1075-1051- Great Vocals
1075. AS LONG AS HE NEEDS ME “Oliver!” (1960)
Vocalist: Shirley Bassey
Writer/Composer: Lionel Bart (1960)
One of the great villains in literature history was the stealthy, dishonorable Bill Sykes of Charles Dickens’ book, Oliver Twist. The woman he abuses, batters and eventually kills, is Nancy. The Boadway Musical Play was loaded with singers, but we like Welch singer Shirley with her version of this number, her 3rd song on our list. With her glorious pipes she delivers a superb rendition of this misplaced love from the play Oliver! Her powerful voice is stunning and exquisite at the same time, spanning at least 3 octaves, full of emotion, breath-control and dynamic energy, capable of going deep in her alto, but ascending into extraordinary heights as a soprano. She has been a singer for over 70 years as of 2025, selling mor than 140 million records. Not many can match her…A Musical Showcase!
Link # 1 Her Original Broadway recording (1960). Link # 2 Live performance TV Special 1996.
1074. MILLION REASONS “A Star Is Born” (2018)
Vocalist: Lady Gaga (Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta)
Writer/Composer: Stefani Germanotta / Natalie Hemby / Hillary Lindsey / Lori McKenna (2018)
This American now-iconic singer is one of the world’s most famous singer / songwriter / actors, selling out huge concert venues, selling millions of records and streams, and since her first album, Just Dance, appealing to not only Pop audiences, but Rock / R&B / Jazz and Dance music as well. She doesn’t hide her identity under those multitudes of costumes, she morphs into characters, and she doesn’t substitute her strong, 3+octave, mezzo-soprano voice—she continually asserts herself and her attitudes in her music. Her 2nd listed song is known for her phrasing and emotional expressiveness, and even if her persona is not appealing to some, it cannot be denied, she is one of the most influential artists among female vocalists today in this 21st Century…This is one of her best…Powerfully Phenomenal!
Link - Original recording from film A Star Is Born, 2018.
1073. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE (1956)
Vocalist: James Brown & His Famous Flames
Writer/Composer: James Brown / Johnny Terry (1956)
This American R&B / Soul / Funk / Pop / singer was one of the most influential, hit producing machines of the 20th Century. From the early 50s through the 90s. his 2nd listed vocal is his breakout song, bringing his unique mantra of the “Hardest Working Man in Show Business” to the masses with ‘Gospelesque’ raspy yelps, screams and raw power-packed vocals. Everyone was aware of his 3+ octave, ‘disturbed’ low-register notes to his high screaming falsettos, all with reckless showmanship capable of driving crowds wild with those Famous Flame of funky musicians, heavy on the horn section, and with enough energy to chart over 90 hit songs on the Billboard 100. Notorious in his personal life, he was still officially known as the ‘Godfather of Souls…Listen, his Harmonic Begging is Extraordinary!
1072. YOU BETTER SIT DOWN, KIDS (1967)
Vocalist: Sonny and Cher (Sonny Bono / Cherilyn Sarkisian)
Writer/Composer: Sonny Bono (1967)
One of the great hits of the 1960s from a male point of view was this song of Rock / Pop music, especially Cher’s great contralto, larger-than-life voice. From the very beginning, “You better sit down, kids / I’ll tell you why, kids / They might not understand, kids / But give it a try, kids / Now how should I put this / I’ve got something to say / Your mother is staying / But I’m going away / No, wait we’re not mad, kids, / It’s hard to say why / Your mother and I , kids / Don’t see eye to eye. Yes, here it is, a Rock / Pop song that really expresses the Blues. With Sonny absent this go-round, Cher delivers more than enough heartfelt feelings of sadness and loss when children are involved in this all-to-common scenario. Her 3rd song listed is a great emotionally charged song of the pain of splitting up…Very Overwhelming!
