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. With hits suck as Lights, Faithfully, Wheel in the Sky and Who’s Crying Now?— they released hit after hit in the 1970s, into the 90s. Blessed with one of the most unique, distinctive and identifiable voices in music, his baritone vocals soar and illuminate in full clear vibrato, piercing the very Soul. The seem…seamless, reaching high registers effortlessly, penetrating. Also outstanding is Jonathan Cain’s keyboards and Neil Schon’s stellar guitar work…Absolutely Absolute!
Link #1 - Original recording, 1981. Link #2 Live Houston concert, 1981.
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. That genuine sincerity places this song high. This song, a Country classic, etches that in stone…Listen and Learn!
Link # 1 Original recording, 1968. Link #2 Live performance 1969.
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 stunning, 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…Absolutely Astonishing and Ethereal!
Link #1 Original music video clip from the movie, The Last of the Mohicans, 1993. Link #2 Long version music video featuring scenes from same film 1993,
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 of 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 remarkably powerful theatrical voice. His interpretation of this song is extraordinary, and his voice was a wonder to behold. As he begins his wrap-up in the finale, “I gotta be free, I just gotta be free, / Daring to try, to do it or die / I gotta be ME!” His baritone voice captivated millions for being unique in covering Broadway tunes with great versatility, rising upward to great tenor showmanship…Majestic and Powerful!
Link #1 Original recording 1968. Link #2 Live performance on TV 1968.
121. I FALL TO PIECES (1961
Vocalist: Patsy Cline & chorus
Writer/Composer: Hank Cochran / Harlan Howard (1961)
Patsy’s second song on the list reminds us of what a great singer she really was—it also became an instant classic. 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 as well, 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 superstar—Remember, “You tell me to find someone else to love / Someone who loves me too (loves me too) / The way you used to do (use to do) / But each time I go out with someone new / You walk by and I fall to pieces.”…Pure Patsy, an Adulterated Revelation!
Link #1 Orignal recording 1961. Link #2 Live TV appearance 1962.
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 Stephen Sondheim & Leonard Bernstein produced this musical for Broadway in 1957. Perhaps no other 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 2nd selection is a voiceover for Natalie Wood and it is an epiphany, and Bryant’s response (for Richard Beymer) is convincing and deeply heartfelt. Together they present one of the great duets in Movie musical history, and Bernstein’s music score is a revelation…A Lovely and Enthralling Experience!
Link - Film clip from the movie, West Side Story, 1960.
119. DRUNK ON LOVE (1994)
Vocalist: Basia (Barbara Stanislawa Trzetrzelewska)
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 she was still touring well into the 2010s. Her vocal presence in her videos, concerts and recordings make her a captivating entertainer as she sings 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!
Link #1 Original recording 1994.
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 electric guitar playing and Mary Ford’s wonderful multitracked voiceovers and her lilting, splendid phrasing and delivery. No need for auto-tune here! As their 2nd selection on our list, how can we deny it? It just happily bounces from wall to wall, just like bubbly champagne and happiness looking for a place to land. It invokes very little criticism. “Every little rosebud is covered with dew / And my heart is calling for you / The thrush on high, his sleepy mate is calling / And my heart is calling youuuuu.” It proudly declares…It’s good to be alive!…Rapturace and Euphoric!
Link - Original 1951 recording.
117. ME AND MY SHADOW (1989)
Vocalist: Mandy Patinkin
Writer/Composer: Al Jolson / Billy Rose / Dave Dryer (1927)
This version of the 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, sincerity 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, “And when it’s twelve o’clock / We climb the stair / We never knock / For nobody’s there. / Just me and my shadow / All alone and feeling blue.” …What a song!…What an ending!…What a Discovery!
Link - Original recording from album, Mandy Patinkin.
116. RELEASE ME (1962)
Vocalist: Esther Phillips / Anita Kerr Singers backup vocals
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 / Soul and even Pop singers of the 1960s /1970s. Although she was not a household name, her style was years ahead of her time, in short. she was a real trendsetter, and this was her biggest hit. Fans and peers of her era loved her sophisticated, sultry, and deeply personal way of delivering, and shge takes this number way over the top. 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!
Link #1 Original recording and audio, 1962.
