Who doesn’t know this song?
It’s a classic hit that never gets old. But did you know this song was first known back in 1955? It’s an ageless song with music by Alex North and lyrics by Hy Zaret.
Alex North originally wrote the song’s lyrics as a theme for the 1955 film ‘Unchained’ and obviously, it’s the origin of the song’s title.
Over 670 music artists made more than 1,500 recordings of the song.
That’s on top of other recordings done by non-professional singers. In fact, the song “Unchained Melody” is still a hit even to the current generation.
But among the hundreds to thousands of this song’s renditions, one of them truly made the biggest impact.
The Righteous Brothers.
In July 1965, Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield of the 1963 American musical duo recorded their version of the song. It was and is still the most notable version of all-time.
They made quite an impression of the song even though their vocals totally contrast.
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“Hatfield and Medley had contrasting vocal ranges, which helped them create a distinctive sound as a duet, but also strong vocal talent individually that allowed them to perform as soloists. Medley sang the low parts with his bass-baritone voice, with Hatfield taking the higher-register vocals with his tenor.”
After almost 6 decades, another musician gives the song a rebirth.
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His name is Austin Brown and he gives everyone a beautiful glimpse of the past with his rendition of the song. In a YouTube video that now has over 5 million views, Brown will prove to us all that he’s an artist worth looking out for.
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According to the “About” section of his website:
“Brown has spent the last seven years in country music’s only a cappella group, Home Free, which he calls “the dream of my life.” The son of a Southern gospel singer, Brown’s earliest memories growing up in Tifton, Georgia, involve the stage and, coincidentally, quartet-style harmony. After playing lead in several of his high school productions, Brown went on to pursue a degree in music theater. His first post-college gig was singing on cruise ships, which sent him around the world — but more importantly, led him to Home Free.”
He is no ordinary singer and he’s here to prove it.
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Backed with an equally talented guitarist, Steven Martinez, Brown immaculately sings the song. His version is so beautiful that you’d even forget there is a pandemic.
As he goes with the first few lines:
“Woah, my love, my darling
I’ve hungered for your touch
A long, lonely time
And time goes by so slowly
And time can do so much
Are you still mine?”
He immediately gives our ears a display of his vocal prowess. The tone of his voice is on-point and best fits the song. It’s definitely a type of voice that would make anyone asking for more.
Isn’t he perfect?
Brown’s runs, falsettos, transitions, low and high registers, everything sounds so incredibly perfect. The vocal calisthenics that he possesses is something I haven’t heard in a long while, wouldn’t you agree with me?
The calm ambiance, quiet background, camera angles, the guitar accompaniment, and of course, Brown’s voice, all sum up to a “heaven-sent” song cover.
Close your eyes and just listen to the stream of his beautiful music. It doesn’t only feed your ears with good voice quality but also peace within.
His powerful voice can soar high straight to cloud-nine.
He’s awesome on both worlds of high and low notes. No fancy outfit or gimmicks, just straight beautiful singing, that’s what this performance is all about.
Brown’s rendition is so good that most of the people who commented on his video showed nothing but amazement and respect for his craft.
One YouTube user wrote:
“Few people on the planet can perform this song as well as you have done. Your vocal range, perfect pitch and enunciation were flawless. You put so much feeling into this beautiful song and every song that I’ve listened to you sing.”
While this one is betting between The Righteous Brothers’ and Brown’s versions:
“I’ve always felt that Unchained Melody as sung by the Righteous Brothers was probably the most beautiful song I’ve ever heard. A lot of other singers have sung it, but this is the only cover that holds a candle to Bobby Hatfield. Great job, Austin…and thank you for keeping a wonderful song alive!”
Watch Brown below and see if he’s a worthy contender to The Righteous Brothers.
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