First time hearing "Solitaire" - Vocal Coach Reaction and Analysis featuring Neil Sedaka

Until today, I only knew Neil Sedaka's music from the 60s so watching this performance was an unexpected surprise. Here's a clip of Neil Sedaka singing the song "Solitaire" live.
Watch the original video uninterrupted: • Neil Sedaka - Solitaire
Website: bethanyhickman...
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#neilsedaka #reaction #vocalcoach

[@verribarry]

Neil Sedaka laughter in the rain is a really beautiful song

[@kindafoggy]

That's what immediately came to my mind, too! Love that song even today.

[@llschnitz]

Neil went to high school with Carole King. He had a hit in the Sixties with "Oh, Carol". She wrote a song called "Oh, Neil" which wasn't a hit. After having about 20 hit songs in the early sixties, the hits dried up and he spent about eight years playing clubs in England. When Elton John discovered Neil didn't even have a record contract, he signed Neil up to record on his Rocket Label, and Neil started a Second career in the mid Seventies as a ballad singer. He had about a half dozen big hits in the Seventies, including this one, plus two number ones: "Bad Blood" (with Elton John), and "Laughter in the Rain" plus "The Hungry Years" and "I Should Have Never Let You Go" and "That's When The Music Takes Me". Another of his comeback songs was Number one for The Captain and Tennille "Love Will Keep Us Together". He is still doing mini-concerts from his home which are streamed on KZbin for his fans.

[@Hildred6]

He’s 85 now, born in Brooklyn, his father was a taxi driver, he was so popular in the 70’s in particular, always hearing him on the radio, have been listening to his songs all my life and I’m getting on! one of the best singer songwriters

[@happyguy61]

What a class act. His songwriting was sublime. Great reaction Beth❤ Btw Karen Carpenter did an amazing cover of this song😊

[@francinefernandes2007]

Not only a fantastic singer/songwriter but also an awesome pianist ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@Northern.Town.]

Neil Sedaka was an amazing storyteller. This song made me so sad when I was young.

[@queenslanddiva]

That is one of my all time favourite songs. Neil Sedaka was one of the very best!

[@annier6]

The delicacy and nuance you talk about creates to me a man on the edge of shattering....

[@swami19581]

Great vocal. Written by Sedaka and Phil Cody. This is an interesting bit of information. “Sedaka originally was inspired by Frederic Chopin (his favorite classical composer) for the chorus and by Roberta Flack in the verses. When he presented the tune to Cody, he came up with the words based on his recent divorce; Cody had been playing solitaire frequently as a coping mechanism. Both Sedaka and Cody considered the composition to be a spiritual experience.” I also love the Carpenters version. Hers is darker and sadder for me.

[@vaccavo]

Solitaire, Ordinary Fool and I Can't Dream, Can't I are the torch songs Karen Carpenter sing like no one could.

[@iceelf-gs1492]

It always adds additional meaning to a song that paints a picture to hear the backstory. Thanks!

[@huberthicks9080]

I absolutely love your enthusiasm and energy as much as the great music. Thank you, Bethany.

[@michaelbradley7529]

I remember listening to Neil Sedaka and Neil Diamond on the radio all thru the 70's.

[@MartinMcMartin]

He got you, you listened with your ears, but heard it through your heart.

[@terrydear4038]

This is quite a surprise as I thought I knew Neil Sedaka. What a beautiful tender voice, with such great control. Thankyou for this.

[@tomcollens4621]

So glad he gets respect. Old time guy that made it well into the ‘70’s & ‘80’s.

[@SeanCleverly]

What a truly wonderful voice, and a true entertainer.

[@John_Dreams]

I'm blown away at how, thanks to you, I now see so many songs differently, in a good amazing way. I'm hooked

[@John_Dreams]

Ive not built up the courage yet to watch James Blunts video.. :(

[@llschnitz]

Neil Sedaka is a classically trained pianist and composer and child prodigy. HIs knowledge of scales and chord progressions and his natural talent make him an awesome songwriter.

[@arnlmndza]

This is one great composition.

[@daz_n]

I saw Tony Christie perform this live at the weekend aged 81. He said Neil had sent it to him along with 'Is This The Way to Amarillo?' He sang it beautifully. It's a lovely (if sad) song.

[@philharris5848]

From what I understand more people have recorded Neil Sedaka songs than any other song writer. His body of work is truly staggering. I've seen him "live" in concert several times and I believe he is one of the greatest musicians of the 20th century. He made an album singing and playing "live" surrounded by a full symphony orchestra in which it was all classical music. I don't know anyone in pop music who could do that. Check out "The Hungry Years" "New York City Blues" "Love Will Keep Us Together" and "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do" (the ballad version ). I guarantee you'll be blown away.

