Most Beautiful Song?

[Lorena]

Luther Vandross - Here and Now http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A31u-dIMT-4

[Maple Leafs]

Missed this thread the first time around, but those who were mentioning "Hallelujah" may be interested in this article on the various versions, especially Choen, Buckley and Cale.

http://www.clapclap.org/2007/04/hallelujah.html

Interesting quote: "If Buckley was covering Cale, there's little doubt that almost all of these people were covering Buckley. And no one was really covering Cohen anymore."

[GoSeahawks]

goodbye my lover- James Blunt

[Vince]

Forgot this one -

Seven Bridges Road, as performed by the Eagles

[DrAFTjunkie]

I've got a lot.

Off the top of my head...

Dilate- Ani Difranco
Turkish March- Mozart
Lonelieness is Worse- Veruca Salt
Mayonaisse- Smashing Pumpkins
Daylight- Failure
Uninvited- Alanis
Purple Rain- Prince
I Miss You- Incubus
Never Tear Us Apart- INXS
Run- Snow Patrol
Sing- Dresden Dolls
Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want- The Smiths
Head Over Heels- Tears for Fears
Wiser Time- The Black Crowes
Falling Slowly- Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova
Pretty Sister- Velocity Girl
It Won't Rain all the Time- Jane Seiberry
Chloe Dancer/Crown of Thorns- Mother Love Bone
Do You Love Me Now?- The Breeders
Such Great Heights- The Postal Service
In the Waiting Line- Zero 7
Caribou- The Pixies
One Sweet Day- Mariah/Boyz 2 Men (shut up)
Benjamin- Veruca Salt
Crimson and Clover- The Hollies?
Going to California- Led Zepplin
Dream a Little Dream of Me- The Mamas and the Papas
Dry Your Eyes Mate- The Streets
Ooh Child- The Spinners?
Didn't I Blow Your Mind This Time- The Delfonics
Harvest- Neil Young
Dollar Bill- Screaming Trees
Baker Street- Gerry Rafferty
Sometimes- Sunny Day Real Estate
The Last to Know- Faith No More
It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday- Boyz 2 Men (again, wow)
Invalid Litter Department- At the Drive-In
Shadowboxer- Fiona Apple
The Beautiful Ones- Prince
Beautiful- Christina Aguiliera
Nothing Compares 2 U- Sinead O'Connor
All Through the Night- Cyndi Lauper
Bellbottom Blues- Derek and the Dominos
Watching, Waiting- Extreme
Earthcrosser- Veruca Salt
Where Did You Sleep Last Night?- Nirvana
In Your Eyes- Peter Gabriel
Release- Pearl Jam
The Rainbow Connection- Kermit the Frog
Eternal Flame- The Bangles
Goodnight Saigon- Billy Joel
Late at Night- Buffalo Tom
Long Cold Winter- Cinderella
Anniversary of an Uninteresting Event- Deftones
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road- Elton John
Marigold- Nirvana
Breath- Pearl Jam
The Morning Papers- Prince
Angel- Sarah McLachlan

And of course, "The Buck" by 2 Live Crew (lmfao)

[Warhammer]

I've always been partial to:

Beautiful Tonight - Clapton
Have I Told You Lately - Van Morrison

Ode to Joy - Beethoven
Turkish March - Mozart

[ColtCrazy]

And I love her by the Beatles


also really like Ecstasy of Gold, a score on The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.

[Glengoyne]

Originally Posted by Schmidty

Dola.

I think "The Wind" by Cat Stevens is also in my top three.

Ahh A Cat fan.

"Into White" is among my favorites.

[Glengoyne]

Also Halleleujah...John Cale.

[MJ4H]

I posted earlier in this thread and mentioned I might come back with a longer list. Well, I made a pretty big list but thought I would trim it down and use some slightly to very well known pieces and include 30 seconds or so of each piece so people can actually hear it and not just say "uh, oh yeah, that one."

Note that this is music I personally find beautiful and that is fairly accesible to most people. It is in no particular order nor is it what I necessarily think are the top x most beautiful songs in history or something. Just a little sampling. I have included 30 seconds or so of a sample of each piece.

Nella Fantasia, performed by Chloe Agnew. My understanding of the history of this composition is that it began as the main theme from the movie "The Mission" which was composed by Ennio Morricconne (hate trying to spell that). Sarah Brightman asked Ennio if she could turn it into an aria type song and he refused, but she continually badgered him until he allowed it. Who actually did the arrangement and lyrics heard here, I'm not sure, but I know there is a Brightman version out there somewhere. I like this one better.

Adagio for Strings, composed by Samuel Barber. This piece is well-known in pop culture because it was used to great effect in the movie Platoon (I think that's right). It is extremely emotional and heart-achingly beautiful throughout.

Ice Dance, from Edward Scissorhands, composed by Danny Elfman. This score by Elfman is, to me, stunning. Easily his best work to date. Most of the score taken on its own is moving, but this particular scene combined with a very visually beautiful scene in the movie takes my breath away. Elfman is at his best when he isn't trying to mimic others (he is pretty famous for "tributing Bernard Hermann frequently) and this score is beautiful in its simplicity (a simple melody on top of a very simple chord progression).

