Who Did HELLO Best?

[@jamesgordon470]

Aimee, thanks for all you do. I'm a total rookie at 70 years old. Watching you has been amazingly helpful and instructive

[@han36solo]

Richie vocal is so raw and intimate here and he fully expresses so much emotion with just,..."hello". Brilliant. The other's are great but not nearly as evocative and personal. Love the vid Aimee you rock!

[@Back2TheBike]

Thanks Aimee from England. You've opened a whole new world of understanding with your insights for this intermediate guitarist, feels like a guided tour with a pal.

[@rickdey5407]

Amie, you’re the best! I’ve been watching your video’s forever, and I have learned so much from you about adding notes to chord progressions and using passing chords. My piano and keyboard skills have double since listening to your YT channel. Keep the vids coming!

[@mddell58]

I'm an older woman, & I can say, without any doubt, Neil Diamonds 💎 song is one I've ALWAYS had that 'one special person' I've thought about saying those words to. I really wish I would have. A former friend/love. Sadly, he passed away a year ago. THAT, is the perfect example of deep regret. ❤

[@AimeeNolte]

Ahhhh thanks for sharing. ♥️♥️

[@EixtremeDrummer]

Thanks Amee, you help to realize how amazing are those apparently simple songs.

[@bluemoon6579]

You are one of a kind, for sure. Very cool, thanks for sharing

[@Whitestripe71]

Just a tangential point, but your mention of the Hello video (Lionel Richie) made me think about how so often songs weren't well served by their videos. I was a child in the 80s, when video dominated, and so often a music video could alter, or even betray, the meaning of a song. Hearing you talk about the real meaning and inspiration behind that song makes it so much more interesting than the narrative portrayed in that silly video. Also, with the Neil Diamond song, I knew that as a child from the terrible film The Jazz Singer. You've taken these songs from my childhood and freed them from the awful visual representations I associated with them, and I can appreciate them anew as the superbly crafted songs that they are. Great video, Aimee. As always. And my winner in this formidable three-way smackdown would probably be the Neil Diamond song - for personal reasons, it's the one that means the most to me.

[@AimeeNolte]

Such a great point. I used to avoid the videos altogether if I could as a teen - just so I could have my own “visual” of what the song was to me

[@leftymagoo2710]

Diamond’s “Hello” sends energies up my spine even without the lyrics. Liked ur xtra on the origin of the word “hello”. Just wouldn’t be the same now would it? “Ahoy my friend , ahoy. Just called to say AHOY!”

[@brettmarlar4154]

I'm with you with Lionel Ritchie! I actually met him a couple of times, he came into the store I work at, and I sold him the first Joss Stone album. He's as sweet of a human being as he is a musical genius that spent too many years without getting into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame.

[@DSMS-nu4vj]

Lionel Richie's Hello is the best of all of these you reviewed. Too many profound reasons for me to list. The others are good in their own right, but there are levels. For the most part, not always, there has been a degradation in the quality of all songs and art. to where it is chic to say something is great when in fact it is not. You noted Lionel composed Hello on his own. He also composed Endless Love (another great hit) and both of these speak to the musical greatness of Lionel. Thank you for making this video, because I only recently realized how much a musical great Lionel Richie really was. He was genuine and super talented where his humility would tend to make you think otherwise. Another reason for his greatness.

[@cyberoptic5757]

Once when we were covering this tune so seriously, the guitar player croaked out Hewwow, in the voice of Elmer Fudd. Everybody cracked up....

[@IDLERACER]

😏 I prefer "Hello Hello" by The Sopwith Camel (1966) over all of this yacht rock. Other noteworthy "Hello" songs that have graced the charts over the years: "Hello Mary Lou" (1961), "Hello Stranger" (1963), "Hello Muddah Hello Fadduh" (1963), "Hello Dolly" (1964), "Hello Goodbye" (1967), "Hello, I Love You" (1968) and those are just the ones I enjoy to some degree or another. There are also a lot of country tunes that begin with that word, but I'm not into that genre of music.

