What song or piece of music is the most "beautiful" in all of history? I realize that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but just curious what others think of as "beautiful."

In terms of instrumental/classical a couple come to mind:

Beethoven - "Moonlight Sonata"
Debussy - "Claire De Lune"

I'm having a harder time with modern/pop/rock stuff. While there's a lot of songs that I consider "great", most aren't what I would call "beautiful." I'll hold off (cop out) and see what others suggest along those lines...

I would certainly agree with both of those, and a lot of other great classical works. In terms of pop music I think there's plenty of beautiful stuff.

Bach - Air on the G string
John Lennon - Imagine
Simon and Garfunkel - Bridge over Troubled Water

many classical compositions

Simon and Garfunkel - Bridge over Troubled Water



That IS a beautiful song. Good choice - it's at the top of my list until someone suggests a better one... :)

"First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" - Roberta Flack.
"Suzanne" - Leonard Cohen
"Little Drummer Boy" - By anyone

Skip

First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" - Roberta Flack.


That's a good one. Used to have a best of Roberta Flack, that I lost somehow, that had a live version of her doing that, and it would just give you the chills.

O Holy Night - anyone.. except Christina Aguilera
Your Song - Elton John
Killing me softly - Roberta Flack
When I need you - Leo Sayer :o
Always on my mind - Willie or Elvis

Sarah McLachlan: Ice Cream - truly beautiful imo

I would put all of Sarah's Surfacing album in that list pretty much. As I would with most of Natalie Merchant's Tiger Lilly album. To me, songs like Zero Seven's Waiting Line or Sia's Breathe Me are incredibly beautiful pop tunes.

Youngbloods - Get together
Bread - Everything I own
CSN - Southern Cross

"Hallelujah" by Jeff Buckley

Ave Maria-certain versions
John Mayer-Every little thing she does
Whitney Houston- I will always love you.

Cool song-Theme to "Twin peaks"

Whitney Houston- I will always love you.



AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!

Dolly Parton should sue, shoot, and light Whitney Houston on FIRE for that HACK JOB, bloodhound-baying, HORRID rendition of what was originally a beautiful song.

The theme song from "A Summer Place" performed by Percy Faith.

Iain Ghlinn' Cuaich by Capercallie

For the modern/pop songs, some of these should be in the Top 100...
Alison Krauss - "Baby, Now That I've Found You" or "When You Say Nothing At All"
U2 - "One" or "40"
REM - "Everybody Hurts"
Annie Lennox - No More I Love Yous
Neil Young (and dozens of other covers) - "I Don't Want to Talk About It"
Eric Clapton - "Tears in Heaven"

REM - "Everybody Hurts"

I don't like R.E.M. as it is...

...but, I can't STAND that song.

Smoke Gets In Your Eyes by Kern & Harbach, performed by just about anyone (Platters are best known).

Moody Blues (Justin Hayward's) version of Forever Autumn is a favorite.

Pretty much anything by Dead Can Dance.

Frank Sinatra - Strangers in the Night
Billy Joel - The Night is Still Young
Neil Young - Harvest Moon
Coldplay - The Scientist

I guess in the classic rock department, things like "At the Dark End of the Street", "When a Man Loves a Woman" by Percy Sledge, or "Ooh Baby, Baby" by Smokey Robinson, or "Unchained Melody" by the Righteous Bros., or Georgia by Ray Charles would all fit into the pretty darned beautiful category.

Pretty much anything by Dead Can Dance.

Humm Lisa Gerrard is a good choice. However I'd say....

Bel Canto - "Die Geschichte Einer Mutter"
Cocteau Twins - "Frou-Frou Foxes in Midsummer Fires"
Delerium feat. Sarah McLachlan - "Silence"

As it has been said beautiful is in the eye of every beholder.

:)

I assumed a lot of people would pick their favourites, but in my case I'm doing it based on what I think is a song thats touched so many people in their lives, and I was never even a fan of his or his famous band - John Lennon's IMAGINE.

Good pick for Sia's Breathe Me though!
My guilty pleasure would be "Condemnation" by Depeche Mode

I like several that have been mentioned, here's one that hasn't been:

Amazing Grace - Judy Collins

I assumed a lot of people would pick their favourites...

My guilty pleasure would be "Condemnation" by Depeche ModeProbably a cheesy song for a real DM fan, but I could see Depeche Mode "Somebody" in the Top 100.

It's hard to think of "beautiful songs" off the top of my head, but I know for the next 6 months I know I'll hear songs and think... ooh, that could be on the list.

"Imagine" would probably be a good committee pick for #1.
80% of us might be able to agree with 80% of a top 10 list.
Which is why I toss my suggestions in only at the Top 100 level.

The VH1 Storytellers version of Matchbox 20 - "3am" is pretty good.

Alison - Elvis Costello
(In a twisted "I want to kill you" kind of way...)

Probably a cheesy song for a real DM fan, but I could see Depeche Mode "Somebody" in the Top 100.

It's hard to think of "beautiful songs" off the top of my head, but I know for the next 6 months I know I'll hear songs and think... ooh, that could be on the list.

"Imagine" would probably be a good committee pick for #1.
80% of us might be able to agree with 80% of a top 10 list.
Which is why I toss my suggestions in only at the Top 100 level.

Have we forgotten about DMs - "Agent Orange" already??

Alison - Elvis Costello
(In a twisted "I want to kill you" kind of way...)

For Elvis Costello, I would add "Almost Blue" and "Shipbuilding". Another outstanding one is a duet with Burt Bacharach, "This house is empty now". If you haven't heard it - treat yourself (Actually, the whole album is fantastic).

I would add "What a wonderful world" by Louis Armstrong, and since it's the season, "White Christmas" by Bing Crosby.

"Love Of My Life" by Queen
"Hallelujah" by J. Buckley
"My Lagan Love" by Kate Bush
"Nothing Compares to U" by Sinead

"adagio" by Albinoni Heard in the films "Gallippoli" and "Rollerball"
"adagio for strings" Barber Heard in "platoon"

I like melancholy tunes btw...

"Nothing Compares to U" by Sinead

I like melancholy tunes btw...

She looked so awesome in that video, amazing eyes and an amazing voice to back it up with.

Most of ENYA's work is beautiful...

Mark

I would add "What a wonderful world" by Louis Armstrong,

"Nothing Compares to U" by Sinead


I would definitely second those two. WAWW has been put to good use in a number of movies, and never fails to deliver I would think.

She looked so awesome in that video, amazing eyes and an amazing voice to back it up with.


I have to admit that I've always had a thing for good looking women with the shaved head thing. There was a stupor-model there for a while with that look, and she was way too sexy for her folicles.

I don't like R.E.M. as it is...

...but, I can't STAND that song.

The Live version of "Everybody Hurts" is spectacular on the "Perfect Square" concert DVD. REM slows it down just a bit ... truely gorgeous tune.

I do like the "Oh Holy Night" recommendation.

I will throw in a french tune, "Je Crois Entendre Encore"
and "Stairway To Heaven".

[QUOTE=Dave Mack
"Nothing Compares to U" by Sinead
[/QUOTE]

Thats actually a Prince tune, performed by Sinead.

I was trying to think of that song for my list, thanks!

Prince has another one that I wish some chick would record. "Condition Of The Heart", its pretty with him singing it, but would be awesome from a falsetto female voice.

Classical:
Canon in D Major by Pachelbel
Choral finale to Beethoven's 9th Symphony
Beethoven's "Moonlight" Sonata
Lara's Theme from *Doctor Zhivago*
Waltz of the Flowers by Tchaikovsky

Modern:
Only Love Can Break Your Heart by Neil Young
The Prayer of Saint Francis sung by Sara McLachlan
Blue by Angie Hart
What a Wonderful World sung by Louis Armstrong
Brown-Eyed Girl by Van Morrison
Icicle by Tori Amos
They Can't Take That Away from Me sung by Billie Holiday or Diana Krall
Falling from Grace by The Gentle Waves
Goodbye to You (acoustic version) by Michelle Branch
Happy Christmas (War is Over) by John Lennon
Wise Up by Aimee Mann
The Man Who Sold the World sung by Kurt Cobain (orig. by David Bowie)
Nights in White Satin by The Moody Blues
Lili Marlene sung by Marlene Dietrich
You Had Time by Ani Defranco
Nothing Compares 2U sung by Sinead O'Connor
Tales of Brave Ulysses by Cream
Summerbreeze sung by Emiliana Torrini--heck, *anything* sung by Emiliana Torrini
Fields of Gold by Sting
Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen
anything Chan Marshall [Cat Power] sings--her vocal style is...unique
Don't Know Why by Norah Jones
Beautiful by Christina Aguilera (dislike the woman, love the song)
Galileo by Indigo Girls
99 Luftballoons by Nena

In the classical realm, I'd nominate that Adagio for Strings piece that is the main theme for the movie Platoon. It's a beautiful piece of work, at least the part that is used in the movie.

Year of The Cat - Al Stewart
Love Never Tear us Apart - Joy Division
For an Angel - Paul Van Dyk
Stairway to Heaven - Zep(like im going to forget this one)....
just realized impossible to pin down just one.