Link - Cher’s original recording with video & lyrics 1967/
1071. YOU REALLY GOT ME (1964)
Vocalist: The Kinks (lead Ray Davies)
Writer/Composer: Ray Davies
One of the most distinctive sounds in Rock music during the British invasion in the 1960s and 1970’s was the sound of Ray Davies and the British 4-man group, the Kinks. With its Rock / Blues / Punk template, it led the pack that year with a 5-beat guitar riff, “Duh, duh, duh, duh, dut,”and roars out of the starting gate, starting an avalanche of sound and fury, giving way to Ray Davies’ growling baritone vocals. “Girl, you really got me goin’ / You got me u so I don’t know what I’m doin’ / Yeah, you really got me now / You got me so I can’t sleep at night.” It really does rock—the chorus simply repeats, “You Really Got Me,” three times. The simplicity of the song really kicks in as one of the big #1 songs that year on the Pop charts, proving the Beatles weren’t the only capable players…Simply Awesome!
Link # 1 Original recording remastered 1964. Link # 2 Live performance, The Midnight Special 1974.
https://youtu.be/02TiweAPm4I?si=gkAcfPW0ygG66maR
1070. LET IT GO “Frozen” (2013)
Vocalist: Idina Menzel
Writer/Composer: Robert Lopez / Kristen Anderson Lopez (2013)
One of the most popular songs perhaps of personal determination and moving on with life ever written! And from a Disney animated feature? You bet! The Frozen franchise became the most successful Disney story since the Lion King, and the choice of this becoming Elsa’s song was a master stroke. Menzel’s wonderful voice, her 2nd on our list, makes her more than just a flash, she’s a superb American actor / singer, in Movies, TV and Broadway. Her 3-octave voice is utilized here, a mezzo-soprano with a ‘coquettish’ sound, perfect for belting. The chorus finale, “Let it go, let it go / And I’ll rise like the break of dawn / Let it go, let it go / That perfect girl is gone / Here I stand in the light of day / Let the storm rage on / The cold never bothered me anyway,” stays with you surprisingly…Simply Sensational!
Link # 1 Original recording - Frozen soundtrack 2013. Link # 2 Live performance from Disneyland’s 60th Anniversary.
1069. DREAM ON (1976)
Vocalist: Aerosmith (Stephen Tyler lead & keyboards) Steven Victor Tallerico) / Joe Perry lead guitar / Tom Hamilton bass / Brad Whitfield rhythm guitar / Joey Kramer drums
Writer/Composer: Steven Tyler (1973)
It took a while for this song to catch on, but when it did—Wow! In spite of many personal setbacks, this American 5-man Rock Group gradually rose to fame for their great musicianship and largely by the vocal strength of Steven Tyler. He was never known for the beauty or resonance in his voice, it was his ability to stretch the 3+octaves from his bari-tenor delivery and his versatility of singing in a mellow baritone as he does here, escalating his vocals to a celebrated, raspy scream. His vocal prowess, songwriting abilities and adapting as a multi-instrumental musician, has enabled the band to maintain a Rock / Blues career that started in 1970 and continued into the 2020s—over 50 years and counting—making them one of Rock’s most enduring bands…Beautiful harmony to a Legendary Performance!
Link # 1 Original recording 1975. Link # 2 Live audio 1976.
1068. HIT ME WITH YOUR BEST SHOT (1980)
Vocalist: Pat Benatar (Patricia Mae Andrzejewski)
Writer/Composer: Eddie Schwartz (1980)
She rocks with gusto and a defiant attitude. This American Singer / songwriter nabs another notch in her lipstick case here, convincing along with the Wilson girls of Heart that females could Rock as well as males. Her 2nd listed song soars with this anthemic power play of her soprano 4-octave voice, and she became of one the 1980s / 1990s dominant bands, letting the basic guitars, bass and drums do the main work, singing with confidence, independence and winning 4 Grammys in the 1980s for Rock Female Performance. “Well, you’re a real tough cookie with a long history / Of breaking little hearts like the one in me / That’s okay, let’s see how you do it / Put up you dukes, let’s get down to it.” Eventually she quit doing this song live, because of her stand on American gun shootings…A Rip-Roaring Rock Song!
Link # 1 Original recording remastered 1980. Link # 2 Live performance 1984.