[@Just_An_Idea_For_Consideration]

I would love a detailed video on Lionel Richey compositions! In one song he uses a double F sharp, i had never seen one prior, and it is so lovely, I have always wondered the theory behind it!

[@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power]

Adele did it most Beautifully 😍 Neil has the most hilarious pic in the thumbnail, but Lionel did the "hello" song the best 😂

[@tomryan6389]

So I did. I listened to them all. Then I continued my Spotify journey with Martha, by Tom Waits. Different title, but same concept. Then I finshed with Operator by Jim Croche. He doesn't even say hello, but it has an ironically happy ending to finish it all off.

[@AimeeNolte]

Oh yeah - two great telephone songs

[@Blue-qr7qe]

I wish Aimee would discover Tom Waits (and cover some of the musical and lyrical genius therein). What an incredible treasure trove Tom has given us!

[@AimeeNolte]

I absolutely love him. I just need to think of a good idea for a video.

[@DTatMC]

@@AimeeNolte “A Sight for Sore Eyes”!

[@SUP3RP3DR0L1V3]

Electronic Light Orchesta's Telephone Line also needs some attention here. The first time I heard it I thought it was called "Hello". This could be considered a interesting expression like ending a song with "tonight".

[@AimeeNolte]

One of my very favorites. Good call!

[@Sujowi]

ELO... good call!

[@alanvallazza9781]

8 months later I noticed that I made the same comment as you a couple hours after you did and therefore I said the same thing.

[@ManicMonkey1987]

All such great songs, personally my favourite is Neil Diamond... I never realised it was pitched down and that was so jarring hearing you play the first chords 😂 Off to find a live version of it now.

[@vecernicek2]

This reminded me of another song.. "Crazy after all these years" by Paul Simon. No telephone story, but similar sentiment, I think.

[@AimeeNolte]

Ah yeah - also Another auld lang syne

[@lornesperling5376]

There is another Hello song to consider : Funny How Time Slips Away . Brenda Lee - a country singer of my generation when i was growing up - sings it - in i think the key of A flat. It has quite a range so for my voice i do it in B on clawhammer banjo . It also has a lot of space between the lyrics - so one has to be creative in filling. As well as being in the country genre it could well be in the jazz genre - your forte. I would be interested how you would do this on piano - and with your voice. I enjoy your analysis.

[@AimeeNolte]

Oh yeah that one is so good!

[@nikonmockey]

> Who did hello best I’m sorry, all of the variants in the comments are brilliant (as well as video, as always) But my vote would be for Kurt Cobain (and “Smells…” of course). One of the memorable pre-chorus ever. Character, suspence, nerve, vibe. And may I add - it was a call to action for (almost) entire generation, and millions call back. And even now, everytime this song is playing at some party, at the bar, or concert, etc. - you here this “hello hello hello” chanting, you just feel electricity slowly rise up between everyone around for this 8 bars, before crushing down with hurricane-of-the-chorus. I know it is very odd choice among this picks around, but cmon, I just couldn’t sit in silence)

[@renatobuchert7879]

I love "Hello" by Lionel. One thing about the A section progression that I really enjoy: A-, G, F. But, instead of walking back up like G, A- as might be expected, he increases the harmonic rhythm and does G, F, A-. Unexpected but makes sense!

[@1PITIFULDUDE]

All three, depending on my mood, are the best, BUT, that can be said of any Great song, as all three of these are. All of us here should be honored to live in this time, to be witness to Great music. Take it all in...

[@stephengilbert5612]

Lionel Richie is by far the best of these songs. He is the king of love songs, imo. Great music.

[@origineo]

Hello? Is there anybody in there? Just nod if you can hear me Is there anyone at home? OK, the song is not even called "hello", but you know it's deep, right? And speaking of the ones you mentioned, I love that solo from Lionel Ritchie's Hello! So inspiring!

[@DarrenHayward-e3u]

A great song and vocal from Lionel complimented by the perfect guitar solo from Louie Shelton.

