Top 5 Classic Oldies

With all the electronically altered music these days, it is nice to go back and appreciate the tracks from the Golden Days of American Classics. Mixed in with cheeseburgers, malt shakes and drive-ins, these under appreciated hits of the 50’s and 60’s make one singable, lovable and cherishable play list.

1) The Four Tops – “Walk Away Renee”

Originally released by The Left Blanke, “Walk Away Renee” is a love song about a man who must let his lover, Renee, go. The Four Tops add their own touch by making the song far more soulful than the original light rock version. However sad the song may be, it is undeniable beautiful as The Four Tops are masters of the quartet producing a song catchier than most radio hits today.

2) Jive Five – “My True Story”

“My True Story” is classic American Doo-Wop. Backed by the walking bassline and simple accompaniment, the vintage vocals are showcased perfectly. The streamline harmonies that are rich with emotion made the Jive Five‘s track hit #3 on the U.S. Pop Singles Chart back in the day.

3) The Five Satins - “To The Aisle"

It is hard not to appreciate the sincerity in the lyrics of this song. The simplistically charming melody makes The Five Satin’s “To The Aisle” a timeless story of young love developing step by step. The delicate piano in the background only adds to the enchantingly unadorned vocals.

4) Jimmy Soul – “If You Wanna Be Happy”

This is definitely a song with personality. Typical for this decade, a catchy chorus is paired with a lighthearted lesson for young men. Jimmy Soul preaches, “If you wanna be happy for the rest of your life/ Never make a pretty woman your wife/ So from my personal point of view/ Get an ugly girl to marry you.” However insightful and candid this advice may be, if followed, make sure to keep the tip to yourself and away from your girl.

5) The Mystics – “Hushabye”

One of the prettiest songs on this list, The Mystics’s “Hushabye” is a grown up lullaby dedicated to the girl who has won the singer’s heart. It's easy to picture yourself dancing with your steady as The Mystics set the mood. With singable counter-melodies and backup vocals in falsetto, “Hushabye” instantly qualified as a classic 1959 love song.