Something
I Am Beautiful
Theme from the Titanic
I Write the Songs
Thats What Friends Are For

Pop songs I would submit as among the most beautiful:

Stardust lyrics by Mitchell Parish music by a very young Hoagy Carmichael performed by Nat King Cole

Till There Was You written by Meridith Wilson (would have to think about my favorite version)

Yesterday written by Lennon and McCartney performed by The Beatles (alright really written and performed by Paul)

Memory by Andrew Lloyd Webber, etc (again, not sure of my favorite version)

Chris

Heck, add When You Wish Upon a Star sung by the cricket or Linda Ronstadt

Chris

A couple from Dave Grusin come to mind. "A Child Is Born" and "On Golden Pond".

It's been seven hours and fifteen days
Since you took your love away
I go out every night and sleep all day
Since you took your love away
Since you been gone I can do whatever I want
I can see whomever I choose
I can eat my dinner in a fancy restaurant
But nothing ...
I said nothing can take away these blues,
'Cause nothing compares ...
Nothing compares to you

It's been so lonely without you here
Like a bird without a song
Nothing can stop these lonely tears from falling
Tell me baby where did I go wrong?
I could put my arms around every boy I see
But they'd only remind me of you
went to the doctor guess what he told me
Guess what he told me?
He said, girl, you better have fun
No matter what you do
But he's a fool ...
'Cause nothing compares ...
Nothing compares to you ...

All the flowers that you planted, mama
In the back yard
All died when you went away
I know that living with you baby was sometimes hard
But I'm willing to give it another try
'Cause nothing compares ...
Nothing compares to you

I do love that song, makes me cry a little with the memories.

I also like Judy Garlands Somewhere Over the Rainbow even though its a very old tune.

Guns n' Roses - November Rain

I’ll continue with contemporary music, and fall into my romantic and sentimental mood.

You Are So Beautiful – Joe Cocker

And from The Master:

Someone Like You – Van Morrison
Have I Told You Lately – Van Morrison

99 Luftballoons by Nena

You got to be joking me...

...this is the only song I know that sucks in TWO languages.

It makes some R.E.M. songs listenable...

AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!

Dolly Parton should sue, shoot, and light Whitney Houston on FIRE for that HACK JOB, bloodhound-baying, HORRID rendition of what was originally a beautiful song.

lol. :) Dolly's version is good too, and I did know it was her song. But I have to say that Whitney gets with it on this song. Here are a couple more recommendations:


*National Anthem (Star Spangled Banner)*
*What a wonderful world*
*Theme from Titanic* Yes, it is overplayed but still beautiful :o

Sex, God, Sex from the album Children of God by Swans
Subhuman from the album Heathen Earth by Throbbing Gristle
Like a Cloud Hanging in the Sky from the album The Crypt by AMM
Acension - from the album Acension by John Coltrane
Little Ants - from the album DNA on DNA by DNA

--Jerome

"I'm already there" by Lone Star

Brings tears to my eyes every time (anyone who has to business travel with young kids at home can REALLY relate.)

Chris.

Wow, lots of great songs listed so far.

"Because" by the Beatles is probably the most beautiful set of sounds I have ever heard. It works on me on some primeval level, it literally brings tears to my eyes.

"While My Guitar Gently Weeps" is another song of haunting beauty.

The whole "Heaven or Las Vegas" album by Cocteau Twins.
"Carribean Blue" by Enya.
"God Only Knows" by the Beach Boys.
"Carrying Cathy" by Ben Folds.

And, lest you think I'm a big softy, "Theresa's Sound World" by Sonic Youth.

The City of Blinding Lights - by U2 (the live version is the best)

"Classical:
Canon in D Major by Pachelbel
Choral finale to Beethoven's 9th Symphony
Beethoven's "Moonlight" Sonata
Lara's Theme from *Doctor Zhivago*
Waltz of the Flowers by Tchaikovsky

Modern:
Only Love Can Break Your Heart by Neil Young
The Prayer of Saint Francis sung by Sara McLachlan
Blue by Angie Hart
What a Wonderful World sung by Louis Armstrong
Brown-Eyed Girl by Van Morrison
Icicle by Tori Amos
They Can't Take That Away from Me sung by Billie Holiday or Diana Krall
Falling from Grace by The Gentle Waves
Goodbye to You (acoustic version) by Michelle Branch
Happy Christmas (War is Over) by John Lennon
Wise Up by Aimee Mann
The Man Who Sold the World sung by Kurt Cobain (orig. by David Bowie)
Nights in White Satin by The Moody Blues
Lili Marlene sung by Marlene Dietrich
You Had Time by Ani Defranco
Nothing Compares 2U sung by Sinead O'Connor
Tales of Brave Ulysses by Cream
Summerbreeze sung by Emiliana Torrini--heck, *anything* sung by Emiliana Torrini
Fields of Gold by Sting
Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen
anything Chan Marshall [Cat Power] sings--her vocal style is...unique
Don't Know Why by Norah Jones
Beautiful by Christina Aguilera (dislike the woman, love the song)
Galileo by Indigo Girls
99 Luftballoons by Nena"

I guess all RUSSIANS like same music :)
I would add:
A-HA - Crying in the rain
Juanes- Tango la camica negro
Almost anything by ABBA
Pet Shop Boys- So Hard
Depeche Mode - Enjoy the silence
Duran Duran- Wild Boys
Enigma- Mia Culpa
Status quo- You In The Army Now
Zamfir- La Condor Pasa
Seal- Crazy
Nino Rota - Godfather Theme
Pierre Bachelet - Emmanuelle theme
And last but not least Paganini's La Campanella and Solveig's song by Grieg
How about Lonely Shepherd by James Last??

And many other russian, french, italian,swedish and german songs that nobody here would know due to US cultural isolation. :mad:

Almost ANYTHING by "Enya".
Most relaxing, beautiful stuff there is.

David Holsinger's The Death Tree (modern classical)

followed by--
Beethoven's 9th
Vivaldi's Four Seasons
I Don't Want to Set the World on Fire by The Ink Spots
Heaven or Las Vegas by The Cocteau Twins

"Danny Boy"

That song would bring tears to a glass eye.

I don't like R.E.M. as it is...

...but, I can't STAND that song.Maybe you should post some of yours so others can tell you how bad your taste is. :)

larry

The theme song from "A Summer Place" performed by Percy Faith.
Yes, absolutely, a real contender for the title of most beautiful.
I like several that have been mentioned, here's one that hasn't been: Amazing Grace - Judy Collins
Or by anyone. A real classic.
Most of ENYA's work is beautiful...Mark
Yes, I'm in absolute agreement with this too. Among her best: Watermark, China Rose, her recording of Silent Night ... hell, so many.

I think Righteous Bros: Unchained Melody is pretty special too.

I'm kind of fond of the love theme to Year of Living Dangerously too (Vangelis, l'Enfant).

Jazz
Concierto by Jim Hall
The Song has Ended by Gene Harris

Easy Listening
What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
Stardust by Nat King Cole

Classical
Nocturne by Mendelssohn
Anything by Mozart

Rock
Song for Julia by Jesse Colin Young
Fire & Rain by James Taylor
Suite for 20G by James Taylor
Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin
Angry Eyes by Loggins & Messina

Kashmir - Led Zeppelin
Bonny Portmore - Loreena McKennitt
Fallin' - Alicia Keys
Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton
Valentine - Martina McBride
Little Wing - Stevie Ray Vaughan

...and on and on and on...

Now that I think of it I am still searching for the most beautiful song I ever heard. It was on a PBS special about the current descendants of the Mayan civilization. A small group of them was singing one of their ancestral/tribal songs. I was transfixed, mouth agape, at the absolute, stunning beauty of the melody. I have bought many CDs and periodically search for recordings of traditional Mayan music. So far I have come up empty. I don't even know the name of the show on which it appeared. It was 10, perhaps 15 years ago, and though I have forgotten the tune, I have not forgotten its impression on me.

Misty by Johnny Mathis

Thought of a another I haven't seen mentioned yet:

"Meditation" from Thais by Massenet

For modern, I'm still sticking with the original suggestion of "Bridge Over Troubled Water", but a couple more have come up that I would say are beautiful, as well: "O. Holy Night" and "Georgia on My Mind."

Also, "Battle Hymn of the Republic" I find to be more beautiful than the "Star Spangled Banner", but that's still a beautiful song.

Lots of good stuff so far. And as much as it pains me to say it, the Titanic theme is truly a beautiful song...

Maybe you should post some of yours so others can tell you how bad your taste is. :)

larry

When I think of a "beautiful" song, I think of something easy on the nerves (such as a slow jam/love song, new-age, jazz, etc...

...I sure as hell would NOT include Nena in that group.

My favorites:
Art of Noise - Moments in Love
Nora Jones - Don't Know Why

Led. Zep. makes "awesome" music; they don't make "beautiful" music.

Wow, no Peter Gabriel yet?

Lots of good songs on "So"

Red Rain
Don't Give Up (chokes me up every time)
That Voice Again
In Your Eyes

Some others of his:

Mercy Street
Blood of Eden
Love to be Loved
Book of Love


For me, he's definitely the most prolific modern artist of beautiful songs.