[@davidrobinson9507]

Hello ! Aimee, I'm so impressed by your stick- to- it-ive- ness. I hope things are going well for you these days. I'm still working on being a better percussionist. I purchased a cahone and a good pair of brushes. Game changer. Also I played my first festival ! I did songs by Sam Cooke, Etta James, Ray Charles, Bruce Channel, and I sang I'm A Believer by the Monkees'. Also I appeared in my trio which does original stuff. Today at a Chinese food restaurant I was recognized by one customer as an actual ' local entertainer'... it's far from the big time, but it sure gives me a rush. I do appreciate your videos. You reach across the breadth of theory to touch sentiment and soul purpose. Late late on Saturday night I even got on stage to play the Mick Jagger harmonica part of Gimme Shelter...he plays a B. I couldn't master the part. Mick is a great harmonica player. I did a serviceable job but not perfect. That's okay. You give me confidence to go and sing karaoke every Friday. Be well. I agree with Lionel Richie 's being the best. Hey! You mentioned the Monkees'. What synchronicity.

[@marchangel7462]

Lionel

[@Funkybassuk]

The Be Sharps doing their intro to Hello My Baby, “hello… hello… hello… hello, my baby, hello, my honey, hello my ragtime gal”

[@evansakesat2776]

Thanks Aimee…great video as always. I have a nerdy music theory question relating to Lionel’s Hello. You identify the transitional augmented chord as Ab but when it swiftly resolves to the E it’s with a G# bass. I know the latter can’t change as it’s the third. But is there a case for identifying the aug chord differently ? If not G# maybe even C aug ? Thanks again!

[@AimeeNolte]

Good question. You could definitely call it E augmented or Caug but since he plays it in the inversion with a G sharp on the bottom, I chose to frame it like that.

[@leftymagoo2710]

❤️the comment on Todd’s song. “ too many words in the title” Bwaaaaaaa! You’re funny! I guess u gotta draw dat line somewhere! BTW , my 1st electric piano was a Wurly. Fell in love with that vibrato dial. U know what I mean?

[@jaylozier4083]

@AimeeNolte Todd Rundgren's Hello It's Me is in my top three pop songs of all time (with Joni Mitchell's Help Me and The Spinners' I'll be around. Anything more you want to say on that topic would be welcome.

[@graphicmaterial5947]

It makes more sense to call the augmented chord in Lionel's version E+ rather than Ab+, don't you think? Same notes though.. Anyway, me growing up in the 80's, that's my favourite, no contest. And, I like your singing voice very much!

[@alasdairmacdonald4685]

Hi! I’m new to you via Instagram, and am loving your content. Was looking forward to your Hello video and have just started, but you’ve got the Lionel Ritchie chord sequence wrong, and it’s such a lovely little turn! At 3.07 you say “and then we walk right back up” - but it doesn’t! It goes G back down to F and then back up. Silly wee comment I know, and lost amongst all the beautiful and on-the-money analysis, but couldn’t not mention sorry! ❤👏🏻

[@AimeeNolte]

Oh, thank you for that! Dumb mistake. I should’ve listened to it one more time before I went through that section.

[@cedric7122]

You won me at hello. By the way where did you get that T-shirt?

[@AimeeNolte]

Thrift store! 🙌🏼

[@TheRealSandleford]

its good to be back hello hello... you say goodbye I say hello... hello - dolly

[@Jimmyd2107]

I know there are so so many different “Hello”’s here in the comments which are all truly amazing! But the best Hello in my humble opinion is The Cat Empire’s one - so upbeat and fun with amazing Latin horns and just quintessential Cat Empire! 🥳

[@RonWesterbeek]

Hello again Aimee 🎉🙏🎵⚘

[@AimeeNolte]

Hello 😊

[@DojoOfCool]

The Doors Hello I Love You

[@pierce45]

Great video! Have you ever heard "Hello" by Oasis? It's the first track on What's The Story Morning Glory.

[@victoraustin691]

It has Similar progression as suddenly by Billie ocean

[@alanvallazza9781]

It's not titled hello but it's close enough...Elo's Telephone Line starts with Hello, How Are You? It's basically about a guy who's making a phone call thus the title Telephone Line.

