#1 for weeks of December 18 and 25, 1961, and January 6th, 1962.
We wrap up 1961 with another tune which no doubt many people are familiar with without even having to give it a listen. The Tokens' rendition of "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" not only has become the definitive version of the tune, but the band's signature song. But why did this song become such a smash hit? Let's find out...
First off, giving this song a fresh listen, it sounds almost otherworldly in places! For one you have guest singer Anita Darian's unbelievably high operatic vocal which almost acts as an instrument in itself. The instrumentation is even more uncommon with soprano sax, banjo, and a very tom-tom heavy drum part being most prominent.
However, it is the Tokens' vocals that most people remember about the song. It is interesting as we have a vocal group that was based in doo-wop and used to have future Brill Building songwriter Neil Sedaka as part of their lineup. However, there is no doo-wop cliches to be found in "The Lion Sleeps Tonight".
Due to this song being based on African folk music, the song has a very proto-world music sound to it which is further driven home by the very catchy and instantly recognizable vocal lines. However, underneath all of the "Wimoway's" and "Re-de-de's", there are a ton of wordless vocal parts that the Tokens added on and it gives the impression that you are hearing this song being performed by a huge ensemble of singers as opposed to four vocalists.
So when you add all of the parts together, it's easy to see why the song has remained so popular to this very day. It is a very unique sounding tune which certainly sounds like nothing that was being recorded in 1961. It proved to be The Tokens only #1 hit, and due to the fact that their remaining singles charted anywhere from #15 to #95, they can considered a one hit wonder. But oh what a hit it was!
Final Verdict - Giving this song a fresh listen, I found a ton of musical and vocal hooks and goodies which made me appreciate the song more. I'd recommend that you give it a fresh listen as well!
Coming Up Next - 1961 Reflection.
Until Next Time - "Re-de-de-dee-de-de-de-de-de-a-re-I'm Doctor Roockkk."
No comments:
Post a Comment