Thought of a another I haven't seen mentioned yet:

"Meditation" from Thais by Massenet

...
Bringing in classical makes the list of contenders overwhelmingly large. However, you made a good choice ... another would be the first movement of Tchaikovsky's Sixth Symphony (or most of his Swan Lake, Romeo & Juliet, and Sleeping Beauty ballets !) ... and finally one that takes your breath away: the female duet from Delibes: Lakme (if you've seen The Hunger with Catherine Deneuve and Susan Sarandon, you've heard the tune).

While My Guitar Gently Weeps" is another song of haunting beauty.


I would second that one definitely. Probably George's best.

Another one that comes to mind is Sweet Honey in the Rock doing Jacob's ladder on the Civil War soundtrack.

I agree with Enya as a choice - my favourite is "Storms in Africa", but others are also very beautiful. She has a new album out, can't wait to hear it...

And I have a special place in my heart for "Sleep My Dear" by Miki Imai. The melody and Japanese lyrics have brought tears to my eyes on more than one occasion.

But my vote for the "most beautiful song" must surely go to the version of "Flower Duet" from the opera "Lakme" that British Airways selected for it's commercials several years ago. I could listen to it over and over and over again...

Would absolutely second "Stardust" by Hoagy Carmichael. The '30s were really the start of the golden era of beautiful pop music, and that song is mesmerizing.

For those who think they can still write songs like that - you need to broaden your scope. Very few venues for older music, but do some research. It's really rewarding.

When I think of a "beautiful" song, I think of something easy on the nerves (such as a slow jam/love song, new-age, jazz, etc...

...I sure as hell would NOT include Nena in that group.

I'd include the particular Nena song I listed in that group. Its pop beats roll very easily through the ears without harshness, and in either language it's *almost* a love song (by a girl with a lovely voice) in addition to its political theme. Of course for the young, politics and love often go together, both being extreme passions... 99 Luftballons/99 Red Balloons would be very far down on my list of most beautiful songs, but it would still be there. Perhaps it's a reflection of the fact that I grew up in the 80's, when the possibility of nuclear annihilation seemed very real to a youngster--even sitcoms of the era played up the possibility, and every newsmagazine treated it very seriously. As a kid, we did those stupid "get under your desk in case of nuclear war" drills in school, and I remember the deep impression certain depictions of devastation on TV and film (and music) made. So the image of civilization ending capriciously, and at the end of the song a beautiful woman letting go a balloon in a ruined city, was very powerful and beautiful to my young self. My tastes have certainly matured, but that song will always seem beautiful to me because of where and when it was a product. It's an example of a very nervous time and place making the best of things and producing good popular music about it. But admittedly, it would be far down on my list. At least you and I share a fondness for the same Norah Jones tunes. :)

BTW, this site (http://www.inthe80s.com/redger3.shtml) is good for showing the difference between the original and the English version for those who can't read German. I like both versions, and usually play them back to back.

Would absolutely second "Stardust" by Hoagy Carmichael. The '30s were really the start of the golden era of beautiful pop music, and that song is mesmerizing.

For those who think they can still write songs like that - you need to broaden your scope. Very few venues for older music, but do some research. It's really rewarding.

I love quite a bit of music from the '20s-'40s, jazz and blues. I'd add these to my list of most beautiful songs:

Love in Vain--Robert Johnson
Moonglow--Benny Goodman Quartet
Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me - The Duke Ellington Orchestra
Parker's Mood--Charlie Parker/Dizzy Gillespie
West End Blues--performed by Lois Armstrong and Earl Hines

Would absolutely second "Stardust" by Hoagy Carmichael. The '30s were really the start of the golden era of beautiful pop music, and that song is mesmerizing.

For those who think they can still write songs like that - you need to broaden your scope. Very few venues for older music, but do some research. It's really rewarding.

"Stardust" is ok from the Hoagy Carmichael catalog, personally I prefer "Skylark" from his catalog of ballads.

"Lush Life" by Billy Strayhorn, beautiful, sad and tragic all in one tune.

"Across the Universe" for the imagery it paints. John Lennon certainly could paint with words in a way that very few could match. Not the most compelling melody, but you aren't enjoying this for the tune!

There's a couple of additions to the list.

Symphony #9, "The New World" by Antonin Dvorak.

Achingly beautiful.

Randy

I agree with many selections in this thread (check out Clifford Brown's instrumental version of "Stardust"). One that I can't get out of my head lately is Damien Rice - The Blower's Daughter (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00009V7P8/ref=m_art_li_1/104-0886264-4075948?s=music&v=glance&n=5174).

This song was used in the opening and closing credits of the movie "Closer" with Natalie Portman. Simply wonderful.

Lots of good ones already posted. Picking only ONE is impossible but I'd have to give strong consideration to those from the Doo Wop era, when many of the greatest love songs were recorded, including, without limitation:

I Only Have Eyes For You (The Flamingos)
For Your Precious Love (Jerry Butler)
Let It Be Me (Betty Everett & Jerry Butler)
Only You (The Platters)
When A Man Loves A Woman (Percy Sledge)

Not from that era, but have to include Crazy Love (Van Morrison) and Ribbon In The Sky (Stevie Wonder).

Oh, and almost every song performed by Nat King Cole.

-----------------------------------------
Ron Party

"Stardust" is ok from the Hoagy Carmichael catalog, personally I prefer "Skylark" from his catalog of ballads.

"Lush Life" by Billy Strayhorn, beautiful, sad and tragic all in one tune.

Both are great and I considered those but wanted to keep my list to only 4. I like both songs performed by Linda Ronstadt with Nelson Riddle as well as older versions.

Chris

Crying - Roy Orbison
La-La means I love you - Delphonics
Your Song - Elton John
Mandy - Barry Manilow
Long and Winding Road - Beatles
Love Hurts - Nazareth

"Corpus Christi Carol" done by Jeff Buckley, (Grace)

I agree with many selections in this thread (check out Clifford Brown's instrumental version of "Stardust"). One that I can't get out of my head lately is Damien Rice - The Blower's Daughter (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00009V7P8/ref=m_art_li_1/104-0886264-4075948?s=music&v=glance&n=5174).

This song was used in the opening and closing credits of the movie "Closer" with Natalie Portman. Simply wonderful.

That song is AMAZING. I actually had to hit the internet and see if I could find that CD for cheap after I heard it. Unfortunately, I couldn't :(

Yes, absolutely, a real contender for the title of most beautiful.
That song can REALLY move me sometimes. I have the 45 record and have been planning on a nice turntable purchase just to hear the theme from "A summer Place" in all it's glory. I'd love to hear it a near reference someday.

Manfred Manns Earth Band - Questions

Madrugada - Majesty want goosebumps? try and listen to majesty :)

Nice to see that I am not the last of the folkies. Traditional music surely has tunes to rival even the best of modern pop composers. "Celtic" may have become a marketing buzzword, but folk tunes from Brittany, Ireland and Scotland are very often achingly beautiful and haunting. Among my favourites

Women of Ireland - Alan Stivell or The Chieftains (the latter version was featured in Barry Lyndon )
Carrickfergus - The Chieftains or De Danann featuring Eleanor Shanley
Brian Boru - Alan Stivell

The Beatles are so obvious, mention must go to Hey Jude as a modern 'folk' classic, perhaps the first 'lighter' gig classic?

Pink Floyd - I won't mention Comfortably Numb, I much prefer the pre-Dark Side Floyd - with Echoes being perhaps their finest work IMHO.

Natacha Atlas - impossible to categorize - world, techno, ethnic, Arab pop, dub, dance, folk, ambient, what is it? Don't know about what label to put on her, but she definitely makes some unbelievably interesting and beautiful music. Check out Solace which may be the slowest tune ever recorded. Once you catch it you realize how beautiful it is.

All the good stuff's already taken, so I'll go with "My Lady D'Arbanville" by Cat Stevens. I remember being moved by this tune when I was a teen. Not so much anymore, but still a nice tune.

the pre-Dark Side Floyd - with Echoes being perhaps their finest work IMHO.
.

Ah yes, that was a nomination in my list too ...

"Overhead the albatross hangs motionless upon the air
And deep beneath the rolling waves in labyrinths of coral caves
The echo of a distant tide
Comes willowing across the sand
And everything is green and submarine
And no one showed us to the land
And no one knows the wheres or whys
But something stares and
Something tries
And starts to climb towards the light"....

In Dreams-Roy Orbison
Take the Long Way Home-Supertramp
Piano Exit from Layla-Derek and The Dominoes
Hymn To Her-The Pretenders
Who Wants To Live Forever-Queen(brings me to tears every time)

Come on people! NOTHING compares to Bai Ling singing LIKE A VIRGIN!

http://www.tvgasm.com/sounds/butcantheysing/season1/bailing.mp3

Come on people! NOTHING compares to Bai Ling singing LIKE A VIRGIN!

http://www.tvgasm.com/sounds/butcantheysing/season1/bailing.mp3
Goose bumps. That's all I can say.

larry

If I had to pick someone to spend time with, I'd take Bai Ling over Madonna any day, singing or no singing.

Strangely enough, I have recently watched on PBS-HD broadcast that contained some of the prettiest music I have ever heard.

I do not remember the name of the Artist/Composer, but it was a long haired asian male playing keyboards conducting an orchestra of mainly asian instruments. Very soothing, beautiful music.

Anyone know the artist?

Oh yeh, the name of the group is "Long Haired Asian Male, Playing Keyboards, Conducting an Orchestra". I have all their stuff.