[@AviatorLuber]

The more I listen to this, the more I like it! Such a great performance! Thanks for this reaction!

[@Mud_AleX]

Gotta Listen The Carpenter´s cover version!.. Top Notch!..

[@raynscloud8072]

Neil Sedaka was one of my parents favorites. They had several of his albums, so I heard his songs fairly frequently. His version of "Love will Keep Us Together" always trumped The Captain and Tennille's version for me. "Laughter in the Rain" is another special one. In many ways he was one of the last of the great, prolific singer-songwriters whose songs were sung by many, many artists. He sang like a jazzman, a crooner, or an angel at his whim. He wrote his way into the Great American Songbook. It's unfortunate that his works have largely been ignored since the 80's, but such is popular music.

[@albertmo1722]

Great choice! Thank you!

[@Its_Just_Chris__]

*_Wow, sooo beautiful !_* *_Love it !_*

[@dagmar.6954]

Neil Sedaka is a great pop singer, pianist, composer & songwriter from the 50's-70's. He had lots of hits such as "Calendar Girl", "Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen", "Oh Carol", "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do", "Bad Blood", "Laughing In The Rain" etc. He wrote hits for other artists including "Stupid Cupid" (Connie Francis), "(Is This The Way To) Amarillo" (Tony Christie) & "Love Will Keep Us Together" (Captain & Tennille).

[@chrishowe2935]

A master at work!

[@pintgillespie7401]

한국에서 Neil Sedaka의 노래는 Oh Carol" 과 You Mean Everything To Me만 알려져 있다. 네 덕분에 "Solitaire"를 알게되었다. 영상 고마워~~

[@tomski120]

Got to respect him after his early success dropped off. He did the rounds of working mens clubs in northern England. Not the easy option by any means. He deserved his come back success, truly talented.

[@MustafaKamel-t8r]

His voice and his way of performing as well is really good, only Karen's unique voice still here, somewhere in our minds, every time we hear one of her timeless songs

[@The-Tall-Photographer]

laughter in the rain for me.

[@DerekDominoes]

In the 70s, Neil recorded a new, more mature, slower version of "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do" which is infinitely better than the original version. Please check it out.

[@craigryding2989]

This is so good. Also, the Carpenters version of this song is similarly striking, although I bit more straightforward. Here, the high notes make such a beautiful impression. When Karen Carpenter sings it, for me, it’s her glorious low notes. So full and vibrant. I recommend you listen since I know you like her singing.

[@elainehills1488]

When he redid Breaking Up only slowed it right down, it shows how truly versatile he is. It is worth a listen. 1975 version.

[@Rush.Estavilla26]

Great review! Neil is a legend and will always be on of the all time greats in terms of music. by the way, I was wondering if you'd be able to make a review on The Outfield's "Your Love". That's one of my favorites and I am hoping you'd be able to include this on your list. Thank you in advance! 🙂

[@keithier1958]

I miss singers like him and a lot of others. Their voices, songs, go straight to your heart.

[@RosiG73]

This song is so beautiful and so beautifully sung it is almost too much to listen to.

[@direnova6284]

Neil does a slow bluesy version of breaking up is hard to do and it's 10/10.

[@eddiegreenheart]

Great song. Neil is a bit of an everyman, always love hearing him. "The Hungry Years" is another great song from Paul. Only heard it a handful of times, but it stuck with me. 💚

[@llschnitz]

Laughter in the Rain. Also, "The Hungry Years" is one of the most beautiful songs ever recorded.

[@Yesica1993]

Thank you for this. Not just for the song, but for reminding me how desperately I miss both singing and my voice classes. (My teacher had to close his studio during Covid and it's left me broken, without having that in my life.)

[@allengray5748]

Very Nice!! Hmmm if I had to choose between this performance or Karen Carpenter it would be very close! Gotta lean towards Karen probably. Speaking of 😊 MASQUERADE Karen Carpenter version is sooo luscious!! Patreon please gather on this!! 🙏🏼 Also same era; Phoebe Snow,, POETRY MAN Barbara Streisand,,, WOMAN IN LOVE 💕 also Awesome vocals!! Great Channel Bethany!! Peace 🕊️☮️♾️😎

[@SueNielsen-g9x]

Heard him twice in Australian clubs in the 1970s. Wonderful entertainer.

[@marcuss234]

You should react next to the Czesław Niemen - Dziwny jest ten świat :)

[@jibrandiab5858]

Hey Vocalyst! Just watched your Sebnem Ferah video and it was amazing. I'm not sure if anyone has recommended this other Turkish artist but her name is Bulent Ersoy. It says online that her voice covers 3 octaves but I think it's even more than that. Truly a world class talent. I would love to watch you hear her sing.

[@jibrandiab5858]

I realized that I left without a specific recommendation, for that I would say either Cile Bulbulum or Yillar.