Ase's Death from Peer Gynt, composed by Edward Grieg. Composed or sting section only, this elegy is so powerful, I've repeatedly seen it stun rooms of people to silence. One of the more moving experiences of my life was introducing a room full of college students to this piece and hearing the minutes of silence at its conclusion. No one wanted to disturb it. It was amazing.

[Maple Leafs]

Not sure about "beautiful" but NIN has a song on their latest album called Lights in the Sky. It's very plain -- just vocals and piano, done in one take, no production values to speak of -- and it's had a pretty deep affect on a lot of folks who've watched a loved on struggle with an illness or addiction:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JV5OuT6jYuY

[MikeVic]

I like that "Mad World" song from Donnie Darko, and I believe it was also used in an X-Box commercial.

[Subby]

Originally Posted by Draft Dodger

SRV "Riviera Paradise"

Outstanding choice.

I like you.

[Subby]

Originally Posted by Maple Leafs

Not sure about "beautiful" but NIN has a song on their latest album called Lights in the Sky. It's very plain -- just vocals and piano, done in one take, no production values to speak of -- and it's had a pretty deep affect on a lot of folks who've watched a loved on struggle with an illness or addiction:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JV5OuT6jYuY

Man was that good.

Thanks.

[clemsonfan]

Another vote for
"Hallelujah"- Jeff Buckley

That song gives me chills when I hear it.

[st.cronin]

Originally Posted by MikeVic

I like that "Mad World" song from Donnie Darko, and I believe it was also used in an X-Box commercial.

Depeche Commode, I believe.

[clemsonfan]

I'm also rather partial to these two:

"Ghost"- Indigo Girls
"Be Mine" - REM

[MJ4H]

I also like "I'll Stand by You" by the Pretenders and "Groovy Kind of Love" by Phil Collins.

[st.cronin]

Angel, by Massive Attack

[judicial clerk]

Lots of good picks. Most of my top choice are classical types that i don't know the name of.

A couple of honorabe mentions:

At last by Etta James?
Smoke Gets In Your Eyes
Desperado by the Eagles
You got what I need by Biz markee (just seeing if you are paying attention)

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by rowech

My personal choice is "Amazing Grace"

My vote too, but I prefer the instrumental version on the bagpipes

Second choice would be a live performance I saw this past weekend at the Stan Rogers Festival. The group Aislin House performed "Northwest Passage" that had a good portion of the audience in tears.

[cthomer5000]

bump:

I'm absolutely obsessed with Crosby, Stills & Nash's "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes" today.

No idea why really. I just woke up with the "chestnut brown canary, ruby-throated sparrow" portion in my head, and have just proceeeded to listen to the song a minimum of 10 times today amongst other things.

It's a pretty incredible work.

[path12]

"Madame George" by Van Morrison just came up on my shuffle and I thought of this thread. Just a beautiful song.

Actually, most any song from Astral Weeks might qualify.

[Edward64]

No specific thread seemed appropriate for the Sinead news below but thought I would attempt bringing this back to life.

If there is anyone on this board living in NJ able to help her, I would be willing to chip in on some expenses.

Sinéad O’Connor is living in a New Jersey motel | Page Six

Troubled singer Sinéad O’Connor has posted an online video saying she’s suicidal — and living in a motel “in the arse end of New Jersey.”

“I’m all by myself. And there’s absolutely nobody in my life except my doctor, my psychiatrist, the sweetest man on earth, who says I’m his hero, and that’s about the only thing keeping me alive at the moment … and that’s kind of pathetic,” the “Nothing Compares 2 U’’ singer says, weeping.

“I am now living in a Travelodge motel in the arse end of New Jersey” — Hackensack, she said.

“I want everyone to know what it’s like, that’s why I’m making this video.

“Mental illness, it’s like drugs, it doesn’t give a s–te who you are, and equally what’s worse, it’s the stigma, it doesn’t give a s–t who you are.

“And suddenly all the people that are supposed to be loving you and taking care of you are treating you like s–t.’’

[Edward64]

Originally Posted by Edward64

My vote goes to:

Sex and Candy - Marcy's Playground

I would add Hallejuah by Leonard Cohen.

[QuikSand]

Moved back to main section, out of archive.

[Groundhog]

Originally Posted by cthomer5000

bump:

I'm absolutely obsessed with Crosby, Stills & Nash's "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes" today.

No idea why really. I just woke up with the "chestnut brown canary, ruby-throated sparrow" portion in my head, and have just proceeeded to listen to the song a minimum of 10 times today amongst other things.

It's a pretty incredible work.

I just happened to listen to CSN's 'Guinnevere' on one of my Spotify playlists today for the first time in years. For my money that's one of the most beautiful songs ever written, maybe #1.

[Critch]

Perfect Day - Lou Reed

[BYU 14]

Perfect day is good, this one by Alter Bridge belongs on this list.

[cuervo72]

Canon and Unchained Melody did come to mind for me, though I don't personally rank them that high among my favorites.

