Ten Beautiful Songs by Julie London

Words like sexy, smoky and sultry have all been used to describe the voice and image of Julie London. One of the most unique sounding artists of the 50's and 60's, she wooed listeners with her soft yet chilling voice that sent shivers down their spines. When I listen to her music, I'm taken back. I feel as if I've been transported into her era of cool blues and classic sounds. Though many of her songs had been recorded prior by other artists, her renditions of classic pop and jazz standards stand out and often sound better than those popularized by more recognized artists. While I believe most of her music is beautiful, here are ten of my favorites:

1. Here's that Rainy Day- (Album: For the Night People; 1966) A jazz standard that was introduced by Dolores Gray for the Broadway musical Carnival in Flanders, Julie London's version carries such emotion that you actually feel the heartbreak that the lyrics alone cannot express. The sound and pace of her voice tell the story, and that story speaks to your heart. You can hear this piece by clicking here. "Funny how love becomes a cold rainy day..."

2. Black Coffee- (Album: Around Midnight; 1960) This song was popularized by Ella Fitzgerald in 1960. Although she doesn't have the range of Fitzgerald, London's softer rendition seems to, again, push the meaning in ways that set it apart and make it good on its own. You can really feel the mix of frustration and sadness in this classic. Click here to listen. "...And drown her past regrets in coffee and cigarettes."

3. Cry Me a River- (Album: Julie is Her Name; 1955) Julie London's most famous single; it's gained more notice lately due to its appearance in the 2006 film V for Vendetta. This song is one to which many of us can relate: a former love appreciates you a little too late. You're tears are over; now it's their turn to cry. The song carries a haunting melody and an elegant sound. Give it a listen here. "Now you say you love me. Well, just to prove you do come on and cry me a river, cry me a river. I cried a river over you."

4. Blues in the Night- (Album: About the Blues; 1957) This one is a fun blues standard about how some men treat women, luring them with kind words and dumping them after they get what they want. Though the original version wasn't recorded by London, hers is still amazing. You can listen to it here on Rhapsody.com. "A man's a two-face, a worrisome thing who'll leave you to sing the blues in the night"

5. Sway- (Album: Latin in a Satin Mood; 1963) Admittedly, this song has been done by everyone from Dean Martin to the Pussycat Dolls, but Julie London's smoky voice just works excellently in this piece. Definitely a favorite. Listen to it here. "When we dance you have a way with me. Stay with me, sway with me"

6. Basin Street Blues- (Album: About the Blues; 1957) It starts off hauntingly quiet and builds into a cool piece of music that will make you feel like heading down to New Orleans. This song is just so well suited for London. Click here to listen on Last FM. "Where all the smart and right folks meet; heaven on earth, they call it Basin Street."

7. Nice Girls Don't Stay for Breakfast- (Album: Nice Girls Don't Stay for Breakfast; 1967) Don't you just love it when nice girls behave badly? Julie London's version of Nice Girls Don't Stay for Breakfast has a satisfying sound and ends humorously when she requests "Please pass the jam." You can listen to it here on YouTube.

8. Go Slow- (Album: Make Love to Me; 1957) What can I say? This song is sexy! I feel sexier just listening to it. For an amazing voice and proof that hot doesn't mean explicit, I highly recommend this song. Click here to check it out. When love is slow, ooh Honey, how the mercury does climb.

9. Misty- (Album: Around Midnight; 1960) A charming love song, Misty is more of a feel good tune than the rest on the list. It conveys the euphoric feeling of being lost in love very well. Check it out here. "I'm too misty and too much in love."

10. The End of the World- (Album: The End of the World; 1963) Another heavily covered pop standard, Julie London's performance of the Skeeter Davis classic The End of the World is still good in its own right. London's voice works best in sad songs, and you can really hear it in this piece. Listen here for yourself. "Don't they know it's the end of the world 'cause you don't love me anymore?"

Keep in mind that this is a top ten list of my favorites, but Julie London has so many more great ones. Check out her work on YouTube or wherever you prefer to preview music. She's an amazing classic talent that most music lovers, old and young alike, can enjoy.

Sources:

Personal Experience

Julie London: Voice in the Mirror