As Close To You continues its West End run, what could be considered the best five Burt Bacharach songs ever written?
5. Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head – most commonly associated with the film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, this song went on to win an Academy award for Best Original Song. It’s a song that is instantly recognisable for its upbeat and playful tune that really does stick in the mind long after it has finished playing.
4. What the World Needs Now is Love: this is such a poignant song and it never seems to sound outdated because the theme at the centre of the song is still of vital importance today, in a world that is filled with fear and is a great reminder of what is important. It isn’t preachy but a gentle argument that is simple but heartfelt. The music is subtle but really matches the lyrics perfectly.
3. I Just Don’t Know What to do with Myself: while the music might seem laid back and relaxed, it is filled with emotion and really captures the lyrics and the loneliness that is expressed in the track. A lovely song that is instantly recognisable.
2. Walk on By: this is a song that has a little more attitude about it in comparison to the other songs mentioned in this countdown so far. It manages to make an impact both lyrically and musically because it flows along well and yet it captures the way that everybody has felt after breaking up with somebody. Both composer and lyricist showed great understanding and depth when it came to writing this song, simple on the surface but plenty of emotion.
1. Close to You: there is something about the poetic quality in this song that really captures the attention. It flows along smoothly and is so wistful that it is difficult not to fall in love with the song both musically and lyrically – absolute perfection.
Close to You is currently performing at the Criterion Theatre until the 14th of February.