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 Andrei Bocelli and the effervescent Sarah Brightman became 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 loving emotion. Sarah’s 2nd entry on our list, famous for her Theater songs, accompanies him in a beautiful, sweet, mezzo-soprano, 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, and its influence in music is now unquestionable, solidifying both artists of worldwide fame …Exhilarating and Beautiful!
Link - Live performance and official music video, 1996.
114. THE MAN THAT GOT AWAY “A Star Is Born” (1955)
Vocalist: Judy Garland
Writer/Composer: Harold Arlen / Ira Gershwin (1954)
Judy’s 2nd selection is a legendary show tune from the Movie, A Star Is Born in 1955, all in the form of a torch song, all about the highs and lows of entertainer relationships. This Oscar-nominated song is legendary because it has passed the test of time as one of the best vocal performances in Cinema history. She etches it in stone, making it a crowning achievement to her 30-year Pop and Jazz singing career. Her more mature contralto sound from her Over the Rainbow, teenage years, is really evident here, as she exhibits her vulnerable, emotional, yet powerful tremolo. She takes it from the top, not holding back, singing as very few could in those days about the heartbreak of losing her man. And you can feel it in her every word, as she takes it to her grand finale…A Superb Performance!
Link - Movie clip from A Star Is Born - 1955.
113. THE TRACKS OF MY TEARS (1965)
Vocalist: Smokey Robinson & the Miracles (Pete Moore / Marv Toplin / Bobby Rogers)
Writer/Composer: Smokey Robinson / Pete Moore / Marv Toplin (1965)
Smokey Robinson is truly one of the great singer / songwriters in R&B history. He sings with elegant Soul, 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, and their appeal spilled over into everyone’s musical genre and fancy. Smokey’s vocals are described as high tenor with a beautiful falsetto, displayed here with amazing dexterity. Without a doubt the group became one of the most influential in music history. Evidence—they had multitudes of hits such as The Way You Do the Things You Do and Shop Around. When he pleads, “Baby, take a good look at my face,” your heart is captured!…Simply Superlative, Splendid!
Link - Officaial music audio and video, 1965.
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, “Then all of a sudden, he was standing there / So sure of himself, his head in the air / My heart was breaking, which one would it be? / You turned around, and walked away WITH ME!” …A Stunning, Electrifying Surprise Ending!
Link - Original recording 1961.
111. ONCE IN LOVE WITH AMY “Where’s Charly” (1948)
Vocalist: Dean Martin (Dino Paul Crocetti)
Writer/Composer: Frank Loesser (1948)
This wonderful Pop song from the American singer is effervescent Dean with his 2nd 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, baritone voice shines with bubbling jubilance. Others recorded this number, but this is clearly his song to embrace and deliver. “But once in love with Amy / Always in love with Amy / Ever and ever sweetly, you’ll romance her / Trouble is the answer, will be / That Amy would rather stay with me.” He could sing with blissful exultation without any use of histrionics or vocal wobbling—just gentle quivering vibrato. It just floats effortlessly with wonderful enthusiasm…Romantic, High-spirited, and Loving!
Link - Original recording by Dean, 1948.
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 how 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 as it was when it was first written. Don’s soft, sincere, tenor delivery is perfect for this song, and this song is perfect for lovers of art, especially French Impressionism. “He took his life as lovers often do.”…Whew! Overwhelming!
Link #1 Original recording, 1972. Link #2 Live performance, 1972.
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 music world 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, Rock, Funk and Pop as perhaps no other singer ever has, and his 1982 Thriller album continues to be one of the best sellers of all time, estimated to have reached over 70 million copies. The production values and backup vocals by the Winans and the Choir, are incredible in this song, and Michael’s childlike voice, full of sensitivity and abrasive grit, and determination, stands out as one of his greatest vocal deliveries. He’s purposed here to “Make that change” …It’s Absolutely Sensational!
Link - Original, official music video, 1988.
108. DREAMS (!977)
Vocalist: Fleetwood Mac (Stevie Nicks lead) / Lindsey Buckingham guitar & vocals / Christine McVie keyboards & vocals / Jon McVie bass / Mick Fleetwood drums)
Writer/Composer: Stevie Nicks
Among the most popular Rock / Blues / Pop groups in the 1970s / 1980s was the British 5-piece band, Fleetwood Mac. 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 in this Rock tune, and she had that remarkable ability in those lower contralto tones, to come across as husky and genuine, yet vulnerable. The song shows what feelings of despair and craziness can occur to a man who reflects on a breakup, and its aftermath. This song showcases her stunning unique sound and the band’s great musicianship. Without a doubt...Amazing and Captivating!