1067. HARVEST MOON (1995)
Vocalist: Cassandra Wilson
Writer/Composer: Neil Young (1991)
If you haven’t cut your teeth on Jazz yet, open your ears and mind to Cassandra Wilson with this cover and complete re-creation of Neil Young’s classic song. Full of imagination and production you would never expect from a British singer / songwriter / instrumentalist, she uses her deep, breathy, smokey alto voice to sing Jazz / Blues / Soul & Folk like it’s never been sung before. From her Grammy-winning album New Moon Daughter, she gives us the unexpected, surprising everyone as her career has spanned over 50 years from the mid-1970s until the mid-2025s. She braves practically every genre in her long career, singing her styles and re-evaluations of artists such as Hank Williams, Robert Johnson and even the Monkees. Why? Because she can, that’s why!…Absolutely Wondrous and Avant-Garde!
Link - Intimate Live extended performance 1995.
1066. WE’RE IN THIS LOVE TOGETHER ((1981)
Vocalist: Al Jarreau
Writer/Composer: Roger Murrah / Keith Stegal (1981)
His 2nd song listed is pure joy from one of the few artists who’s conquered Jazz / Soul / Pop / R&B. American singer / songwriter Al Jarreau entertained audiences over 35 years and had an extraordinary Jazz, Pop, R&B voice that simmered in flavor, was creative in scat acrobatics—one of the few singers to win 10 Grammies out of 19 nominations. His 2+ octave, tenor voice sailed into the heavens, and he was known for his unique ability to imitate instrumental sounds with his vocal agility and enduring expressiveness. His 1981 album Breaking Away was on the charts for over 100 weeks. Check out his intro, “It’s like a diamond ring / It’s a precious thing / And we never want to lose it / It’s like a favorite song / That we love to sing / Every time we hear the music.” No question…Absolutely Gratifying and Euphoric!
Link # 1 Original music video 1981. Link # 2 Original recording 1981.
!065. I’VE GOT A TIGER BY THE TAIL (1965)
Vocalist: Buck Owens / Don Rich harmony / the Buckeroos (Alvis Edward “Buck” Owens)
Writer/Composer: Buck Owens / Harlan Howard (1964)
This American singer / songwriter / TV personality is one of the most influential Country singers of all time, bringing the ‘Bakersfield Sound’ to Country / Honky-tonk music and eventually becoming a co-host with Roy Clark of the TV comedy / variety show, Hee Haw, for over 25 years. His long career produced over 21 #1 singles that hit the top of the Country & Western charts, and he was also an excellent guitarist. Everyone knew the chorus, “I’ve got a tiger by the tail, it’s plain to see / I won’t be musch when you get through with me / Well, I’m a-losing weight and a-turning mighy pale / Looks like I’ve got a tiger by the tail.” His unique, tenor voice seemed to have a built-in sense of humor with wink in his eye, but on hearing it, it was unmistakable, articulate and twangy…Truly Energetic and High-spirted!
Link # 1 Original recording 1964. Link # 2 Live Performance on Hee Haw 1969.
1064. (IT LOOKS LIKE) I’LL NEVER FALL IN LOVE AGAIN (1967)
Vocalist: Tom Jones (Thomas jones Woodward)
Writer / Composer: Lonnie Donegan / Jimmy Currie (1962)
Perhaps Tom’s biggest hit, it covered and was accepted by nearly every musical genre. Oddly enough, it wasn’t that big of hit in the U.S, but one thing is certain, his 2nd song on our list was a monster hit in Jazz / Deep Soul / Pop and R&B, appealing to all, not because he just sang it, he attacked it! It had everything, histrionic note bedding, a voluminous tearful performance, a mind-bending vibrato, and a distinctive, sumptuous, 2+octave, baritone delivery. His enormous stage presence allowed to have around 20 charted recordings from 1965 through 1980, and still going. His last verse in the song is legendary, “And it looks like / I’m never gonna fall in love again / That’s why I’m a-singin’ it / Fall in love, no, I’m never gonna fall in love / Please don’t make me / Fall in LOVE a-gain.”…Simply Unparalled!
Link # 1 Original recording 1967. Link # 2 Live performance The Dusty Springfield Show 1967.