Great list of stuff here! "Crazy Love" by Van Morrison is a great one Ill also add " Into the Mystic" by Van.
I will also second Little Wing by Stevie Ray Vaughn.
Since I cant just take everyone elses I will throw in Andrea Bocelli "Il Mistero Dell Amore"
and since variety is the spice of life Green Day "Time of Your Life"

It seems there are two types of "songs" representented here - actual songs and particular performances of a song

some of my favorites
*Andrés Segovia's early '50's recording of his earlier transcription of Isaac Albeniz' Asturias-Leyenda is, to my sensibilities, the most perfectly performed piece of music ever recorded (lot's of room for argument there!). The Master's perfect tremolo and use of changing tempo along with exquisite varying dynamics remains thrilling to me after hundreds of listenings. Even in his old age Segovia still had it in a LD recording I treasure of the same piece, although the tempo was much slower. I have never heard any other guitarist approach Segovia's musicality in this work...and what a work.

*Someone above mentioned Danny Boy. I love that song well done by just about anybody, and Ray Price especially, but I remember hearing it one time only sung a Capella during the credits of a Heroes Of 9/11 remembrance show on lives of Firemen & Policemen lost during the fall of the towers, which was broadcast one year later. I believe the incredible singer was a NYC policeman, and the song included additional lyrics from the traditional ones. Very powerful and beautiful. I wish I could hear it again.

*Glenn Yarbrough's version of Rod McKuen's Stanyan Street - Revisited on his Lonely Things album has remained a personal favorite.

*Jesse Cook's Cancion Triste marries the guitarist's incredible chops to a killer interlude with a cello - made in heaven.

*Toss-up between Frank Sinatra's It Was A Very Good Year and My Way. What made that guy so damned good?

Strangely enough, I have recently watched on PBS-HD broadcast that contained some of the prettiest music I have ever heard.

I do not remember the name of the Artist/Composer, but it was a long haired asian male playing keyboards conducting an orchestra of mainly asian instruments. Very soothing, beautiful music.

Anyone know the artist?

Could it be Kitaro?

some of my favorites
*Andrés Segovia's early '50's recording of his earlier transcription of Isaac Albeniz' Asturias-Leyenda is, to my sensibilities, the most perfectly performed piece of music ever recorded (lot's of room for argument there!). The Master's perfect tremolo and use of changing tempo along with exquisite varying dynamics remains thrilling to me after hundreds of listenings. Even in his old age Segovia still had it in a LD recording I treasure of the same piece, although the tempo was much slower. I have never heard any other guitarist approach Segovia's musicality in this work...and what a work.Great stuff. I had the pleasure of seeing Segovia in Chicago in '86-'87, right before he died.

http://pellegrinlowend.com/segoviarigby.jpg

"Just My Imagination" - The Temptations
"Tears In Heaven" - Eric Clapton

Porcelain by Moby is a good song

Gorecki's 3rd Symphony is truly beautiful (and possibly one of the saddest pieces of music as well). If you've seen the Peter Weir movie "Fearless" starring Jeff Bridges, it's the music played at the very end when they show the interior of the plane while it's crashing in slow-motion. The music makes a brilliant and powerful counterpoint to the chaos on the screen. I am getting chills just thinking of it!

Parsley Sage Rosemary and Tyme Simon and Garfunkel
Everything that Touches You The Association
Nights in White Satin The Moody Blues
Harmony Elton John

Art

Art, I think the S&G song you mentioned is titled "Scarborough Fair."

Great call on "Nights in White Satin."

Art, I think the S&G song you mentioned is titled "Scarborough Fair."

Great call on "Nights in White Satin."

Thanks for that correction ! :)


Art

"Still" - The Commodores. I dare anyone to disagree! :p

Goodnight Julia- Cowboy Bebop soundtrack.

Do not recall the artist..... and granted its on an anime soundtrack.. I personally believe it to be quite beautiful.

just my .02

Great stuff. I had the pleasure of seeing Segovia in Chicago in '86-'87, right before he died.


I saw Segovia at about the same time. I think he was like 92 at the time. They had to help him out to the seat, but he could still play. The state of the art has progressed a lot since his time, and there are folks out there now who are immensely physically proficient. But you have to give kudos to the pioneers.

Save Me - Aimee Mann

Could pick any number of Mann tunes, really, including "The Other End (Of The Telescope)", her collaboration with Elvis Costello that appeared on one of her band 'Til Tuesday's albums...

Parsley Sage Rosemary and Tyme Simon and Garfunkel
Everything that Touches You The Association
Nights in White Satin The Moody Blues
Harmony Elton John

Art

I've always loved "Harmony" by Elton John. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road is great too.

"Annie's Song" - John Denver
"I'll be home for Christmas"
"God on High" from Les Miz

Purely orchestra: Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas Tallis- R. V. Williams

"Black" by Pearljam always got me....

Almost all posts here prove my previous statement about Americans being isolated from the rest of our bountiful and diverse planet.... oh well ;-(
And on the positive note let me add
Bolero by Ravel
Blue Danube by Strauss
Natalie by Julio Iglesias
Sweet Lullabye by Deep Forest

Cheers!

Almost all posts here prove my previous statement about Americans being isolated from the rest of our bountiful and diverse planet.... oh well ;-(
And on the positive note let me add
Bolero by Ravel
Blue Danube by Strauss
Natalie by Julio Iglesias
Sweet Lullabye by Deep Forest

Cheers!

Thanks for being so condescending. Your air of superiority is refreshing! Too bad you're wrong about your assertion...

Ya ain't noticed the French talkin' tune I hollered 'bout back yonder?

She Bangs - William Hung.............. It brings tears to my eyes.

Into the Mystic VAN MORRISON


Rocketman ELTON JOHN


"time to say goodbye" Andrea Boccelli

Humm I'm sure there are plenty of tunes from Invisible and Megabeat, Chris and Cosey and Lorenna McKinnett that could be added to this very diverse list.

From George Harrison:
Isn't it a Pity
My Sweet Lord
Beware of Darkness

Neil Diamond: (from Jonathan Livingston Seagull)
Be
Lonely Looking Sky

Pink Floyd:
Shine on you Crazy Diamond

Porcupine Tree:
Lazarus

John and Vangelis:
Many from numerous albums, but to pick one:
Shine For Me (from Page of Life)

A quick scan of this thread yielded this list of (immediately obvious to me) non-Americans, and probably as many as Americans referenced:

Beethoven
Debussey
Back
John Lennon
Elton John
Sarah Maclachlan
Jeff Buckley
U2
Annie Lennox
Eric Clapton
Moody Blues
Elvis Costello
Queen
Kate Bush
Sinead O'Conner
Enya
Tchaikovsky
Van Morrison
Neil Young
Cream
Sting
Nena
Led Zeppelin
The Beatles
Joe Cocker
Vivaldi
Mendelssohn
Mozart
Peter Gabriel
Tchaikovsky
Miki Imai
Dvorak
Bai Ling
Segovia
Pink Floyd

I agree with many of the above selections. Surprised no one has mentioned "My Immortal" by Evanescense or "Wherever You May Go" by The Calling.

"Over the Rainbow" by both Judy Garland and Eva Cassidy.

I agree with many of the above selections. Surprised no one has mentioned "My Immortal" by Evanescense or "Wherever You May Go" by The Calling.I agree about "My Immortal", but I think that most people associate a song by something or someone in their past lives that makes the songs so beautiful or memorable. I remember "Just My Imagination" from my high school days as I thought of all those girls I wanted to 'get to know better' and "I Will Always Remember You" from my breakup with my first wife. My present wife hasn't even bothered to listen to the Evanescense CD I have.

AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!

Dolly Parton should sue, shoot, and light Whitney Houston on FIRE for that HACK JOB, bloodhound-baying, HORRID rendition of what was originally a beautiful song.

Actually I heard an interview where Dolly Parton said she liked Whitney Houston's version. As the song writer, Dolly said she also made more money from Whitney's version than Whitney did.

Just my .02, but:

"Beth" by KISS really belongs in this thread

[QUOTE=markeetaux]"Over the Rainbow" by both Judy Garland and Eva Cassidy.[/QUOTE

Check out the version by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole (IZ) . You probably already heard it on Meet Joe Black, Finding Forrester, 50 First Dates, or one or two other movies.

Yeah KOA ...IZ does do a great version. I cant help but smell the fresh Kauai breeze whenever I hear it.

This is way to hard and too wide open

But the most beautiful song I've ever heard is a song I will probably never hear again. It was during an awards show,maybe the Oscars, a few years back and Pavarotti got sick the night before and for some reason they asked Aretha Franklin to fill in. I have no idea what the name of the operatic song was but she sung it like an angel I was absolutely floored. If memory serves me I saw women in tears. I had no idea she had that in her...she rose to mythic proportions in my eyes and the eyes of many that night I'm sure. The house must have given her a 20 minute standing ovation, it was a moment of majesty, truly, no one saw that coming. I have been looking for that performance for at least the last 5 years.

Aretha performed Nessun dorma from Puccini's Turandot at the Oscar Awards.

You have got to be kidding me...all this time and it was that easy. I give you my simple thanks. You have got to love these forums. You made my night my friend, thank you.

