The music community suffered a great loss on July 21 with the death of Tony Bennett. The legendary singer was one of the last remaining icons of a generation of crooners. His legacy is bolstered by his timeless hit and rich vocals.
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While many have chosen to remember Bennett by revisiting his most famous tunes, we’d like to look deeper into his discography. Below, are five deep cuts from Bennett’s catalog of standards.
[RELATED: 5 Things to Know About Tony Bennett]
1. “But Beautiful” (with Lady Gaga)
Amongst the host of duets from Bennett and Lady Gaga on their collaborative album Cheek to Cheek, is a stunning rendition of the jazz standard “But Beautiful.” Bennett and Gaga had something special. The “Bad Romance” singer’s equally acrobatic and gritty vocals were like the icing on the cake to Bennett’s classic croon. Given that, their version of “But Beautiful” had a certain magic to it that few other versions have.
Love is funny, or it’s sad
Or it’s quiet, or it’s mad
It’s a good thing, or it’s bad
But beautiful, beautiful
To take a chance and if you fall, you fall
And I’m thinking I wouldn’t mind at all
2. “Who Cares?”
Bennett subscribed to the notion of “c’est la vie” in “Who Cares?” He begs the question, “How much does anything bad really affect our lives as long as you’ve got a kiss that conquers? It’s trademark fodder from Bennett. His breezy vocals muster up a sense of relaxation that makes this song’s message an easy one to get on board with.
Why should I care
Life is one long jubilee
So long as I care for you
And you care for me
I love you and you love me
And that’s how it will always me
And nothing else
Could ever mean a thing
3. “Days of Wine and Roses”
“Days of Wine and Roses” is a relatively short song from Bennett but it packs a punch. Bennett’s voice is robust here, belting out the line The days of wine and roses laugh and run away like a child at play. Bennett imbued a spirit only he could into this jazz standard.
The lonely night discloses just a passing breeze filled with memories
Of the golden smile that introduced me to
The days of wine and roses and you
4. “Dancing in the Dark”
We’re waltzing in the wonder of why we’re here / Time hurries by, we’re here and we’re gone, Bennett sings in the opening verse of “Dancing in the Dark.” Much like “Who Cares?” Bennett takes a blithe stance on life in this 1961 release. The track is tailor-made for pushing a partner around the dance floor. Waltzing around to Bennett singing about holding that special someone close, it doesn’t get much better than that.
Looking for the light of a new love
To brighten up the night, I have you love
And we can face the music together
Dancing in the dark
5. “The Way You Look Tonight” (with Faith Hill)
Of course, “The Way You Look Tonight” is not a deep cut by any stretch of the imagination, but Bennett’s version with Faith Hill on Duets II is criminally lacking in streams. Both of their vocals are honeyed singing this famous tune. It is certainly not the most famous rendition of this standard, but it’s more than worth checking out if you’ve never heard it before.
Yes, you’re lovely, with your smile so warm
And your cheeks so soft
There is nothing for me but to love you
And the way you look tonight
Photo by Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images
