Recorded - Fall 1968-January 1969
Released - March 1969
#1 for weeks of April 12, 19 and 26 & May 3, 10 and 17, 1969.
Here's a major indicator that we're still deep into the 1960's. We have a cover medley of two songs from the counterculture musical Hair, reaching #1 for six weeks. Not only that, but this song ended up winning a Grammy for song of the year. Is it really that impressive? Did it really deserve to be placed on a higher plain than other classics from the year? Let's find out...
The 5th Dimension are an interesting group. In their earlier years, and under several different names, they recorded some Motown-esque singles. By 1967, they had changed their sound to sunshine pop and released their version of Jimmy Webb's, "Up, Up, And Away". When you compare this song to one of their earlier singles "I'll Be Lovin' You Forever", it's quite a difference.
I personally find myself preferring their pre-sunshine pop era. Songs like "Up, Up And Away" may have a highly impressive music track, but the vocals often border on easy-listening. Much of The 5th Dimension's catalog is in this gentler vocal style, and just about all of their hits are renditions of other artists' songs. This formula was still in effect when in 1969, they released "Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In".
I will say that the vocal arrangement is a significant improvement. The "Aquarius" part of the song has a nice dynamic range from soft pop to complex harmonic pop. Musically, the arrangement is very reminiscent of the Jimmy Webb-produced singles they are most known for. There is an abundance of orchestra and brass. Then, just when you think this is all that the song has to offer, BAM! "Let The Sunshine In" trumpets its way in.
This is what I'm talking about! This is pure soul music, full of energetic vocals and upbeat music. Not that the "Aquarius" section doesn't impress me, but once the second half of the song pops in, it completely trumps the first half. In particular, I love the bassline and abundance of trumpets. If you forget the fact that both of these songs are mere showtunes, you could say that "Let The Sunshine In" was a 5th Dimension original. Well, they certainly made it their own.
Final Verdict - While I still don't consider "Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In" to be the best song of '69, I can certainly see why it became such a hit. It's a rich production, that builds into an entertaining climax. Unless you're adverse to anything countercultural or you hate musicals, I'm sure you'll find the song entertaining as well.
Coming Up Next - "Get Back" by The Beatles.
Until Next Time, this is the age or Dr. Rock -
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