Song #18 - "The Three Bells" - The Browns

#1 for weeks of August 24, 31, and September 7, and 14th, 1959. 

     Once again, we're back in, "Safe", territory for this song. Very safe territory actually, Ned Flanders territory even! Whereas songs like, "Come Softly To Me", were even mellower than this one, lyrically and musically it is, "The Three Bells", a gospel-tinged Country ballad, that meets the exact criteria of what I personally don't like in a pre-British Invasion soft-pop song. However, I will still try to judge the song with an open mind. 

     I'll get the good aspects out of the way. Lyrically, the song is divided into three sections, or, "Three Bells", if you will. Describing the life of one Jimmy Brown, the sections are divided into his birth, marriage, and death. Backing vocal-wise, the two Brown sisters imitate the sound of a ringing church bell, which certainly is creative. Also, to further drive the feeling of the church atmosphere, the pre-verses are sung as if it is a hymn. If this is the atmosphere The Browns were trying to create, they succeeded.  

     However, what turns me off to the song is the whole combination of the tone and context. Musically, it is very easy-listening in the sense that the melody is extremely simple and non-challenging. The lead vocals are sung in an accent-less country croon that gives the song an almost hymn-like feel which to me sounds very sleepy, almost lethargic. 

     This song isn't just dated sounding, it's a total mystery to me as to why this was a #1 Pop hit in the first place, let alone a whole month! I could see this being a big hit on the Country or Easy Listening charts as the song borders on non-secular music. However, just the fact that this song was considered prime for the pop market of this time period mystifies me. 

Final Verdict - If someone was a fan of this type of soft early Country music and its themes, I could easily see them liking this song. As for fans of Rock, modern day, and edgier music, this song will most likely not be of interest to you. It is the first song on this list that I have no interest in hearing again. 

               Coming Up Next - "Sleep Walk" by Santo & Johnny. 

                              Until Next Time - Dr. Rock -