Link #1 Original recording remastered 1977. Link #2 Live performance 1988 or 1990.
https://youtu.be/5oWyMakvQew?si=ynmIeVM7EK4182oW
https://youtu.be/Y3ywicffOj4?si=6kmeq4tgurtgooJM
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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 4th selection in our ranking and words cannot describe her stunning and remarkable voice—she could very well, and many agree with this, be the greatest soprano of the 20th century. She has clearly thrilled thousands and thousands of fans in a career starting in 1956 through the 2010s. 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!…La Superba is Simply Divine!
Link - Live performance and recording from La Traviata 1972.
106. LOVE, REIGN O’ER ME (1973)
Vocalist: The Who (lead Roger Daltry) / Pete Townsend guitar & vocals / John Entwistle bass / Keith Moon drums
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, as he demonstrates here, “Love reign o’er me / rain on me / rain on me / LOVE reign o’er me / rain on me / rain on me,” and an epiphany for Pete’s keyboard work. The musicianship cannot be denied, they truly delivered an Awesome, Legendary Music Experience!
Link #1 Original recording 1973 - Album, Quadrophenia. Live performance, Wembley Stadium 1975.
105. FERNANDO (1976)
Vocalist: Abba (lead Anni-Frid Lyngstad) / Agnetha Faltskog / Bjorn Ulvaeus / Benny Anderssen
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 group on Earth. This Swedish Pop group consisted of 2 females and 2 males, and their vocal harmonies were off the charts—they were a dominant force in the world’s Pop / Rock / Folk 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. They mastered multiple languages in translating the lyrics to the world market and their songs soared, embraced by multitudes, selling millions of records. Their musical skills led to a career spanning 5 decades. Anni’s wonderful and sincere lead vocals stand out, as does the production and harmony…Exhilarating and Awesome!
Link #1 Original live music video 1975. Link # 2 Official music video 1976.
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 Western, Gospel way. Starting in the late 1970s this singer / songwriter / 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. His laid back, easygoing way has appealed to multitudes of fans, especially in the 1979s through the 1990s. This wonderful song 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!
Link #1 Original recording and video 1987. Link #2 Live performance 1987.
https://youtu.be/sgJXbIP83A8?si=7vNXPphqmbA0DGNF
https://youtu.be/k1Tiz9-V8iM?si=MFnhb7ExD6as5CVz
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103. COURTYARD LULLABY (1994)
Vocalist: Loreena McKennitt
Writer/Composer: Loreena McKennitt (1991)
This Canadian singer / songwriter / multi-instrumentalist’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, New Age, Folk and Celtic. She has stunned, amazed and astonished audiences in concerts all over the globe since her musical career began in the mid-1980s, selling millions of records. 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. She writes many of her songs in a poetic fashion, without standard structure such as verses, chorus or even a bridge; this is such a song…Absolutely Enchanting!
Link - Original recording 1994.
102. SUPPER TIME (1964)
Vocalist: Barbra Streisand / (Ray Ellis orch.)
Writer/Composer: Irving Berlin (1933) “As Thousands Cheer”
With Barbra’s 2nd 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.” There’s only a small number of Pop singers that can torch this with such emotional depth as she does here, and Blues at its best, appealing to Jazz and Pop audiences—it’s now a standard every singer would love to record…Amazing, yet…Mournful and Shattering!
Link - Original recording 1964.
101. I HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE (1968)
Vocalist: Marvin Gaye / (the Andantes background)
Writer/Composer: Norman Whitfield / Barrett Strong (1967)
His 2nd 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 and 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 through gossip about a guy’s girlfriend making the wrong choice with a rival man. A different version at a faster tempo was released by Gladys Knight a year earlier, but this oozes with Soul. Within his 3 or 4 octave range, he switches tone from baritone to tenor and hits surprising falsetto with amazing fluency. The song was a legendary smash, all amidst the “British Invasion” of Rock and Pop singers, it stands on its own—Maybe his best song…Superb!
Link - Official music video performance 1968.