[@robina9185]

Another 'Hello' song though not entitled 'Hello' and probably my favourite song is Long Distance Love by Little Feat. Ah hello, give me missing persons they said what is it that you need........

[@Whitestripe71]

Didn't know that song, listening to it now - very good. Such a tight band. Enjoying it.

[@geoelectro]

Anyone know what keyboard she is using there?

[@quicktastic]

I don't why you say goodbye, I say hello.

[@ailishbethd4033]

Great video Aimee. Yes I agree with you on Lionel Ritchie's song. I must say though, the video kind of creeps me out. It's like Lionel Ritchie is a stalker, lol. But yeah, great song and thank you for taking us through it. It's the first time I ever tried to play this one and I had a couple of aha moments. 😊

[@AimeeNolte]

Thanks so much. Yes, extremely creepy, but from what I read, I think all of the decisions around that video were out of Lionel‘s hands

[@ailishbethd4033]

@@AimeeNolte talking about creepy. Another Hello song is Lori Anderson Superman. Never quite got to figure out what those lyrics meant. Seems to be the most modernist of pop songs.

[@surprise3940]

@Aimee Nolte Music Can you upload "Who did Goodbye Best"?

[@AimeeNolte]

I wish I could! But this video did so horribly. I was really sad about that.

[@dessiplaer]

Did you get a new synthesizer? Inquiring minds want to know. As always, great video! Also, don't worry about not having a voice like Adele. Your voice is lovely, and Adele probably doesn't have your piano chops and knowledge of jazz.

[@AimeeNolte]

Yes! It’s a Hydrasynth Explorer that they gave me and I really like it! Thanks so much for your nice comment!

[@IrnBruNYC]

I think the person Adele is "calling" is *metaphorically* not "at home." Either that or British Telecom is doing construction work.

[@djlungo]

I vote for Lionel! But the other ones are great to....

[@surprise3940]

Can you upload Who Did "Upside Down" Best next? *Edit:* I can't believe no one explained how to play Diana Ross' Upside Down on piano. 🎹 Can Aimee show them how it's done?

[@AimeeNolte]

Good idea. And maybe. But this video will have to do well enough for me to try this idea again. Time will tell

[@GizzyDillespee]

Tori Amos did

[@M5guitar1]

I like Hello again by the Cars

[@karls.623]

🙌🏽🙌🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@gmoney1065]

Lionel Richie's version is best. I'm not even going to type a whole paragraph on why. It just is.

[@SuperHyperExtra]

Hello, I Love You

[@Prince.Prince1999]

Lionel is the best

[@raulsilva-ok]

Todd Rundgren!

[@jaylozier4083]

Gotta go with Lionel Richie's version, and in no small part due to Louis Shelton's guitar solo.

[@ricksamericana749]

"Hello It's Me" is the better song, extra word or no.

[@AimeeNolte]

Look, Ricksamericana - THERE WASNT ROOM FOR TODD IN THE THUMBNAIL 😂🤪

[@ricksamericana749]

@@AimeeNolte Fair enough, but truth be told I would have preferred Grouplove's "Hello". 😎😎😎

[@JimmyFloridatube]

Hello.

[@bodhibeats8257]

Hydra gang! 🙌

[@hbofbyu1]

It's a shame 'cause Todd Rundgren's is the best one.

[@thierryhenry674]

The chord changes in Lionel Richie’s Hello is beautiful. Adele’s music is boring. The chords are boring, the instrumentation is boring, the arrangement is boring.

[@Sujowi]

Agree...chord progressions have not progressed since the 70s and 80s. But it’s still Adele!

[@michellemonet4358]

I agree. That Adele song Hello really does bore me..unlike the other 2.

[@TheCrazyCatColony]

Todd Rundgren did it best.

[@wyattstevens8574]

First

[@lostnparadise3178]

This chic just loves to hear herself talk

[@jacobscolliers198]

Touch grass