[@jibrandiab5858]

I realized that I left without a specific recommendation, for that I would say either Cile Bulbulum or Yillar.

[@dubworldvwadventures]

Hope you check out Laughter In The Rain. Even well into his 70’s he still had the voice!

[@johnmadden2421]

Incredible voice, exceptional writer, and probably the greatest comeback ever. The noting of his use of "indifference" also struck me. There was no way in the 60s and 70s I would have expected to be impressed by a singer like him, but like the best he hit emotionally. Then you're screwed, unable to stand on your cool.

[@johnsonpaul1914]

Dang. I was born in 1947 and spent my teen growing up years listening to Sedaka (and others) but I had no idea that he did anything beyond the doowop style. Beautiful voice. I much appreciate your analyzing of the voice and various nuances used by singers

[@rynooosth]

Hi Bethany very nice song ...Thanks

[@jaymazza69]

You'll want to check out the duet he did with his daughter Dara, "Should've Never Let You Go"

[@nitro650]

I don't know if you've heard it already, but if you haven't here's the name of the video, Musical Aramaic rendition of the Our Father that moved the pope in Georgia It's A Capella and it gives me goosebumps every time I hear it.

[@festidious2644]

Good reaction. He had a hit in the mid 70s called, The Immigrant which is very nice and also a wonderful song in the early 70s which was a minor hit called, Superbird. Don't let the weird title scare you away. BTW, The Carpenters do a superb version of Solitaire.

[@SuperKevin57]

Neil Sedaka and Carol King were my favourites.

[@sharoninglima1217]

Neil wrote Solitaire!

[@WilguensBernadotte]

Thanks 🙏

[@samhardy2038]

I’m a big follower of you. YOU are very good at what you do. Don’t know if you have ever done Linda Rondstadt or Whitney. Linda on Carson Easy for you to say. Early Whitney on Letterman Saving all my love. No autotune or back up singers, pure.

[@Ki11erAce]

This was really good. As far as I can remember, I've only ever heard the Carpenters cover, so it was nice to hear Neil's version.

[@FA17HPATRIQT3.0]

Neil Sedaka attended Juliard with many other popular vocalists and musicians. He has written hit songs that other artists recorded including “Love Will Keep Us Together” by the Captain and Tennille (listen for the words “Sedaka is back” at the end of that one), and “Stupid Cupid” by Connie Francis. Sedaka recorded his doo-wop hit “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do” twice and it is the only song ever to be recorded twice and make the Billboard Top Ten twice. The 1976 version is a ballad that opens with the introduction of the original version.

[@CFWhitman]

The Carpenters version of this song (which is also amazing) has a slight hint of the extra syllable in "indifference." It's not prominent, but it's more than Neil's performance here. Neil is the songwriter, so I would never question his choice of how to sing it.

[@johnsonpaul1914]

I got curious and had to go looking. I found a video of Sedaka doing a concert in January of 2023 at the age of 83. He was singing Breaking up is hard to do and sounded pretty darn good.

[@PurposeSpeaker]

His speaking voice is very high, too.

[@shrunken-cloud5]

I don’t know where to put a recommendation but Meg Myers is so good and would love to see your reaction to her.

[@llschnitz]

An ironic and heartbreaking song with the same theme is 'Old Man" written by Randy Newman and recorded by the great Art Garfunkle.

[@JohnSmith-ri6cn]

I liked Neil Sedaka I would like to make a suggestion for a reaction if I may! The Little River Band, song It's a Long way there! Good vocal harmony!

[@olliebear9256]

He could say with authority that, “I did it My Way.”

[@TheQubez]

Watching your Frank Sinatra video. Have you thought about covering "Birth of The Blues" by Sammy Davis Jr, live recording from the album "Starring Sammy Davis Jnr". My Dad, sadly passed in May, and I would listen to these over and over. Frank was his favourite of all time, but Sammy's live version of "Birth of the Blues" is breathtaking imhp. Or, for a second Sinatra song "In The Wee Small Hours" is beautiful. Love the videos. Thank you for posting :)

[@mbmiller1956]

Yes! Karen Carpenter’s version is ‘richer’, but love Neil’s as well.

[@rdyer8764]

The first half of the song, when it was a bit more quiet and gentle, his consonants seemed softer yet they were well defined. Later when the orchestra joined in and there was more going on, everything had much more energy (and volume), including the consonants. But for me the beginning actually felt more powerful when the intensity was created by the lyrics and his voice. Still, what a performance.

[@josephstude5638]

This is breathaking, especially the melody in the chorus. Good gravy. How do you select the tracks you're going to react to? I follow a lot of reactors and yours are consistently some of the most interesting and varied

[@christopheryochum3602]

If you really want to hear a beautiful contrast, you should hear his soulful slowdown newer version of "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do."