Perhaps different choices, but songs I could get lost in:

Mercy, Mercy, Mercy - Cannonball Adderly
River Deep -- Mountain High - Ike & Tina Turner

I get hit pretty hard by that Wall of Sound in the second one. Beauty isn't always ethereal.

[korme]

Can't Help Falling in Love by Elvis is one I have yet to see mentioned

[Vince, Pt. II]

All Of Me by Jon Schmidt has crept up my list the last few years.

All of Me (Jon Schmidt original tune) - The Piano Guys - YouTube

[ColtCrazy]

And I Love Her - Beatles

[Umbrella]

Hallelujah is great. Every version I've heard is terrific.

How Great Thou Art gets me every time. Home Free has a version where the video does the song justice.

If Christmas songs count, O Holy Night is a beautiful song. Celtic Woman's version is breathtaking.

Midnight Radio from Hedwick is a beautiful song for me as well, but I could see this being a matter of personal taste.

[mckerney]

[Groundhog]

Originally Posted by ColtCrazy

And I Love Her - Beatles

That's up there for me too. There's some Argentinian guys on YouTube that cover Beatles songs acoustically and they do a great version of this song.

[larrymcg421]

Almost anything by Sam Cooke

[korme]

Originally Posted by Groundhog

That's up there for me too. There's some Argentinian guys on YouTube that cover Beatles songs acoustically and they do a great version of this song.

links are welcome

[Groundhog]

Originally Posted by korme

links are welcome

My mistake, it was actually a cover of 'Girl' that I was thinking of, which is also a nice song, I can't embed the link here with our internet security policy, but this is the one: Girl - The Beatles (cover) - YouTube

[bob]

I'd say Nightswimming by REM

[booradley]

Gonna go with Kermit the Frog here, with 'The Rainbow Connection'. I will now gently place the mic upon the stage ...

[albionmoonlight]

Originally Posted by larrymcg421

Almost anything by Sam Cooke

I was geeking out about Sam Cooke to my bro-in-law the other day, and he turned me on to Leon Bridges.

If you love Cooke, you need to check out Bridges.

[PadresFan104]

Drive - Cars

[CrimsonFox]

Moonlight Sonata - Beethoven

[CrimsonFox]

Close the window Call the Light - Rita Coolidge
I Love YOU - Climax Blues Band
Midnight Blue - Melissa Manchester
Chicago - If you Leave Me Now
If you Leave Me Now - Chicago
Harden My Heart - Quarterflash
Elton John - Gray Seal
I Can't Let Go / Hurt So Bad- Linda Ronstadt

[BYU 14]

Not a mainstream artist, but ran across her a couple of weeks ago. This is hauntingly beautiful.

In Dreams - YouTube

[thesloppy]

I've always thought the vocals & arrangement on this one were haunting & unique, tho I dunno if it quite makes the standard of 'most beautiful':

[Comey]

This one is hard, but if I had to choose a Mt. Rushmore (of course, based on my own preferences):

#40, Dave Matthews Band (6.21.08 at SPAC). This song is a love song from Dave to his wife; it debuted in 1995, was played a few times, and shelved until 1999. It has no set lyrics; it grows as he does, and as their relationship does. This was the first (and only) full-band version this century; it will get me every time.

Dave Matthews Band "#40" 6/21/08 - YouTube

No Hard Feelings, The Avett Brothers. It's so simple and hit me at a time when these thoughts began to creep into my head. The first time I ever heard it was during their movie; this is the actual production of the song. Afterwards, they had to leave the studio from all of the emotion of the song itself. I am happy to say I have seen this live, and it affected me as I thought it may.

No Hard Feelings (From The Motion Picture “May It Last: A Portrait of the Avett Brother... - YouTube

Thank you (Led Zeppelin), Chris Cornell. It's another song that is simplistic and gorgeous and done so well by Cornell.

thank you by chris cornell ( with lyrics ) - YouTube

Life in Rain (Remy Zero), Howie Day. There is a specific version that I have that I cannot find. The original is a fantastic and beautiful song, but there is something Howie does with his pedal work to create the song before playing it that is mesmerizing.

This is not the version I want to share, but it is quite good.

Howie Day Live at Zigs Bar on 2001-05-27 : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

Other songs in consideration:

Transantlanticism, Death Cab for Cutie
Colour Me In, Damien Rice
Long Long Way, Damien Rice
Details in the Fabric, Jason Mraz
Conrad, Ben Howard
Bud, Fenne Lily
The Ballad of Love and Hate, Avett Brothers
Rootless Tree, Damien Rice
Halloween, Dave Matthews Band (Rootless Tree and this are the angriest, most honest lyrics I've heard in a love song)
This is Happening, Sean Hayes

I wanted to provide some choices that are off the grid. Hopefully, someone finds some new songs here. Or identifies with one of my choices. That would be cool, too.

[CrimsonFox]

Originally Posted by Glengoyne

Ahh A Cat fan.

"Into White" is among my favorites.

Year of the Cat - Al Stewart

[frnk55]

My sweet Lord by George Harrison.