#1 for week of August 3rd, 1963.
We now move from surf music back to sweet soul with a prominent doo-wop influence. In what seems to be a reoccurring trend for this year, we have yet another group largely forgotten in modern times, known for a select few hit songs. Once again, their first of two #1's "So Much In Love" is a song I was previously unfamiliar with.
I admittingly know precious little about The Tymes as opposed to my previous review. The group were signed to Cameo-Parkway records which put out mostly mellower pop and dance-specific songs so naturally it's all alien to me. The Tymes still perform to this very day although not with all of their original members.
"So Much In Love", their first smash hit, is lyrically a pure-hearted love song. Underneath these lyrics which for some might not even be remotely relevant, is a superb vocal arrangement. Plenty of soul infused harmonies and call and response vocals. Musically, the song is very stripped down. In fact, all I can make out is a drum and stand up string bass. Clearly the emphasis is on the vocals.
Did this song deserve to be a #1 hit? Well, I can at least see why it sold so many copies. It's a very accessible sound, and for those innocent pre-Vietnam times, the pop audience must have eaten this record right up. After the British Invasion and as forward thinking American artists started replacing formulaic pop on the charts, this type of song wouldn't have had a chance at hitting #1.
Final Verdict - Due to its borderline easy-listening feel and the antiquated lyrics, "So Much In Love" hasn't aged as well as other romantic songs from the time, but it has a great vocal arrangement and is pleasant enough to at least deserve a listen.
Coming Up Next - "Fingertips Pt. 2" by Little Stevie Wonder.
Until Next Time - I'm Dr. Rock, and I'm out of tyme.
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