#1 for weeks of September 4, and 11th, 1961.
The long awaited return of a folk group to the top of the chart, "Michael", which is the traditional spiritual "Michael Row The Boat Ashore" could have been a disaster if handed to a strictly easy-listening pop artist or a country group. Given to The Highwaymen, though it remains quite a mellow folk song, I find with each repeated listen, I appreciate it more.
The Highwaymen, formed in Wesleyan University, were a Folk revivalist group similar in sound to the Kingston Trio. Folk music during this time period until about 1963 was very apolitical, and this song is no exception. The song features alternating lead vocalists and a laid back all-acoustic folk arrangement. There are drums in this song but they are played as gently as possible.
The main strength in this song is the subtly complex vocal arrangement. The singers alternate between singing in unison and performing gradually more intricate harmonies. Because these harmonic progressions are so subtle, you hear something new every time you play the song.
I could see some listeners not being a fan of this song as it is very mellow, and the fact that it is a spiritual tune might be another turnoff. With that being said, those who scoff at the song upon first listen really are missing out on what is a nicely arranged folk tune. The three listens apiece rule really comes in handy with this song as it can certainly grow on you.
Final Verdict - The more you listen to this song, the more you can appreciate it. It may be a very mellow song, but due to its great vocal arrangement, I certainly say you should give it more than a few listens.
Coming Up Next - "Take Good Care Of My Baby" by Bobby Vee.
Until Next Time - I'm Dr. Rock, Folkin' around here on Blogspot.
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