Hugh's Views and News Music

51 Weeks: 51 Songs From The Past: Week 37: Justin Haywood – Forever Autumn

I’ve never been asked to sing. In fact, when I was in the school choir, I was asked if I’d rather play the xylophone! I had no hesitation in accepting the offer, particularly since singing seemed to give me a sore throat. While we prepare for takeoff in Hugh’s music time machine, perhaps I should entertain you with a song? I seem to have left my xylophone at home. Never mind, because we’re about to land in the year 1978.

51 weeks 51 songs from the past poster

Now, I know that you’re all begging to know which song I was going to sing to you. Well, let’s sit back and listen to this week’s featured artist. He’s far better at singing the song than I am. Over to you, Justin…

Would you believe me if I told you that the original melody for Forever Autumn was originally written as a jingle for a Lego commercial? It’s true, and it did so well that the performers added the lyrics and released the song as a single in Japan. It sold over 100,000 copies and became a top 20 hit.

That’s not why I’ve chosen the song, though. For me, not only is Forever Autumn a song from one of my all-time favourite albums (Jeff Wayne’s The War Of The Worlds), it would also be the song I would choose to sing if I were given the chance to record any song and release it into the singles charts. Autumn is also my favourite season, so that’s another good reason why I chose it. Given that the autumn equinox also takes place in the northern hemisphere this Friday (22nd September 2017), it seems fitting that I’m featuring the song this week.

Justin’s version of Forever Autumn became a top five hit in the UK but, unfortunately, failed to make it into the top 20 anywhere else. 🤔

Here’s the version that features the voice of Richard Burton, from Jeff Wayne’s The War Of The Worlds Album.

If you were offered a recording contract, what favourite song would you record and release into the singles charts? Share a link to that song in the comments section.

Thank you to everyone who left a link to a favourite song in the comments section of last week’s post. And a big thank you to Ruth, Kat, Marie and Barbara who joined in with publishing a blog post of a favourite song.

Want to join me in building up your 51 favourite songs from the past? Leave a link in the comments section below and showcase your next song.

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