I lost my dog Sarg when I was 7 have you seen him? ; )

"Motorcycle Emptiness" - Manic Street Preachers
"Save Me, I'm Yours" - Gene
"Northern Lites" - Super Furry Animals

OK, Thanks to Sparco I found the song online and listened to it, ok it's not the most beautiful song ever but it's good. Aretha's no Opera singer but she did a good job. I went and listened to Pavorotti's version it was great, I listened to Bocelli's version and it was great. They are trained and they surely outsung Aretha given it's their genre. But the main thing I noticed is that at the end of her version I got he goosebumps again just like I did when I first watched her. I listened again and again got the bumps, tried Pav...no bumps, Bocelli...very moving but no bumps. This song is beautful in the hands of the trained and Aretha can not compete with them and especially since time is taking her voice but only she gave me the goosebumps and that's saying a lot.

You have got to be kidding me...all this time and it was that easy. I give you my simple thanks. You have got to love these forums. You made me night my friend, thank you.

I lost me dog Sarg when I was 7 have you seen him? ; )
Glad I could help. I think this goes down as the 1st time I actually helped someone here. :) Sorry to hear about Sarg. That must have been tough. :(

Elvis's " American trilogy " that last note brings tears to my eyes. Ray Charles's " America " he sang it at an American league play-off game shortly after the 911 tragedy and it was incredibly moving. Elton John's " Daniel " great lyrics from Elton and Bernie.

Saw in some earlier posts alot of great songs but 2 that really stuck out were Justin Hayward's "Forever Autumn" and " Adiago for Strings" from Platoon. I actually went out and got a 5 disc CD that was titled something like " Classical music from major motion pictures " or something like that, just for that song. It ended up being a really good CD. The opera performance from The Untouchables is on it, and that song is also hauntingly beautiful. My .02

OK, had a little more time to think and I have to include these.

He ain't heavy, he's my brother.....The Hollies?
Mr. Bojangles......Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Love Rescue Me......U2

The U2 song isn't one of their more well known, but it is a beautiful song none the less.

[QUOTE=markeetaux]"Over the Rainbow" by both Judy Garland and Eva Cassidy.[/QUOTE

Check out the version by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole (IZ) . You probably already heard it on Meet Joe Black, Finding Forrester, 50 First Dates, or one or two other movies.

I didn't recall his name but I love that version of the song. Do you know if he has taken any other old standards and tried anything like that? I am not sure it could be done as well with any other song but I thought that was so amazing.

Chris

Not sure if he did any others but interesting tidbit about IZ....he was so popular in HAwaii that when he died he was the only non king to receive a traditional kings funeral.

Modern

"If you could read my mind" Gordon Lightfoot

Classical

"Pacabell Cannon in D"

"Promontory" from The Last of the Mohicans (I know soundtrack stuff is a little suspect because it also relies on imagery, but this works well on its own, I think -- haunting, beautiful, and sad)

"Take Me Home" by Holly Cole (originally a Tom Waits song)

"Bad" by US (live version)

"Blue Guitar" by the Cowboy Junkies

"In Your Eyes" by Peter Gabriel

I think Kate Bush has one of the most beautiful voices in modern popular music. (I saw a nod here earlier for a Peter Gabriel song, "Don't Give Up," which was my first exposure to Kate's voice.) She just released a new album--first in too long--called "Aerial." On it, she has a most unusual and strangely beautiful song, "Pi." It's about a man obsessed with numbers, particularly the calculation of the value of Pi. Most of the "lyrics" to the song consist of the value of Pi to over 100 significant digits. Seems like it would just be bizarre, but she makes it beautiful.

This is way to hard and too wide open

But the most beautiful song I've ever heard is a song I will probably never hear again. It was during an awards show,maybe the Oscars, a few years back and Pavarotti got sick the night before and for some reason they asked Aretha Franklin to fill in. I have no idea what the name of the operatic song was but she sung it like an angel I was absolutely floored. If memory serves me I saw women in tears. I had no idea she had that in her...she rose to mythic proportions in my eyes and the eyes of many that night I'm sure. The house must have given her a 20 minute standing ovation, it was a moment of majesty, truly, no one saw that coming. I have been looking for that performance for at least the last 5 years.

What makes that story even better is that Pavarotti didn't get sick the night before...If I recall correctly, he showed up very late, and didn't let them know he wouldn't be able to perform until about 20 minutes before he was supposed to go on. Aretha was a presenter that night, so was back stage, and she filled in literally at the last minute...no rehearsal, nothing.

I think Kate Bush has one of the most beautiful voices in modern popular music. (I saw a nod here earlier for a Peter Gabriel song, "Don't Give Up," which was my first exposure to Kate's voice.) She just released a new album--first in too long--called "Aerial." On it, she has a most unusual and strangely beautiful song, "Pi." It's about a man obsessed with numbers, particularly the calculation of the value of Pi. Most of the "lyrics" to the song consist of the value of Pi to over 100 significant digits. Seems like it would just be bizarre, but she makes it beautiful.

Synchronicity in action... I was just going to post Kate Bush's "This Woman's Work."

But God, I hate her new CD, including PI.

I am not in love - 10 cc

Haunting and beautiful song

I like several that have been mentioned, here's one that hasn't been:

Amazing Grace - Judy CollinsI'm man enough to admit it ... her rendition of that song brings me to tears ever time I hear .... there, I've said it.

OK, I've read the thread, no one mentioned any CSN. I loved their harmonies when they were still young and their voices good. I nominate "Wooden Ships" although I was introduced to the song by Jefferson Airplane/Grace Slick. Their version wasn't bad either.

PS, they were still good when it was Crosby, Stills, Nash AND Young. :)

Most beautiful song ever is a tough choice, but here are some of my favorites:

Rimsky-Korsakov - Sheherazade
Tchaikovsky - Romeo & Juliet (already been mentioned)
Holst - Venus: The Bringer of Peace
Vivaldi - The Four Seasons
Grieg - Peer Gynt Suite No. 1: Morning Mood
Mozart - The Magic Flute

Beach Boys - Good Vibrations
Beatles - Eleanor Rigby
Roy Orbison - Blue Bayou

I would add:

Dreamboat Annie: Heart
Wildfire: some "can't remember his name" 1-hit wonder from the 70's
It's a Dream: Neil Young

and already mentioned (I think)
Wonderful Tonight: E. Clapton

"Hallelujah" by Jeff Buckley

his whole album is awesome. second this one.
i also have to add amazing grace via bagpipes, that rules

Synchronicity in action... I was just going to post Kate Bush's "This Woman's Work."

But God, I hate her new CD, including PI.

I was gonna mention "This Woman's Work" earlier but did think it was Epic enough. A great song, I remembver getting choked up when I watched the movie. An R&B singer named Maxwell remade the song and dare I say it's better. I was floored when I heard it and it was a live acoustic performance. I didn't think a man could sound similiar to Kate Bush but he's dead on. His version is one of my wife's favorite songs ever and it just sends every women I know into a very emotional place. If you like this song and like R&B I HIGHLY reccomend it...from the Maxwell...MTV unplugged CD. 90% of the CD is mellow R&B so if you need something to get closer to your lady with, it will do the trick and for a woman to hear a man sing that song is a deal closer...my wife has told me.

I like the new Kate Bush CD, it grows on you.

Reminds me of another good song from the movie Closer, by Damien Rice called "The Blower's Daughter" aka Can't Take My Eyes Off of You...it's got the FIve Star rating on my Media Server. hmmm I smell a new thread coming...

[QUOTE=KOA]

I didn't recall his name but I love that version of the song. Do you know if he has taken any other old standards and tried anything like that? I am not sure it could be done as well with any other song but I thought that was so amazing.

Chris

The only other one I know of is on the same CD ( Alone in IZ World) as Over the Rainbow and it's Mona Lisa. Here's a link to Amazon so you can hear a bit, hope it works.http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00005O4UG/qid=1134001022/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/002-5463216-7909621?v=glance&s=music

Here's a few from my MP3's.

Roxy Music - Avalon (whole album)
Madame Butterfly - Malcolm McLaren
Mad World - Gary Jules (Tears for Fears)
Angel - Sarah McLachlan
Calling All Angels - Jane Siberry/K.D. Lang
Tears in Heaven - Erick Clapton (especially in regards to his Son)
The look of love - Dusty Springfield
The Shining - Badly Drawn Boy
You will be my ain true love - Allison Krauss
All I need - Air
Wild Horses - The Sundays (Rolling Stones)
Prototype - Andre 3000
It's not too beautiful - The Beta Band
Away - The Bolshoi
Trouble - Coldplay
Send in the Clowns - Sinatra
Dice - Finley Quaye
How Do I Live / Trisha Yearwood
Fade into You - Mazzy Star
Please Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want - The Smiths
Mother - Sinaed O'Connor or Pink Floyd
Wish you were here - Pink Floyd
Anita Baker - Rapture
Seal - Kiss from a Rose
Sade - No ordinary love
Kingdom of Rain - The The
Already There - The Verve
Blue Skied an' Clear - Slowdive
Any George Winston

Not sure if he did any others but interesting tidbit about IZ....he was so popular in HAwaii that when he died he was the only non king to receive a traditional kings funeral.

