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.
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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There are so many… for now I’d have to go with two outta three ain’t bad… https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=q8JA9Qs2Mho… I adore this song.
Ive never heard Forever Autumn, never even heard of Justin Hayward…but it’s a lovely song.☺
A very good choice. So pleased to have introduced you to Justin Hayward and ‘Forever Autumn’. That’s one of the main reasons for this weekly feature so we can all introduce our favourite songs to one another.
Thanks for joining in.
What a lovely song. I don’t know it but I like it. I love so many songs, I chose something more recent. https://3rsofretirement.com/2017/09/24/hughs-51-weeks51-hits-from-the-past-week-37/
Thanks very much, Marie.
I’m so behind on reading my favorite bloggers. I’ve never heard this song before but instantly liked it. I like the version of Richard Burton’s introduction and commentary. However, I like the pictures in the first one. HUGS
Thanks, Chuck. Hope all is well with you?
Hi Hugh,
Yes we made it through the storm without damage to our home. We were without power for awhile. Thank you for asking. Hugs. 🙂
Well there you go Hugh, a song I’ve heard before! LOL. I do like that song, and autumn is also my favorite time of year. I can picture you singing this song! 🙂 x
Thanks, Debby. I may just sing it to you when we finally meet up. So, bring some earplugs. 😂
xx
Lollllllll, I’m up for that. But sans earplugs my friend. I want to hear you croon it! 🙂 xo
That was interesting about your song choice this week, that it had connections to Lego. I liked the ‘War of the Worlds’ video the best. I hadn’t heard it before. Here’s my entry for the week: http://wp.me/p3RE1e-3HK
Thanks very much, Barbara.
It’s hard to imagine this song as a legos commercial. It’s a pretty song and I’m sure your singing voice isn’t as bad as you make it out to be! 🙂
As a Welshman, I should be able to sing, Kat. However, I’ll never be part of a male voice choir like my Father was.
What a beautiful song, I’ve never heard it before. Love the harmonies and orchestration! Good idea–I’ll be linking this to my Weekend Coffee Share post this coming Sunday 🙂
The song never did very well anywhere, apart from the UK, Terri, so I don’t think it’s very well known. But, I love it.
Is ‘Weekend Coffee Share’ still on? I’ve not seen much about it for many months. It was once a really popular feature amongst bloggers.
Yes, it is back on Part time monster’s blog as of maybe a few weeks ago.
I hadn’t heard this song before — but I loved the ‘lego connection’! Such an interesting backstory!
Thanks, Donna. I enjoy researching these songs and love some of the facts that I find out.
I love ‘Forever Autumn,’ Hugh and the War of the Worlds album. such great music and way ahead of its time. If anyone were to give me a recording contract (they would be mad as I can’t sing), I would choose this one. It is so moving and so true too! https://youtu.be/5rOiW_xY-kc
Nice choice, Judy. I can see you going to number one singing that song. I’d be one of your backing singers. 😎
I agree. Jeff Wayne was way ahead of time when he recorded ‘War Of The Worlds’.
I reckon we would make an awesome duo screeching that out! Eat your heart out Elton and Kiki!! 🙂
Right with you, Judy. I wonder if some kind blogger would then feature our song sometime in the future? 🤔
HAHA! Yes I am sure they would (if they were tone deaf)! 🙂
FAB! One of my ALL time favorite songs. I have the soundtrack on cassette and a CD of the Moody Blues that has this song. I believe I am wearing it out. Thank you for this post, I am smiling BIG!
I was thinking about what song I would record.. gee whiz, when I was a professional singer, we did so many different genres (depending on the gigs) that I would be hard pressed to choose. We ended every show in the piano bar, with Somewhere Over The Rainbow.
Now you’re talking (and singing). I love ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’. I’ve heard lots of different versions, so I’m hoping I get to hear yours, Annette. 🌈
Good to hear, Annette. I always like it when one of my posts brings a smile. 😀
Keep on smiling. 😀
Such a beautiful song, and makes me miss the Moody Blues, that unmistakable voice of Justin H. The second video with Burton…ominous, but so well done. I was not familiar with Jeff Wayne. Thanks for sharing this one, Hugh.
Richard Burton’s voice features, as the narrator, throughout the album, Van. I love Jeff Wayne’s music from the album, but Richard’s voice adds another dimension. The War Of The Worlds (1953 version) is also one of my old-time favourite movies.
That version of War of the Worlds is fabulous, not least because of Richard Burton’s wonderful voice. I have it on my phone and listen to it every so often. Forever Autumn is a beautiful song. Thanks, Hugh 🙂
I’m so glad Richard Burton did the voiceover, Cathy. Got to admit that his voice is very sexy to listen to. 😎
It is, for sure 😋
My Favorite Season is Summer.
Thanks for sharing those songs, Deborah. 😀
Thanks, Hugh band I remember a song called Driftwood from the same era – so poignant and very beautiful.
The version by The Moody Blues, Steve? Just had to look it up, but I see what you mean by poignant and beautiful.
Yes, Hugh. That one! Glad you liked it. I had it on cassette; played it all the way to Cornwall – heaven!
Must be one of your all-time favourite songs to have played it all the way to Cornwall, Steve.
The whole album, