I posted this on FB, but thought I'd share here as well. ^_^
If you could choose just 5 a cappella songs, each by a different artist, what would they be, and why? My list does change a bit, but this is what I came up with. =)
5. Hope For Me Yet (Hyannis Sound-Annual Bootleg, Volume 6)
I'll be honest; I'd never heard of Marc Broussard before I listened to H.S., but I'll have to say...I think he'd approve. The song itself is amazing, but with the vocals of Mr. Andy DeLong (and incredible backing harmonies), Hyannis takes it to a different level. Just listen to this song once; you'll be hooked.
4. I Saw Her Standing There (Overboard-HELP!)
Of all of the groups that I've heard since my aca-lation, this group has been one of my favorites to find. This song is a COMPLETE departure from the original version, and it's gorgeous. Bell tones throughout the song, soft ooh's and aah's...simply.soothing.
3. Hold My Hand (Committed-Single Release)
There is absolutely NOTHING negative you can say about these guys. Great studio recorders, and amazing live performers. Of all of the songs this group got to perform on The Sing-Off, this was my favorite. Gorgeous harmonies, commanding voice control; fabulous arrangement. Solos were sung by Robbie Pressley, Therry Thomas, and musical director Tommy Gervais. It makes you wonder...what exactly do they put in the water in 'Bama?
2. It's So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday (Boyz II Men-Cooleyhighharmony)
Obviously. #dontneedtoexplain
1. Fix You (Atlantic Records' Straight No Chaser-With A Twist)
Kudos must be given to one Mr. Walter Chase; this arrangement is amazing. Fix You has been redone by several a-cappella groups since its release, but this version is my favorite by a long shot (and I'm not just being biased). Mike Luginbill and Jerome Collins' impeccable voices complement each other very well, and the depth that the basses (Charlie Mechling and Randy Stine) take it to round the sound out to perfection. Way to go, Indiana. ^_^
Hi S.J.,
Nick from Overboard here. I know I'm a little late to find it, but I just wanted to say thanks for including "I Saw Her Standing There" on your list!
Cheers,
Nick
P.S. I'm not sure about Top 5, but I'd definitely add Hyannis Sound's "Ready For Love" (o.p.b. India.Arie) from their Shirt, Tie, Khaki album. It's sick.
Angie: I got to check out Realtime. Fabulous! Their bass is fantastic. I didn't get a chance to listen to the others, but thanks; I'll have to look 'em up! So true about SNC, too...love how they use their arrangements to fill every part of the song...so even if you have heard an original version of a song, it's never "missing" anything by being done a cappella. Their voices bring out the best parts of all of the melodies!
Nicholas: R&B fan; nice! Gotta love '90s R&B...best.ever. Gotta agree; anything B2M, Take 6...soulful. (Have you seen SNC's Hard To Say goodbye and If I Ever Fall in Love (may not be up anymore) videos on YouTube? Love.them. ^_^)
Loved your post, btw...Glad you walked into that Borders! ^_^
In no particular order...
It's So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday - Boyz II Men - Cooleyhighharmony - This was the first album I ever owned. Does the best selling male R&B group of all time need an explanation?
If I Ever Fall In Love - Shai - ...If I Ever Fall In Love - Didn't really know what to think of it at first. Then I heard it quite a while later and LOVED it! Not a huge fan of the rest of their stuff but this song is a must on any sort of slow R&B type playlist.
Yesterday - Boyz II Men - II - I know it is a remake but I thought they did such a fantastic job with a song by such a popular group (The Beatles if you live in a cave).
Wonderwall - SNC - With A Twist - The original by Oasis was ok... until you heard the SNC version! It makes the original sound terrible!! I love the clean vocals!
12 Days Of Christmas - SNC - Christmas Cheers - No explanation needed.
Hmmm...that'll take some thought.
1. Birth of the Blues as recorded by Realtime. I'm a huge barbershop fan (and I sing barbershop too!) and this one just has it all. There are lots of chords that slide together, and just thinking about the last note the bass hits gives me goosebumps.
2. Dobbin's Flowery Vale (2006) by Rajaton. This is a 6-person (3 men, 3 women) group from Finland. No words in this song. Their harmonies are so perfect. I don't have enough good things to say about this song.
3. Mary by Take 6. This song started my infatuation with a cappella. I'm not a religious person at all, but I was/am just dumbfounded by the strength of the words, the harmonies, and the perfection and intensity with which they sing this song.
4. Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen) by Martini. This is a women's barbershop quartet in my region, so I get to hear them all the time. They are international champions. If you ever can find a recording of this song, listen to it, but by yourself because it'll make you cry.
5. I was trying to pick just one SNC song, but it would be a tie between a few - Joy to the World, Under the Bridge to name two. I'm so impressed with how SNC has gone beyond the expectations of an "a cappella men's group" and made it even more musical, and fun.