1063. I’D LIKE TO GET TO KNOW YOU (1968)
Vocalist: Spanky and Our Gang (Lead Elaine “Spanky” McFarland)
Writer/Composer: Stuart Scharf (1968)
The 2nd listed song by this 6-piece band was an absolute delight, an American Pop / Soft Rock group that rode the waves of radio and concerts, very successful because of the amazing vocals by Spanky, a so-called “Queen of Sunshine Pop.” He voice was strikingly similar to Mama Cass, so much so, she took Cass’s place when she passed away a few years later in the 1970s—Spanky’s group dissolved in 1973. Her vocals showed great power and versatility, and she was capable of Pop / Rock / Folk / Blues and Jazz standards with her distinctive alto-soprano vocals, beautiful and gratifying. The group was also known for their colorful, surprising outfits and stiff, expressionless delivery, adding a lttle humor to their numbers…Great orchestration accommodating a Wishful and Wistful sound!
Link # 2 Original recording 1968. Link # 2 Live production on the Ed Sullivan Show 1968.
1062. CAN YOU FEEL THE LOVE TONIGHT “The Lion King” (1994)
Vocalist: Elton John
Writer/Composer: Elton John / Tim Rice (1994)
This heartfelt beloved classic resonates with all cultures and music lovers. From British singer / songwriter / entertainer / mega star Elton John, we receive his Pop composition with appreciation, for its message is globally accepted by children and adults as well. With his 3rd entry on our list, and from one of the most beloved successful Walt Disney animated Films of all time, we are treated with a wondrous drama-comedy with messages that are universally acclaimed, ‘The Circle of Life’ must be maintained if we want our wildlife eternally. The finale, “And can you feel the love tonight? (Tonight) / How it’s laid to rest? / It’s enough to make kings and vagabonds / Believe the very best,” is among Disney Studio’s very best. Elton delivers Rice’s lyrics with a baritone of compassion and sincerity…Stupendous!
Link - Official music video with movie scenes 1994.
1061. WITH YOU I’M BORN AGAIN “Fast Break” (1979)
Vocalist: Billy Preston / Syreeta (Wright)
Writer/Composer: Carol Connors / David Shire (1979)
One of the most surprising, beautiful duets in R&B / Soul and Pop music history, this song was a smash in 1979/1980 and brought a beautiful sound to the global music market. Preston, who had 5 years previously reached #1 (Will It Go Round in Circles) with his soft, baritone, soulful sound, and Syreeta, previously a backup singer for Stevie Wonder with her distinctive, elegant soprano sound, was truly a Motown stroke of genius. Taking turns on the verses, then blending in harmony, the melodious song was a thing of beauty, crossing cultural and category boundaries. The pre-chorus really stands out, “I was half, not whole / In step with none / Reaching through this world / In need of one.” The song was a stunning delight to the senses, full of beauty, harmony and a Simmering Example of Intimate Poetry!
Link # 1 Original recording in 1979. Link # 2 Live Performance in 1980.
1060. SON LO SPIRITO CHA NEGA “Mefistofele” (1995)
Vocalist: Samuel Ramey (Teatro, La Scala Orch. / Riccardo Muti cond.)
Writer/Composer: Arrigo Boito (1867)
American Opera / Classical singer, Samuel Ramey, brought forth baritone performances and interpretations to some of the Opera’s greatest challenges, bringing attention to formidable, obscure Opera pieces, such as this one. He is also known for his deep, dynamic power and a huge, influential bass to baritone sound, proving Opera is not just a showcase for great tenors. He possesses some astounding versatility and range in the lowest of sound levels, and his career is second to none in appreciation of the art form. Considered one of his best numbers, you be the judge…Truly Awe-Inspiring!
1059. ALL I ASK OF YOU “The Phantom of the Opera” (2006)
Vocalist: Josh Groban / Kelly Clarkson
Writer/Composer: Andrew Lloyd Webber (1986)
He considers himself a high lyric baritone, some consider him a full-throated tenor, but regardless, he’s one of the leading American vocalists of the 21st Century. We may already know that same description fits Kelly Clarkson, with her 2nd appearance on our list. Their duet here together is pure elegance with stunning vocals, among the finest of this 21st Century. They take this classic Webber Broadway Theater song from Phantom and prove they can perform it live—this is remarkable because it’s early in Kelly’s career, before she became a well-loved TV personality. They both use their 3 octaves, their hopes, their dreams, to make the 2nd appearance of this number one to remember by making it their own. Sit back, relax—and enjoy one of the most beautiful songs of all time…Simply Splendor!