Here's a link about IZ's funeral.
http://www.mele.com/Farewell/funeral.htm

They did use the Hokule'a (traditional voyaging canoe) to transport his ashes to Makua. I live near there and watched the canoe and many boats go by. Also IZ did a lot of fund raising events with the unions. It seemed like every trucker on the island drove there rigs out to Makua honking their horns the whole way. It took a long time for them to all pass by. It was quite a celebration of his life.

Elvis's " American trilogy " that last note brings tears to my eyes. Ray Charles's " America " he sang it at an American league play-off game shortly after the 911 tragedy and it was incredibly moving. Elton John's " Daniel " great lyrics from Elton and Bernie.
Good Choices.

Lots of great stuff mentioned here. I simply could not a most beautiful song ever. Seems like great artists get more than one best beautiful song votes, and I'd have to say that would hold true in my eyes too. Just a few I like that are incredibly beautiful IMO.....

In My Life- The Beatles (Best Lennon song for me ever)
Fear- Sarah McLachlan
Silver, Blue and Gold- Bad Company
Diamonds And Rust- Joan Baez
She's Got A Way- Billy Joel
Tiny Dancer- Elton John
The Light Is On- Christopher Cross
Line 'Em Up- James Taylor
Lay Down My Life- Carole King
Constant Craving- kd lang
Save Me- kd lang
Maybe I'm Amazed- Paul McCartney
Fire In The Belly- Van Morrison
Sometimes We Cry- Van Morrison
The Road Not Taken- Bruce Hornsby And The Range
Court And Spark- Joni Mitchell
Twiglight World- Swing Out Sister
Precious Things- Tori Amos
The Sensual World- Kate Bush
Make Somebody Happy- Santana

I'm surprised no one mentioned Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue"!

My favorites,

Bobby Hebb singing Sunny at Dodger Stadium Los Angeles during August 1966 Beatles concert.

Grover Washington - Just the Two of Us

Elton John - Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me

Too many excellent George Benson songs to list, so I’ll just start with Breezin’.

The most beautiful song, a song that has been covered by lots of artists; Rod, Micheal Jackson, Rickie Lee Jones , Little jimmy scott, Clapton,Davee Edmunds, Tony Bennett, Gladys Knight,Nat Cole, Chick Corea, Jimmy Durante, Holly Cole etc.

The song is "SMILE" written by Charlie Chaplin, this is a beautiful song as you can see it's been covered by artists of all genre's. I think this fits the criteria of the thread, because although you guys named lots of great, great songs, there are not many of them that have stood repeated interpretations by many many people.

Thank you from a really really cold Michigan.

Tony

Here's a link about IZ's funeral.
http://www.mele.com/Farewell/funeral.htm

They did use the Hokule'a (traditional voyaging canoe) to transport his ashes to Makua. I live near there and watched the canoe and many boats go by. Also IZ did a lot of fund raising events with the unions. It seemed like every trucker on the island drove there rigs out to Makua honking their horns the whole way. It took a long time for them to all pass by. It was quite a celebration of his life.

I was curious why he died so young and just found a picture of him and of course made an immediate opinion of a contributing cause. I did not see any official cause of death listed for him or his brother.

Chris

I was gonna mention "This Woman's Work" earlier but did think it was Epic enough. A great song, I remembver getting choked up when I watched the movie. An R&B singer named Maxwell remade the song and dare I say it's better. I was floored when I heard it and it was a live acoustic performance. I didn't think a man could sound similiar to Kate Bush but he's dead on. His version is one of my wife's favorite songs ever and it just sends every women I know into a very emotional place. If you like this song and like R&B I HIGHLY reccomend it...from the Maxwell...MTV unplugged CD. 90% of the CD is mellow R&B so if you need something to get closer to your lady with, it will do the trick and for a woman to hear a man sing that song is a deal closer...my wife has told me.

I like the new Kate Bush CD, it grows on you.

Reminds me of another good song from the movie Closer, by Damien Rice called "The Blower's Daughter" aka Can't Take My Eyes Off of You...it's got the FIve Star rating on my Media Server. hmmm I smell a new thread coming...

Thanks, I'll go looking for the Maxwell version.

I may come to like Kate's new one a little more, but for me what's unforgiveable is that it's boring. God, the music is just so dull. So far "Hounds of Love" is still my overall favorite of hers. When I first put in the new one I thought, We all waited ten years for this?

I may come to like Kate's new one a little more, but for me what's unforgiveable is that it's boring. God, the music is just so dull. So far "Hounds of Love" is still my overall favorite of hers. When I first put in the new one I thought, We all waited ten years for this?

Well after ten years, I think very few albums would live up to the anticipation. It's not the kind of album you sit and listen to critically. It's more of a play it while you're reading the Sunday paper by the window album and then all of a sudden it paints the background and reveals a very nice atmosphere. I find myself drawn to explore the songs more and more. If I had to go and get the cd from the rack I might now listen to it often but since I have everything on the PC and can cue it up at will, it's very convenient. I came across a song or two while in shuffle mode and it was a total contrast to anything that came before and after it and I found myself wanting to hear that "sound" again. For instance, I was just sitting down for breakfast and started my music (on shuffle) and the first two songs to play were "Aerial Tal" and then "Sunset" I felt ready for work with a little pep in my step.

By the way, Shuffle or Random is the best. I buy some albums and don't even listen to them. I just load them into the media server and whenever I come across it in shuffle play is when I hear it...takes months sometimes but is truly a rewarding experience.

Not to hijack this into a Kate Bush thread, but I wanted to make this observation: "Aerial" is a concept item (very similar in structure to "Hounds of Love"), so random/shuffle mode seems a strange choice for it.

As for its quality, I am loving it. Every track has something I like, and the only songs I don't really love are "Bertie," Mrs. Bartolozzi," and "Aerial Tal." I'm going to add "King of the Mountain" to my skiing mix on my Yepp (iPod knock-off).

Yeah, three grown men debating the works of Kate Bush...O.K. mark the moment it won't happen again for another 14 years.

I play 50% of my music via shuffle/Random. Works great for me.

I have to agree with Point_and_Shoot in regards to the National Anthem, but there is one version that I will never forget.

With two sons in the armed services at the time

1991 - Super Bowl 25 - Whitney Houston - Star Spangled Banner

Waiting for a girl like you - Foreigner
True Colors - Cindi Lauper
Comfortable numb - floyd
Who's crying now - Journey

Lush Life" by Billy Strayhorn (was a teenager when he wrote it...I think 17)

"I Will Remember You" by Sara McLachlan

"Wonderful Tonight" by Eric Clapton (words are so simple, but so confined and with passion)

nuff said...

I like the original suggestion, "Smile" by Charlie Chaplin. Great song.
Can't agree with "Wonderful Tonight" even though I love Clapton. That song bugs me to no end.

Other beautiful songs I like:
Theme from Love Story "Where Do I Begin"
Theme from the Godfather "Speak Softly Love"
Theme from Dr. Zhivago "Lara's Tune"

Interesting, lot's of music/movie titles.

Comfortably Numb?

"Relax Just a little pin prick
you'll hear no more
"Owwwwww!"

The lyrics IMHO disqualify it from consideration.

Listen to David Gilmour sing "Je Crois Entendre Encore" on his concert DVD...

Chopin: Fantasie Impromptu In C Sharp Minor Op.66

Ave Maria has to be the most..and certainly right..only some versions.

Agree with many of the choices posted - Lush Life, Imagine, Tears in Heaven, In My Life, Themes from Titanic and Dr Zhivago - but it's amazing how the greatest of all songwriters - George Gershwin - has been almost forgotten here.

The Man I Love
Someone to Watch Over Me
But Not For Me
Embraceable You

Here is more:
Tanita Tikaram - Twist in my Sobriety http://www.disco80.ru/mp3/136.mp3
James Last- -Toccata
Camouflage - Love Is a Shield http://www.disco80.ru/mp3/137.mp3
Michel Legran - The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (Les Parapluies de Cherbourg)
http://www.terra.com/specials/moviehistory/img/pels/umbrellas_of_cherbourg.jpg

It seems to me that RAP artists severely underepreZented so how about N**ga Please by Ol'Dirty Bastard
http://www.mathindustries.com/blog/archives/sq-odb-blue-jumper-mtv.gif

So, after a good ol' Nor' easter, a couple margaritas and change after change after change in this life...

I mean it, this is a GREAT song, in a simple, sentimental sense... you need to relax and let it take you away...

December Snow
The Moody Blues (performed by Justin Hayward)
(December)




"Do you remember long ago... ?"

SonyCrusader

I'm surprised no one mentioned Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue"!I remember when I heard that for the first time. An aunt of mine had a copy; I played it over and over. It was the start of my appreciation of music. I was still in grade school at the time. However, I don't think you can call it a song as such but it is one beautiful piece of music.

song-woman
artist - john lennon

song-Yesterday
artist-paul macartney, this song is one of the most covered songs in the history of music,correct me if i am wrong.

Lot's of good posts!
I will have to concurr with several.

Jeff Buckley - Haleluja (Awesome song, awesome voice)
Sia - Breathe Me (makes me weep everytime)
Fleetwood Mac - Landslide (live , Stevie)
Just about anything by Sarah M.

(Random Thought)
Does anyone else agree here that Christine McVie ( Fleetwood Mac ) has just about the most soothing voice ya ever heard?

