Since reading this afternoon about David Clayton-Thomas's passing, I've thought about how well his vocals sell various Blood, Sweat & Tears songs. These are my favorites, three of which were big hits in 1969:
- And When I Die (Although I think Laura Nyro's original version deserves more acclaim than it often gets, Clayton-Thomas really commits to the inevitability of life ending for everyone. He cuts loose particularly effectively during the "Here comes the devil..." passage.)
- God Bless The Child (Over time, this has become my favorite Blood, Sweat & Tears track from the Clayton-Thomas era. Many artists have covered "God Bless The Child," but this is one of the best versions I'll likely ever hear, due in part to how the vocals segue into an uptempo romp for the piano and horns.)
- Spinning Wheel (This oldie still gets played today. That doesn't surprise me, as it doesn't leave a listener's mind easily. Lyrically, it's a good, eccentric reminder that bleak situations can change for the better.)
- You've Made Me So Very Happy (The effective, suspenseful instrumental opening leads compellingly into lead vocals that, by Clayton-Thomas's standards, are semi-subtle at first before becoming more assertive. That buildup serves the song well and demonstrates convincing showmanship.)
