joe Walsh…Wow!…Astonishing!
91. MY HEROES HAVE ALWAYS BEEN COWBOYS (1980)
Vocalist: Willie Nelson
Writer/Composer: Sharon Vaughn (1979)
With one of the most distinctive voices in Country music, he is also blessed with one of the longest careers, going back to the early 1960s. A singer / songwriter and actor, he’s now a musical legend because of his longevity, musical ability, also taking on Swing, Jazz, Folk and Pop. An expert at guitar lead or as virtuoso, it’s his easy, hard-edged, nasal voice that’s won respect and adoration of the last three generations. This song proves the timelessness of his message, so open up a cold one, relax, and go back wherever he takes you!..Lofty and Awesome!
90. CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’ (1966)
Vocalist: The Mamas & the Papas (lead Denny Doherty)
Writer/Composer: John Phillips / Michelle Phillips (1966)
“All the leaves are brown / and the skies are gray.” From that opening moment, we know we witnessed one of the great sounds in vocal group history. This unique Folk / Rock group consisted of writers John & Michelle Phillips / Denny Doherty and Cass Elliot. Their short career spawned many hits in the counterculture era of late 1960s. They sounded like no one else! Considered their signature song of the 60s, this “California sound,” also sported an excellent flute solo by Bud Shank. The group’s blended harmonies and “Mama” Cass’s strong vocal presence gave this group their phenomenal sound…Amazing!
89. I AM A TOWN (1992)
Vocalist: Mary Chapin-Carpenter
Writer/Composer: Mary Chapin-Carpenter (1992)
Count her among the very best of singer/songwriters! She captures our heart by personalizing small-town America in a first-person point of view. From her heralded album “Come on Come On,” she displays perfect cadence in her lower contralto delivery, and whether you consider it a Country or Folk classic, it is beautifully and poetically delivered. Her low dusky voice with an accompanying mournful cello touch us tearfully as she reminisces about days gone by. With picture perfect images, we go back to that “town in Carolina.”…So Sublime!
88. IT WAS A VERY GOOD YEAR (1966)
Vocalist: Frank Sinatra / (Gordon Jenkins Orch & arranger)
Writer/Composer: Erwin Drake (1966)
“Old blue eyes” never sounded better as he does in this, his second selection. This nostalgic and melancholy song of retrospectively looking back on your life is a stunning example of romantic reminiscing, as he compares his life to “vintage wine from fine old kegs.” This Pop standard has become one of the great contemporary adult songs of the 20th century, and even when Sinatra turned 60 years old, his mature voice was a thing of beauty, along with the lush orchestration by Gordon Jenkin…Absolutely Beautiful!
87. E LUCEVAN LE STELLE “Tosca” (1981)
Vocalist: Placido Domingo (Philharmonic Orch. / James Levine cond.)
Writer/Composer: Giacomo Puccini (1900)
This romantic aria is done to perfection by this enormously popular Spanish tenor. His voice shines as he displays his power, his resonant tone and his convincing timbre and his passion in delivery. In the last half century his stature, good looks, acting ability and presence have made him one of the most popular of all Opera stars—this is his second entry on our list. His voice has been described as velvety, magnetic, and enduring—His longevity reveals to us he is one of Opera’s greatest voices. This classical favorite is truly…Stunning!
86. DOGGIN’ AROUND (1960)
Vocalist: Jackie Wilson
Writer/Composer: Roy Jordan / William Weldon (1959)
He was known as “Mr. Excitement” for a good reason. He could sing, could wail, had extraordinary stage presence, and if you’re a R&B / Soul / Blues / Pop musical legend, people bought into it! In some cases, he was known to have mastered 4 octaves—this song proves he wasn’t just another R&B singer. He also mastered the Blues, and he proves here with a phenomenal dynamic performance. He takes this song to an almost operatic level, with amazing skill, charisma and control. Just listen up. check it out…and be amazed…Unbelievable!
85. EL PASO (1959)
Vocalist: Marty Robbins / harmony vocals (Bobby Sykes / Jim Glaser) / Grady Martin guitar)
Writer/Composer: Marty Robbins (1959)
As an American Country & Western singer / songwriter, his mellow yet strong baritone voice was perfect for this classic number 1 song that became a number 1 Pop song as well. This legendary number, one of the greatest story songs ever recorded, featured Grady Martin’s distinct, rhythmic, Spanish guitar sound and two beautiful backup harmonies adding great flavor to the chorus. It also proved that a good story tune could be over three minutes long, and it became his signature song, virtually assuring his 4-decade long career…Sad, but Beautiful!
84. THE MAGIC FLUTE (Der Holle Rache) “The Magic Flute” (1964)
Vocalist: Roberta Peters (Berlin Philharmonic Orch. / Karl Bohm cond.)
Writer/Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1791)
This Mozart piece of good verses evil is an extraordinary challenge for any Opera star. Roberta Peters not only meets the challenge, she excels, resulting in a jaw-dropping performance of imitating the unique sounds of the actual musical instrument. You may ask yourself, am I really hearing a human voice? She captivated audiences as an integral part of the Metropolitan Opera through the last 35 years of the 20th century, and her coloratura soprano voice was respected as one of opera’s finest. She triumphs here… Stunning and Spectacular!
