The “delicious” 1965 song Billy Joel called too hard to sing: “It was great”
Billy Joel said The Righteous Brothers’ version of “Unchained Melody” was exceptionally difficult to sing, praising its precision, phrasing and subtle vocal inflexions. He tried to emulate the duo but felt he could not match their performance.
Joel admired how Bobby Hatfield handled the line “I’ve hungered for your touch”, softening its final consonant with unusual delicacy. He compared the song’s hypnotic quality with Roberta Flack’s “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and drew on the Righteous Brothers’ dramatic style when writing “Until the Night” for his album 52nd Street.
- Joel called “Unchained Melody” difficult to sing.
- He praised the Righteous Brothers’ precise phrasing.
- Hatfield’s subtle vocal inflexions stood out to him.
New here? Start with this
"Unchained Melody" is a 1955 ballad that achieved legendary status through The Righteous Brothers' 1965 recording, which became one of the most celebrated vocal performances in popular music. The song remains a benchmark for emotionally powerful and technically demanding singing.
Billy Joel is one of America's most successful songwriters and performers, known for his skill as a pianist and vocalist. As someone who has spent a lifetime mastering complex musical techniques, Joel brings insider knowledge to his analysis of such performances.
Joel's examination of the Righteous Brothers' work highlights the interplay between technical precision and emotional expression in great vocal performances. His observations matter because they come from a working musician who has studied and learned from legendary performances, including drawing inspiration for his own compositions.