#1 for weeks of November 10th and 24th, 1958.
"Ladies and gentlemen , Mr. Conway Twitty!" - At least that's now how the modern generation knows Mr. Twitty; as an overused Family Guy punchline.
Truth of the matter is, it is he who was the ACTUAL inspiration for Conrad Birdie. Conway started off as a singer in the Elvis-vein, and just like Ricky Nelson, the king, and the eponymous Bye Bye Birdie character, he was a teenage heartthrob. However, he is most known for being a pure country singer, especially from the 1960's till his passing in 1993. Not being a diehard country fan, I can't profess to being a fan of his work or knowing his songs.
"It's Only Make Believe", on the other hand showcases more of his early years, and is a doo-wop'y pop song featuring a lot of the hallmarks seen on the songs reviewed such far - mildly outdated sounding backing vocals, a laid back but strong instrument section, and most importantly, a unique sounding vocalist.
The song also gradually builds into something special. The first seconds or so did not make much of an impression on me. Then about 45 or seconds in, Conway's vocal went from being a laid back croon to a resounding plea for the lover he sings about to feel the same way he does about her. It is THAT which really makes a song for me, feeling the emotion that the vocalist sings about. The song just builds more and reaches a full peak at the end. And thus, we have the first song on here that really impressed me.
I should mention that my first version of this song I heard is the Hollies' version recorded in 1963. Their's has a more Merseybeat feel, (a style of early British Invasion music), than Conway's does and is worth a listen, but Conway's has a more sincere lead vocal. Besides, to quote his fictional alter ego Conrad Birdie, "You, gotta be sincere!"
Final Verdict - Proof that you should not judge a song upon first glimpses, this one has a strong emotional resonance to it. Yes, it's dated, but then again, that is how all of the reviewed songs so far have sounded. This version, as well as the Hollies version are well worth listening to.
Coming Up Next - "Tom Dooley" By The Kingston Trio.
Until Next Time - Dr. Rock -
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