Link - Live performance from Stages Live - 2006?
1058. YOU’LL LOSE A GOOD THING (1962)
Vocalist: Barbara Lynn (Ozen)
Writer/Composer: Barbara Lynn (1962)
An early American female singer / songwriter / guitarist came on the scene in the early 1960s, and she not only appealed to R&B / Soul / Blues / Jazz / Pop, but she distanced herself from her contemporaries by really playing that electric blues guitar—and she also had a fine, smokey, soulful, contralto voice. This was very rare for female singers in that era, making her a pioneer of sorts. She had great New Orleans session musicians to accompany her on this track, including Joe Detroit on the sax, and her career has gone well into this 21st Century. She means business, in the 3rd verse, “This is my last time / Not asking any more / If you don’t do wright / I’m gonna march out that door / And if you don’t believe me, just try it daddy / And you’ll lose a good thing.” What a Stunner…Simply Persuasive and Devine!
Link - Original recording 1962.
1057. SINCE I DON’T HAVE YOU (1959)
Vocalist: The Skyliners (lead Jimmy Beaumont) / (Janet Vogel Rapp soprano / Wally Lester tenor / Jackie Taylor bass / Joe Verscharen baritone)
Writer/Composer: James Beaumont / Joseph Rock / 5 other Skyliner collaborators ((1958)
As one of the best pleasing-to-the-ear songs of the Pop / Doo-Wop / R&B era of the 1950s / 60s era, this fine melodious song even had an exceptional string section to accommodate the heartbreak conveyed in this tune. It was the group’s signature song, a group with Beaumont in the lead. whose unmatchable, distinctive, 3- octave, baritone voice, very capable to switching for powerful falsetto as he does in this song. The conclusion is now a hallmark, “I don’t have happiness, and I guess / I never will again / When you walked out on me / In walked old misery / And he’s been here since then,” and just when you think it’s safe, he hits the high notes, “You, you, you, you / You, you, you, you / You. you, you, you, / (YOU)! Beware of that last ‘you,’ it SOARS, with the blend of Janet’s soprano…Stellar, Sensational!
Link # 1 Original recording 1958. Link # 2 Live pantomime performance, American Bandstand 1959.
1056. LONG BLACK TRAIN (2003)
Vocalist: Josh Turner and chorus
Writer/Composer: Josh Turner
There comes a time when a Country / Folk / Spiritual song comes along that has a voice so unique that it just has to be a hit. Josh is that voice, a deep, resonant, bass to baritone voice that stands out in this 21st Century. This American singer / songwriter hits paydirt here with a song using a steam locomotive as its modern-day metaphor, about temptation behind every door and the challenge to fight it at every day. Verse 1, “There’s a long black train comin’ down the line / Feedin’ off the souls that are lost and cryin’ / Rails of sin, only evil remains / Watch out brother, for that long black train,” introduces us to the folly of reckless living in sin with religious underpinnings, but it’s his stellar delivery that made this song an instand classic. His low bass rises to celestial heights…Foreboding and Magnificent!
Link # 1 Official music video 2003. Link # 2 Live Performance 2004.
1055. LUKA (1987)
Vocalist: Suzanne Vega
Writer/Composer: Suzanne Vega (1986)
This amazing American 1980s Folk classic deals with the unthinkable—domestic abuse. Suzanne later admitted she was the object of the song—her own experiences. Her husky, yet soft and sensitive lack of vibrato in the delivery of this understated vocal seems to be hiding something as this song reveals, and her soft, appealing vocal is perfect for the forbidden subject matter contained therein. You sense a passionate, want-to-tell-all mystique and certainty in her delivery of the song, and time has been good to its acceptance. As she makes excuses for her condition, she reveals in verse 3, “Yes, I think I’m okay / I walked into the door again / If you ask that’s what I’ll say / And it’s not your business anyway.” She presents the tune in a Folk Rock motif…A Superb, Purposeful, yet Disturbing Performance!