"Baby it's Cold Outside" duet by Leon Redbone and Zooey Deschanel from the movie ELF.

Jon

Chris Isaak Wicked Games


http://dolittle.hippy.jp/blog/archives/images/Chris-thumb.jpg

Forever Autumn by Justin Haywood

Chris Isaak Wicked Games


http://dolittle.hippy.jp/blog/archives/images/Chris-thumb.jpg

I love the song and consider it haunting but not beautiful. The young lady in the video, now that is beautiful.

Chris

"Time to Say Goodbye" Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli

Wow, so much new music to check out. I love this thread.
May I add some Opera songs that may bring a tear to your eye?
Vissi d'Arte from Tosca
O Mio Babbino Caro from Gianni Schicchi
Un Bel di Vedremo from Madama Butterfly
Mi Chiammano Mimi , and Donde Lieta from La Boheme
Liebestob from Tristan and Isolde
and some tenors:
E Lucevan le Stelle from Tosca
Addio Fiorito Asil from Madama Butterfly
Cuore "nGrato old song
and already mentioned , Nessun Dorma from the opera Turandot

The following songs have always been special to me, but probably are not in the "most beautiful songs of all time" category:

I'm not in love - 10 CC

The Christmas Song - Mel Torme

I Just Died In Your Arms Tonight - Cutting Crew

Here There and Everywhere - Beatles
The Night they Drove old Dixie Down - The Band
Angel - Sarah M.

The following songs have always been special to me, but probably are not in the "most beautiful songs of all time" category:

I'm not in love - 10 CC


You kidding me? "I'm not in love" is a great nomination; glad you mentioned this haunting, surging, beautiful, spacy, timeless, humorous, personal, love song.

If you have any daughters... Bob Carlisle's BUTTERFLY KISSES is a tough one to top. I blubber like a baby every time I hear it.

"I'm not in Love" is actually one of those songs that I find physically disturbing for some reason. I don't know why, but it just grosses me out, not because I think it's bad, but for some unknown, 70's flashback, brain-stem level sort of sense of impending doom.

Classical - Pachelbel "Canon in D"

"Baby it's Cold Outside" duet by Leon Redbone and Zooey Deschanel from the movie ELF.

Jon
I'll take Ray Charles and Betty Carter's version.

-----------------------------
Ron Party

Grateful Dead - Morning Dew (especially 10/12/84)

I'll throw in some beauties from animated favorites:
If I Never Knew You - Pocahontas
When She Loved Me - Toy Story 2
A Whole New World - Aladdin

Wow, great thread! It would be really neat if someone would compile the list, and group by genre.

Grateful Dead - Morning Dew (especially 10/12/84)

9/18/87 @ MSG :)

I still get goosebumps from my tape of MD that night. I swear I could see the stars through the roof.

But hey, that's just my own opinion, YMMV.

Album: Beatles-Abbey Road
Can't separate just a single song from this album although if I had too I 'might' choose "Because".

There are so many. Off the top of my head...

Since I Don't Have You - Skyliners

It's a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong

Stardust - Willie Nelson

Summer Breeze - Seals and Croft

Margaritaville - Jimmy Buffet

Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto #2 - Arthur Rubenstein and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Wow, great thread! It would be really neat if someone would compile the list, and group by genre.

I agree, and nominate you! :D

Has anyone put in "What A Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong? I don't have time now to go back and check.

I agree, and nominate you! :D

Has anyone put in "What A Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong? I don't have time now to go back and check.

I knew that would happen. However, I just don't know diddely about HTML, so I would not be able to post the results in a nice format. I would volunteer to put it all into an XLS if someone will convert it to HTML.

What would be really cool is if we could convert the results into a Poll, and then have people vote.

Here is another song nomination:

Time In A Bottle - Jim Croce.

Perhaps not mainstream but two songs I can't bump from my mp3 play list are

"You Go to My Head - Louis Armstrong" the laid back trumpet intro and Louis' singing is magic Sample (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/wma-pop-up/-/B0000047G5001011/103-4720964-5483045)

"Put a Spell on You - Nina Simone" I love the sax solo. Sample (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/wma-pop-up/-/B0000046UW001007/103-4720964-5483045)


Great thread.

John

When She Loved Me - Toy Story 2

I have two daughters, and that damn song actually got me choked up a bit.

Aaron Neville version of Ave Maria (plays at the end of "Alive") Neil Diamond has a timeless voice, any version of bring out the clowns. CNR, Simon and Garfunkel, blind melon "Soup" has passion.

You Go to My Head - Louis Armstrong" the laid back trumpet intro and Louis' singing is magic Sample


This is totally OT, but funny so I'll share it in case others haven't heard it....

There was a piece on NPR about Satchmo a while back. He'd evidently made use of a reel to reel tape machine to make a lot of recordings of him talking with people and on the phone and so forth. On one of the recordings, he was talking to a guy about a trip he was about to make to Europe for a couple weeks. He was telling the guy, "I'm going to Europe and I need to pick up some sheet music. I'm really to get some good sheet music, enough to last for a couple weeks" and so on.

They couldn't figure out why in the heck he needed sheet music so bad, since I'm sure you can buy sheet music in Europe. It turns out that 'sheet music' was their code for pot. So he was looking to score a big bag to last him the whole trip.

I have two daughters, and that damn song actually got me choked up a bit.

Heck, I cried when I first heard it (with visual imagery from Toy Story 2). If you haven't seen the new release of Pocahontas do so. The added seen with John Smith singing to Pocahontas had me crying like a baby. I still do, every time I see it.

I've got to add on about When She Loved Me. About 2 years ago or so, I saw a TV show with Randy Newman - Live and Interactive (or something like that). He played many songs live and then took requests from the audience. One person requested "When She Loved Me." He replied to bear with him, as he had never performed it before an audience. I was floored. I cried. 1/3 of me was crying because of the song content (melodically and lyrically), 1/3 was crying over his rendetion, and 1/3 for the ultimate talent on display for us to feast upon.

Since I Fell for You.......Lenny Welch (if I remember correctly!)
Angel of the Morning.......back in the early 60's..cant remember artist.

I Cant Stop Loving You...Ray Charles
Born To Lose.......also Ray.

These are still some of my favorites along with so many mentioned in the thread.

The Cure- Pictures of You

Vangelis-Bladerunner Theme

Carter Burwell-Hudsucker Proxy

Here is another song nomination:

Time In A Bottle - Jim Croce.

Oh yea.... takes me back.

And Mcleans "American Pie"

Travelin' Soldier - Dixie Chicks

simply beautiful...

Always with me always with you - Joe Satriani.

"Time to Say Goodbye" Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli

Nice choice there!

Also like:

"Bring Him Home" from Les Miserables
"The Girl from Ipanema" - because it gave the world Astrud Gilberto
"This Woman's Work" - Kate Bush
"Always and Forever" - Heat Wave
"Imagine" - John Lennon
"Somewhere over the Rainbow" - Judy Garland
"When You Wish Upon a Star" - Jiminy Cricket (Cliff Edwards)

and though it may not qualify - "Space Oddity" - David Bowie

Oh yea.... takes me back.

And Mcleans "American Pie" I think his "Vincent" fits the bill better.

the hollies-he aint heavy(he's my brother
beatles - the long and winding road

-Eva Cassidy's cover of 'Fields of Gold'
-Another vote for Kate Bush 'This Woman's Work'

Not to get off-topic but I had read a rumor that 'Aerial' contains the dreaded Sony DRM rootkit, which is a deal breaker for me. Can anyone say definitively, whether it contains the infamous rootkit (i.e. spyware) or not?

Delirium & Sara M. - "Silence"
Sara Brightman and other versions- "Ave Maria"
Beethoven - "Moonlight Sonata"
Third Eye Blind- "Motorcycle Drive By"
U2- "Where the Streets have no Name" & others
Damien Rice- "The Blower's Daughter"
ColdPlay- "The Scientist"
John Mayer - "Covered In Rain"
The Verve- "Bittersweet Symphony"

To name a few

Assayer, I ported "Aerial" to my HTPC, with no software load from the CDs. I have SlySoft AnyDVD, so that might have squashed the Sony DRM--I cannot say for certain that it is not on the "Aerial" CDs.

"Baby Mine" (from the movie "Dumbo") - Bonnie Raitt version

A Change Is Gonna Come -- Sam Cooke

Absolutely moves me from the inside out every time I hear it.

OK I just heard this song again tonight and as stated many times before this is argueably THE song we can all agree on...

"What a Wonderful World It Is" by Louis Armstong.

Short, sweet and to the point. That's it guys, honestly if there were only one last song for all the world to hear this should be it and no one would be dissappointed.

All others are just Honorable Mentions:

Honorable mention to "Unforgetable" by Nat King Cole

"May It Be" by Enya. Especially poignant in relation to the story of Frodo in LOTR. I especially find the verses in Elvish to be moving.

A Change Is Gonna Come -- Sam Cooke

Absolutely moves me from the inside out every time I hear it.

My favorite song of ALL time. Makes me sit up and pay attention every time I hear it.

Cory

"May It Be" by Enya. Especially poignant in relation to the story of Frodo in LOTR. I especially find the verses in Elvish to be moving.

