When You Tell Me That You Love Me was originally performed by Diana Ross in the early 1990's, and has been covered by other artists such as Westlife and Dolly Parton. In 2005, the American Idol Finalists did a version as well.
Why do I like it? This is one of my favorite Diana Ross songs and is perhaps one of her strongest vocal performances from the past 20 years of her career.
About my version - This was really enjoyable to sing! The lyrics are somewhat saccharine, something you notice more when actually singing them as compared to listening to a recording. I probably would not sing this again, but I do like my rendition. 7 out of 10.
Tomorrow - The choices are all over the place! But there will be no rapping ever....
I don't know what I was doing in 2004, but it certainly wasn't listening to music. Luckily, the last single from Shania Twain's 2002 mega-hit CD Up was released in 2004, and so that's what I'll be singing today!
It Doesn't Hurt When I'm Breathing is actually one of my least favorite songs from Up, but it is such a spectacular CD that it's still a decent song. It does get a bit repetitive but it is short. Also, it actually has an end instead of fading away into the distance. Songs really should have an end.
Why do I like it? It's a ballad and it's the lite-rock type of country music I prefer.
About my version - This was pretty simple - almost like a palate cleanser. There's some nice modulation but it's not exactly challenging. I probably would do this again for karaoke - 7 out of 10.
Tomorrow - One sad song on my little list, and I really do not want to sing it, so how's about some ideas?
I've always liked Amy Lee's voice (she's the lead singer of Evanescence) but was not a big fan of the group overall. But this version of their song Bring Me To Life was actually performed by Katherine Jenkins, one of the biggest classical crossover stars around, and I love it.
Mike - she was on the Doctor Who Christmas Episode last year.
Here's what it should sound like -
Why do I like it? Beautiful melody, dramatic lyrics, and a great orchestral arrangement. What's not to like?
About my version - I just heard this arrangement yesterday when researched songs for today and had to do it. With some residual hoarseness, a busy day spent partly in a smoky casino, and a late return home (I did this at 10:30PM!), I expected it to be a lot worse. I wish the backing track had the choir in it, and the final note was a bit Kermit-y but otherwise I was really pleased with the result. Of course, with more than a day's exposure and a bit of rest (and if I could get the placement of that last note right!), it would be loads better. I will be doing this again for sure. An 8 out of 10 , based on potential.
Tomorrow - This here's the Van Lear Rose... no, can't do that one, no backing track :-(
I delayed today's recording to later in the day to recover from a night of violent laughter and conversation that caused a touch of vocal distress. Mistress Dale of Pittsfield had suggested the John Mayer song No Such Thing for today, and although I was not familiar with it, I thought it would be fun to try. Just not happening today, just too weak- so instead you get something easier but still fun.
Soak Up The Sun was the first Sheryl Crow song I really liked. It's a perfect summer song and a great choice for this last holiday weekend of summer.
Why do I like it? I like the beat, the lyrics, and the words "diddly squat".
About my version - This song has a limited range, just right for someone with a touch of sore throat. My tiny cat was freaking out a bit, playing with the ring in the curtain, and I was a bit distracted and goofed up the words a little, but overall I liked this one and would do it again. 7 out of 10.
Tomorrow - In looking at songs for today, I found the perfect song for tomorrow! If I'm not too hoarse still...
Another song that could have been earlier in the countdown!
Emotion was originally recorded by Samantha Sang in 1978, and was written by the Bee Gees, who also lent backing vocals to that recording. The Bee Gees and Destiny's Child both released versions of the song in 2001, but only the Destiny's Child cover charted, reaching #10.
Why do I like it? I always liked the original version, and Beyonce & Co. took the song to a new level. Each of the members get a solo verse, but as usual it's Mrs. Jay-Z that steals the show in the end - it's most likely in her contract!
About my version - I used the competition cut version of this song, as it is super repetitive and quite long. I used the Destiny's Child version as a starting point and sorta did my own thing, to varied levels of success. I'm not mad at it, but I don't this this song is exactly for me. 6 out of 10.
Tomorrow - Same predicament as yesterday - I've done songs by all these artists already! Won't you please keep those ideas coming?
Nobody Else But You sung by Better Midler was the theme song for the short-lived sitcom Bette, and also appeared on the "Bette" CD released in 2000.
Why do I like it? I love TV show theme songs - most shows these days do not have one, and that's a shame. Imagine Gilligan's Island, Laverne & Shirley, or The Brady Bunch without their songs! And I also love Bette Midler, one of the funniest women in the world, and a fine vocalist as well.
About my version - Truth be told, I had a long day and did this in one take and no practice at all. It's not too bad, actually. There's a few weird notes but it's a cute song and I'd be up for doing it again. 6 out of 10.
Tomorrow- No idea! I've done songs by all the artists on my list for today previously in the countdown, so either I need to find a new song or I will be repeating someone. Suggest away!
Mariah Carey is at the top of my list of favorite singers, and I especially like her covers of other people's songs. She writes her own music much of the time, but every now and again she throws in a cover. Oddly enough, these are often lite-rock songs originally sung by men, such as Open Arms, Without You, and most recently I Want To Know What Love Is.
Her version of the Phil Collins hit song Against All Odds is one of my favorites - my favorite being the cover of Bringing On The Heartbreak. While AAO was not a hit here in the US, it was a minor hit around the world. The British boy band Westlife was added to the track after its original release to pull in younger audiences, because as ridiculous as it sounds, Mariah was considered old for the pop music business at age 30.
Why do I like it? Of the Phil Collins oeuvre, this is perhaps my favorite song. As I do not care for him, that's faint praise, but I do think Mariah's version is one of her finest vocal performances. Her signature upper register is not used in this song, so she is able to give a more full-throated performance without fear of vocal wear and tear.
About my version - This is very low for me at the beginning but I think I sound ok - I can't really project the sound down there, so it's just not a register I sing in normally. There are momentary octave jumps that are more comfortable for me, and then a little high belting at the end that's sloppy in execution, but overall I like it a lot. I would do this one again as well, with a bit of modulation perhaps. 7.5 out of 8.
Tomorrow - 2000 already?? Where does the time go? Any song ideas?