Link - Original recording 1986.
1054. SAILING (1980)
Vocalist: Christopher Cross (Christopher Charles Geppert)
Writer/Composer: Christopher Cross (1979)
In 1979 a new American singer / songwriter / guitarist came on the scene, and his self-titled breakthrough album won everything at the Grammys the next year. Mr. Cross was somewhat of an anomoly, a talented musician not known for his resonant, thunderous voice, but as one with a soft, smooth phrasing, tenor voice, distinct and easily recognized. The song won record of the year, song of the year and album as well. This Pop / Soft Rock song transferred everyone to another place, and another time, sailing deep into their psyche, with one of the most beautiful string intro arrangements, ever. You simply get lost in his vocal, and the bridge, “Fantasy / It gets the best of me / When I’m sailing / All caught up in the reverie / Every word is a symphony / Soon I will be free,” is Celestial…Sublime and Inspirational!
Link # 1 Orignal recording 1980. Link # 2 Live acoustic performance 1981.
https://youtu.be/9PnXcP8ZI7M?si=OHfN1TNsoqaOI5bu https://youtu.be/41knPEcVyJg?si=vZgCSg-jasyIoVpF
1053. O MIO BABBINO CARO “Gianni Schicchi” (2013)
Vocalist: Amira Willighagen / Andre Rieu conductor
Writer/Composer: Giacomo Puccini / Giovacchini Forzano (1918)
Is O Mio Babbino Caro the most beautiful female Classical Opera aria of all time? This is the 3rd time it appears on our list, and to prove its reach into our musical hearts, we present this 9-year Dutch girl’s version of Puccini’s classic. This libretto has been favored by crossover artists while performing songs in concerts, and the surprising sensation it draws in this version is beautiful, stunning, and by all means, extraordinary. We recognize this anomaly will be doubted by some, but rest assured, it is genuine. We know we’re witnessing something special and unique, joyfully tearful, and mature beyond her years, maybe coming along once in a lifetime…Captivating and Enchanting!
1052. FIRE AND RAIN (1970)
Vocalist: James Taylor
Writer/Composer: James Taylor (1968)
This American Folk / Soft Rock / Pop artist is one of the 20th Century’s most prolific singer / songwriter / guitarists, and from the late 1960s into the 2020s, he flourished with his 2nd entry on our list. Multitudes of singles, albums & concerts give us a simple, sweet, soulful, beautiful sound, producing many soul-searching classics. This award-winning piece from his Sweet Baby James album was a standout, “I’ve seen fire and I’ve seen rain / Seen sunny days that I thought would never end / I’ve seen lonely times when I could not find a friend / but I always thought I would see you again.” Known for his warm, easy-going manner and his silky-smooth delivery, his phrasing and guitar work in perfect unison, like a well-oiled machine. His appeal extends worldwide…Absolutely Impeccable!
Link - Original recording 1969.
1051. A SOFT PLACE TO FALL “The Horse Whisperer” (1998)
Vocalist: Allison Moorer / Gwil Owen harmony
Writer/Composer: Allison Moorer / Gwil Owen (1998)
This American singer / songwriter hits pay dirt with this Country / Folk offering. This truly remarkable well-written song is about love gone south, and she proves she knows how to sing as she showcases with her excellent, alto, 2+-octave delivery. The song was nominated for an Oscar and Grammy and she portrays pain and remorse with her low, rich, resonant voice with just enough vibrato to seemingly fight off tears. She sings with a legitimate sadness to really make this song a classic standard. Verse 1, “Daylight has found me here again / You can ask me anything but where I’ve been / The things that used to matter seem so small / When you’re looking for a soft place to fall.” says it all. No matter who’s at fault, the sins of the past always catch up with us. Check the steel guitar and fiddle…Earnest, Aching!
Link # 1 Original recording with Gwil Owen 1998. Link # 2 Live Performance academy Awards 1999.
