Recorded - January or February, 1966
Released - February 1966
#1 for weeks of April 9, 16 and 23, 1966.
We travel onward through the massive list of #1's, going from a way too serious and warlike song to a thrilling soundscape sung by The Righteous Brothers. You may recall their other #1 hit, "You've Lost That Loving Feeling" being a Phil Spector production. Well, after several classic tracks recorded with him producing such as "Unchained Melody" and "Ebb Tide", the duo had a falling out with the erratic Spector. They switched to Verve records, and Bill Medley took over production duties. Under this new backdrop, The Righteous Brothers managed to score another #1 with the Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil composed "(You're My) Soul And Inspiration".
One of the aspects I love about a Righteous Brothers song is the very regal music which accompanies their very soulful vocals. This setting is established in the first few seconds of the song. Unlike "Loving Feeling", which was almost exclusively Bill Medley on vocals, "Soul And Inspiration" features Bobby Hatfield singing the second verse and the spoken word bridge (which for once on this list, actually sounds welcome). Bill's trademark deep baritone voice vs Bobby's more gentle tenor voice is a wonderful contrast. My favorite part remains the second bridge which features Bill powerfully singing the lyrics in his upper register.
There is so much going on outside of the duo's vocals that it's easy to get lost in the music. There is a full orchestra and choir, which gives the song a bit of a gospel tinge. This is more than appropriate, seeing how their next and last top 20 hit, "He" was an actual gospel number. Every time I listen to "Soul And Inspiration" I hear something new musically. Just this factor alone greatly increases the song's replay value.
The Righteous Brothers would release a few more noteworthy songs in 1966: The aforementioned "He", "Go Ahead And Cry", and "On This Side Of Goodbye". However, by 1967, chart success was behind them and the duo split the following year. While the duo later reunited, Bobby Hatfield's death in 2003, during one of their reunion tours, marked the permanent end of The Righteous Brothers. Bill Medley of course, had one more #1 hit on his own in the 1980's with "(I've Had) The Time Of My Life". Naturally, this means i'll be covering that song down the road.
Final Verdict - "(You're My) Soul And Inspiration" is a thrilling slice of musical nirvana. With splendid vocals, a music arrangement you can get lost in, and infinite replay value, I always enjoy listening to it any chance I get.
Coming Up Next - "Good Lovin'" by The Young Rascals.
Until Next Time - I'm Dr. Rock, and rock and roll is my soul and inspiration -
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