83. ROLLING IN THE DEEP (2011)
Vocalist: Adele / featuring Paul Epworth
Writer/Composer: Adele / Paul Epworth (2010)
This British artist is one of the most successful, respected voices of the 21st century—she writes, performs, and owns her songs. She excels in Pop / Rock / R&B / Soul delivery, as this case clearly demonstrates, she can Rock with the best of ‘em. She captures attitude, unmistakable power, prowess, permanently etching her place as a musical icon. She amazes us with her and Paul Epworth’s backing vocals. This song charted over for over a year and her “21” album that spawned this hit has become a musical landmark for the 21st century… Awesome!
82. INNAMORATA “Artists and Models” (1956)
Vocalist: Dean Martin / Orch. Dick Stabile
Writer/Composer: Harry Warren / Jack Brooks (1955)
With his totally unique voice, he was more than a crooner, he proved to be one of the best conveyors of Pop music of the century. He swayed his adoring fanbase with a lazy, effortless persona and in the 1950s / 1960s, and captivated his listening audience with his romantic and effervescent delivery that resulted in hit after hit. This selection, (Italian for “Sweetheart”), showed the sensitive, relaxed ability he possessed as he poignantly glides through this number. If ladies are looking for a boyfriend, he is without a doubt…Totally Persuasive!
81. MORE THAN A FEELING (1976)
Vocalist: Boston (lead Brad Delp)
Writer/Composer: Tom Scholz (1975)
With guitars leading the way, and thanks to Brad Delp’s astounding spirited vocals, this classic, legendary Rock song, from lift-off to infinity, breaks free from Earth’s gravitational pull and launches into a high atmospheric falsetto orbit, almost beyond our imagination. Could it be a masterpiece of studio production that didn’t require music videos to convince the public to build a fanbase? Yes—So relax and let the music transport you to another dimension, and marvel at this musical feast for the ears…Beyond Belief and Overwhelming!
80. THEY CALL THE WIND MA RIA “Paint Your Wagon” (1969)
Vocalist: Harve Presnell / and Chorus
Writer/Composer: Alan Jay Lerner / Frederick Loeoe (1951)
This actor’s magnificent baritone voice captured everyone’s attention in Musicals, Theater, and recordings, especially in the 1960 / 1970s, since the rest of the cast were not singers. His amazing full-throated delivery is mesmerizing, and his magnificent vocal presentation shows both charisma and conviction. His stellar voice displays power, beautiful tone and amazing control. It makes this classic song a wonderful experience and—alas! a landmark song giving homage and respect to nature and her weather…Absolutely Exceptional!
79. THE GIRL FROM IPANEMA (1965)
Vocalist: Joao & Astrud Gilberto (Stan Gets sax)
Writer/Composer: Antonio Carlos Jobim / Vinicius de Moraes / Norman Gimble (1962)
Sometimes collaborations work and the unexpected happens—even in two languages, Portuguese and English—and in this case, a huge international hit appeared! This Bossa Nova / Jazz song featured the lovely and beguiling female voice of Astrud Gilberto, the husky sounding saxophone of Stan Gets, the euphoric rhythm guitar of Joao Gilberto, and the rhythmic piano and male vocal of Antonio Carlos Jobim. The combined result was a worldwide sensation and a music award for Song of the Year. This exemplary song was a silky smooth with a very rich sound, introducing us to a new type of Latin American Jazz…A beautiful Stunning Surprise!
78. PAPA WAS A ROLLING STONE (1972)
Vocalist: The Temptations (lead Dennis Edwards) / Paul Riser (Motown instrumentalist)
Writer/Composer: Barrett Strong / Norman Whitfield (1971)
As one of the most successful R&B, Soul groups of the 1960s / 1970s, they were the defining sound of Motown for male vocal singers. Amazing, in spite of personnel and lead singer changes, they took quality songs and turned them into great R&B classics, regardless of who sang lead. This time, Dennis Edwards took the lead vocals into the musical stratosphere, with a remarkable delivery, telling his story in a mournful, distinctive, psychedelic presentation. His offering here is a true production masterpiece…A Marvelous Revelation!
77. HELLO YOUNG LOVERS “The King and I” (1956)
Vocalist: Marni Nixon (for Deborah Kerr)
Writer/Composer: Richard Rodgers / Oscar Hammerstein II (1951)
Meet Marni Nixon—the beautiful mystery soprano voice that has been used in so many major Musical films. From Broadway to Opera, her voice had an eternal sweetness, and a remarkable lyrical resonance, so pleasing to our ears…This exhilarating selection is also very moving. She also sang for Natalie Wood (West Side Story), Audrey Hepburn (My Fair Lady) and for herself as a nun in (The Sound of Music). Her amazing chameleon-like dubbing made non-singing performers better actresses. Notice her compassionate tenderness here…Beautiful!
76. GIORNO D’ORRORE! “Semiramide” (1980)
Vocalist: Montserrat Caballe / Marilyn Horne (London Symphony Orch. / Richard Boynynge cond.)
Writer/Composer: Giochino Rossini (1923)
Something astonishing happens here as two of the world’s greatest soprano / divas deliver one of the greatest achievements in vocal harmony ever presented. This huge challenge is Caballe’s third entry as both singers move beautifully through multiple octaves, in split-second timing, turning on a dime, and conquering this challenging piece with perfect pace, power and sublime technique. If you’re unfamiliar with it, prepare to be blown away, two stunning artists stretching their wings…as few ever have…an Absolute Epiphany!
