On this day in 1928, the world was blessed with the birth of one of music's greatest songwriters and composers of all time, Burt Bacharach.
Known for his complex and elegant melodies, which often defied pop norms, Bacharach had a composing mind like no other.
Making use of unusual time signatures and sweeping orchestrations, the tracks he wrote had a certain vibe about them that would draw you in.
The tunes he’s credited with stood out in all the right ways. Without him, we would be void of many of the much-loved classics that have graced radios and filled homes across the globe.
It could also be said that many of the artists he worked with may not have been the stars they were had Mr. Bacharach not lent them his songwriting prowess.
Imagine a world without the sound of Dusty Springfield or Dionne Warwick.
That might have been reality if Bacharach and long-time songwriting partner Hal David had not made their divine intervention.
Over six decades, mostly in collaboration with David, he has helped make over 500 songs, landed 73 top 40 hits, scored three Academy Awards and won eight Grammys.
While there are many of these timeless works to choose from, here are six of the best.
‘There's Always Something There to Remind Me’ - Lou Johnson (1964)
This is a tune that’s been covered many times, but the original composition with Lou Johnson will always hit the hardest.
‘Walk On By’ - Dionne Warwick (1964)
A Bacharach and David classic. There’s no walking by this one. It’s arranged in such a way that it brings you to a halt and pulls you in. The piano, the strings, the horns, the lyrics, and of course that golden voice of Dionne Warwick.
As one YouTube commenter put, “Beautifully sung by a beautiful woman, with such a wonderful arrangement. True talent never ages.”
‘The Look of Love’ - Dusty Springfield (1967)
Is there any genre Bacharach can’t do? We don’t think so. ‘The Look of Love’ is jazzy, it’s bossa nova, and it’s pure magic. Elegantly arranged to match those heavenly Dusty Springfield vocals.
‘I Say a Little Prayer’ - Dionne Warwick (1967) & Aretha Franklin (1968)
With its gospel-influenced arrangement, ‘I Say A Little Prayer’ first found its way to the charts in 1967 as another hit for Warwick.
Just nine months later, the tune was back in the charts, but this time with none other than Aretha Franklin. This cover offered a silkier and more soulful version of the original.
How lucky we are to have been graced with two renditions of this one, for each we have Bacharach and David to give thanks to.
‘Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head’ - B.J. Thomas (1969)
A wonderfully composed song that will forever be timeless. It would be rude not to include ‘Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head’. It may be a little overheard, but it’s certainly a catchy classic.
We apologise in advance if it gets stuck in your head for the rest of the day.
First written for the movie ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’ in 1969 it has since featured in many other films. Its inclusion in Tobey Maguire's (the best) ‘Spider-Man 2’ has made it a well-respected track of the 21st century.
‘[They Long To Be] Close To You’ - The Carpenters (1970)
As with many Bacharach songs, ‘[They Long To Be] Close To You’ has had many recordings by multiple artists. The 1970s version, a Carpenters classic, is perhaps the most well-known and for good reason.
Bacharach's composing genius really shines through here. It’s the way the tune starts off soft and slowly builds up, but then falls to silence and then hits the crescendo again. Magnificent.
Although he passed away two years ago (at age 94!), these songs and plenty more carry on the soul and legacy of the brilliant Burt Bacharach.
We wish a happy heavenly birthday to the man who made heavenly music.