I have found the end credit songs from all three movie to be especially beautiful. I would be hard-pressed to choose a favorite.

I have found the end credit songs from all three movie to be especially beautiful. I would be hard-pressed to choose a favorite.

I would agree with that, but I find "May It Be" to be particularly mournful. On the other hand, "Into the West" was rather rousing and I liked it too.

That's easy

3. I Honestly Love You--Olivia Newton John
2. You Are So Beautiful--Joe Cocker
1. Loving You--Minnie Ripperton (ahhhhahhhhaaaaaaaaaaa)

My Heart Will Go On (Love Theme From 'Titanic') :)

Me I still love the little drummer boy.

(ahhhhahhhhaaaaaaaaaaa)

:D

That's easy

3. I Honestly Love You--Olivia Newton John
2. You Are So Beautiful--Joe Cocker
1. Loving You--Minnie Ripperton (ahhhhahhhhaaaaaaaaaaa) You forgot the all-time, absolute best - "Honey" by Bobby Goldsboro. (now if the U.S. REALLY wanted to torture some detainees......)

**Count on Me - Jefferson Starship**

"May It Be" by Enya. Especially poignant in relation to the story of Frodo in LOTR. I especially find the verses in Elvish to be moving.

Anne Lenox's (sp?) Into the West was also very good.

Unforgetable by nat and natalie Cole

For me its "Wichita Lineman" by Glen Campbell

**Count on Me - Jefferson Starship**
Forgot all about that band! "Miracles" on the Red Octopus album was also beautiful but X rated. Made quite an impression on me when I was around 13 :D

Forgot all about that band! "Miracles" on the Red Octopus album was also beautiful but X rated. Made quite an impression on me when I was around 13 :DI thought to mention "Miracles", but originally didn't think it fit as 'beautiful'. Still, that was one of my all time greats and I remember sitting in my car when the song came on the radio and I would sing the words. I had all the lyrics memorized despite not owning the album (yes...album) at the time. I eventually bought the album and the CD when it finally went CD just for that one song.

Why was it X rated? I didn't think anything was offensive in the song.

Why was it X rated? I didn't think anything was offensive in the song."X rated" is probably an exaggeration, but you've probably sung along with the lyrics for 20 years without really realizing what they said:
http://www.lyricsfreak.com/j/jefferson-starship/70383.html

"X rated" is probably an exaggeration, but you've probably sung along with the lyrics for 20 years without really realizing what they said:
http://www.lyricsfreak.com/j/jefferson-starship/70383.htmlUh...oh yeah. Now I remember ;). But then again, I used to sing Marvin Gaye's song "Let's Get It On" to my then GF soon after we met. We were just teens at the time. "Miracles" was tame compared to that song and I guess I didn't need to sing Marvin's song anymore ;) ;).

What a great thread with some great songs!

Here are a few that I like that I don't think have been mentioned yet.

"Daisy Jane" - America

"How Much I Feel" - Ambrosia

"Cool Change" - Little River Band

"Making Love Out Of Nothing At All" - Air Supply

"Total Eclipse Of The Heart" - Bonnie Tyler

"Sailing" - Christopher Cross

"Don't Throw It All Away" - Andy Gibb

"Sweet Life" - Paul Davis

"I Go Crazy" - Paul Davis

"Just The Way You Are" - Billy Joel

"Fooled Around And Fell In Love" - Elvin Bishop

"Just Once" - James Ingram

"There's No Easy Way" - James Ingram

"High Enough" - Damn Yankees

"If You Don't Know Me By Know" - Simply Red

"When I Need You" - Leo Sayer

"Seasons In The Sun" - Terry Jacks

"You Were Meant For Me" - Jewel

"Careless Whisper" - Wham

"Two Out Of Three Ain't Bad" - Meatloaf

"Same Ole Lang Syne" - Dan Fogelberg

"Silver Spring" - Fleetwood Mac

"Bright Lights" - Matchbox 20

"High Enough" - Damn Yankees

Huh...

I am not even going to go there...

Huh...


I am not even going to go there...


I expected this song to get some negative praise. I started to take it off my list when I finished but I decided to keep it. I still think it is a good song.

"If You Don't Know Me By Know" - Simply Red


The original by Harold Melvin and the Bluenotes (with Teddy pendergrass at lead vocals blows Simply Reds away IMHO.

Cory

I expected this song to get some negative praise. I started to take it off my list when I finished but I decided to keep it. I still think it is a good song.

You have provided me with the best laugh I've had all day.

The ONLY way "High Enough" by the Damn Yankees could be considered the most beautiful some ever is if we were all characters from the movie "Deliverance".

When it gets to this point, it might be time to retire this thread.
I'm going to listen to that song right now and LMAO...lol.

To think that Ted Nugget-head could have anything to do with the most beautiful song ever is an oxymoron in itself.

Good list, gyver65. There are a few I don't care for but for the most part I like your list.

8 pages and no one's mentioned the most beautiful melody of all time?:

Moon River :)

And Launche, if you're a fan of "Nessun Dorma," watch The Sea Inside. I'll say no more. Just watch it...

Also no mention of Patsy Cline, surely one of the most beautiful voices in the last 100 years...

The ONLY way "High Enough" by the Damn Yankees could be considered the most beautiful some ever is if we were all characters from the movie "Deliverance".



Launche,

I am not claiming this song to be the most beautiful song ever. I listed it as a song that I really like. My preference with this song has nothing to do with any political views of Ted Nugent. I know that there are plenty other songs more beautiful than this one, some of which are on my list.


The original by Harold Melvin and the Bluenotes (with Teddy pendergrass at lead vocals blows Simply Reds away IMHO.

Colleycol,

You are probably right about that. I like both versions of this song. I don't usually like remakes from different artists but this song and "You Lost That Loving Feeling" both did pretty good on the remakes IMHO.


Good list, gyver65. There are a few I don't care for but for the most part I like your list.

Thank you!

Inna gadda da vida

;-)

Launche,

I am not claiming this song to be the most beautiful song ever. I listed it as a song that I really like. My preference with this song has nothing to do with any political views of Ted Nugent. I know that there are plenty other songs more beautiful than this one, some of which are on my list.

gyver65, I'm just messin' with ya. You had some good ones on your list, that one just stuck out like a sore thumb. When the best power ballads thread gets started, that song will fit more appropriately. Bon Jovi's "I'll be there for you" is a song I don't want to like as much as I do.

Sinatra - Moonlight in Vermont

Cool song-Theme to "Twin peaks"

Thanks for reminding me, I'd forgotten all about that song. I've always liked the theme from Twin Peaks and then one night years ago I heard it performed on SNL with the vocals and it was amazing.

Took me a few minutes to track down but it's "Falling" by Julee Cruise. I'm a little disappointed though with the echo effect used on the album version, I think it'd be much better without it. Still a beautiful song though.

As for most beautiful, maybe "Sunrise" by Norah Jones. Love that song. Or "Angel" by Sarah Mclachlan. Also:

Into the West - from Lord of the Rings

Across the Universe - Fiona Apple version from Pleasantville

The father & daughter song by Paul Simon

Okay, it is by the Talking Heads... Hommme, it'swhere I wanna be, but seems I'm already there...you know the one.

love moves in mysterious ways by julia fordham, when i see you smile, desperado from the eagles

Norah Jones = "The Human Sleeping Pill"

As for most beautiful, maybe "Sunrise" by Norah Jones. Love that song.


I was just listening to "Sunrise" this morning (at about the time of the sunrise). I thought: "This song should get a mention on the 'Most beautiful song' thread."

Julee Cruise got a mention for her song "Falling," from Twin Peaks. On the same soundtrack is an even more beautiful song, "The World Spins."

David Lynch soundtracks are eclectic gems, although I'm sorry he included Marilyn Manson on the "Lost Highway" soundtrack. A truly beautiful song from the "Mulholland Drive" score is "Llorando," performed by Rebekah Del Rio. Roy Orbison would approve, I think.

"Mary" by Patty Griffin.

this thread has kind of gone from nominating truly the one most beautiful song ever to throwing out pretty much any decent love song hasn't it?

this thread has kind of gone from nominating truly the one most beautiful song ever to throwing out pretty much any decent love song hasn't it?

Yeah, that is for sure, and on its last breath. Not a beautiful song, but an inspirational song for me, “Celebrate Me Home” -Kenny Loggins. “Set It Free” fits the beautiful song category better - what the heck - the entire Celebrate Me Home album is great. I just finished listening to this CD for the first time in years and it sure was a pleasure. Daddy’s Home!

Alison Krauss has been mentioned earlier, but her "Ghost in this House" has got to be the most hauntingly beautiful song I have ever heard.

I don't know about the most beautiful song ever, but I know the most horrible song ever:
"I will always love you" as sung by Whitney Houston. "IIIIII-EEEE-IIIII-EEEEE-IIIII will always..." It sounds like two cats in heat in a fight. :mad:
She absolutely destroyed the great rendition done by Dolly Parton, plus she opened up the door to Fantasia Barrino, easily the worst singer in the history of the world. Who decided that screaming at the top of your lungs and throwing in an overdone, harsh trill sounds good? I had to cover my ears every time she sang on Idol last year. She must have slept with Simon to win...or was it Paula, since she likes to sleep with contestants?

Whitney Houston makes my spine scrunch up.