[@Krustpunkhippy]

If you havent seen them yet... check out Steam powered giraffe - Honeybee. It's blown away most other coaches that have heard it.

[@Yesica1993]

Only 4 words in - oh, my! I had not head this song in DECADES! Off to finish listening... Edit: I had to go listen to the original full video first. Oh, it's too early in the day to be crying!

[@MyRossclark]

What a beautiful version of this song (the original)! Please listen to the Carpenters (esp Karen) doing their version.

[@fenstergartentraum]

I wish you would react to "ASP - Alles nur das nicht" or some of all the other great ASP Songs. Greetings from Germany

[@9w2xyz]

He reminds me of Jim Nabors.

[@Chris-mr8ef]

just found out your channel , very fun to watch and i like how you embrace music styles unknown to you. To that note i would recommend checking out Cradle Of Filth - Nymphetamine , that's a classic one and i am curious to hear your take on their music. PS. SUBSCRIBED

[@rhough1]

I can’t help but think of Paul Anka who is a contemporary singer to Neil Sedaka.

[@noname-xw4uk]

Hello from Germany. Today I have discovered your Channel and had to subscribe. I don't know how you accept suggestions, but I would like to suggest some incredible singers/bands I have not seen in your playlists - Feuerschwanz - Ding - Tommy Johansson - She's gone - Amorphis - Amongst stars - Emma Kok - Voila - Exit Eden - Paparazzi Feuerschwanz is a German mediaval/folk metal band with orig. and cover songs. Tommy J. was lead guitarist of Sabaton and regularly releases metal covers of songs. Great multinstrumentalist and singer. Amorphis is a Finnish metal band ft Anneke van Giersbergen (godmother of dutch female metal fromtwomen) Emma is 15 yo with a great voice. Exit Eden is a super group of 4 (now 3) frontwomen of metal bands. Enjoy! I liked your breakdowns of the songs, pls keep on to pausing!

[@Link_Says]

You should do Dance Gavin Dance "inspire the liars" you'll be blown away.

[@ericdavison5434]

To me Neil's effect on my life started in my freshman year of high school (1959) with "Put Your Head on My Shoulder". (kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6eaenifmqqUnqcsi=Oy4myzW2AZjHQO6_) High school dances and the innocence of "make-out parties" were frequently choreographed with his voice.

[@-Denisa-]

Please do Goo Goo Dolls-Iris(Live in Buffalo NY).Thank youuu kindly.

[@sheadleeful]

Check out Ole 60. 3 songs, Smoke&a light, Brother Joe, and Dust 2 Dust. Oh, and A Cigarette.

[@craignormie]

singers unlike what people call today singers, could without all types of electronic distractions and backing tracks could truly sing and not sound like irritating noise.

[@noahdrontle3765]

You need to do bon iver!!!

[@verde9707]

👏

[@ivanohxc]

I don't know if you like Flamenco. But search any video of Camarón and Paco de Lucía. I suggest you "Al verte las flores lloran"

[@Ami5Jo]

Have you ever done a video on the French great singers of the past? Like Aznavour or Trenet, Piaf oc.

[@SantiagoROMNAZ]

hello! Could you react to a live performance by Pedro Aznar - "Cantata de Puentes Amarillos"? He is an Argentine multi-instrumentalist, composer and singer, I would say one of the best in South America. In that concert he also has a cover of The Beatles - "While my guitar gently weeps" if you want other options. thank you so much :)

[@carlocitroen1848]

Good morning Bethany 💝,your choice are very heterogeneous,in 1981 I have 9 years old...... Sorry for my English..... Ciaoooo from Taranto 🏄‍♂️⛱️☀️.... ITALIA 🇮🇹

[@breesysaint9]

Nolan Taylor "68"

[@marduk534]

React to church of the cosmic skull - evil in your eyes . Pretty neat

[@alaskakk]

PLEASE REACT TO ARCTIC MONKEYS 😭🙏🙏

[@ICRA95]

great ive only heard the Carpenters version.

[@rehalfebri]

Rayuan Perempuan Gila by Nadin Amizah for the next your reaction video will be amazing ❤

[@SasaNinkovic]

❤🎉❤🎉❤🎉

[@RaptorInNewMexico]

You should review "Tears in Heaven " by Eric Clapton.

[@primrosexo]

I love your videos you’re one of the most genuine reactor ever💕 Also can you pls react to Jeon Jungkook of bts!!! I promise you won’t be disappointed he got that perfect pitch!!!

[@Mathblade]

Try a listen to Karen Carpenter's version

[@mattsedillo5906]

Peppino Gagliardi - Che Voule Questa Musica Stasera Please

[@jasonvasquez7422]

please react to the cover version of Shawn James - Like a Stone (Chris Cornell / Audioslave Cover)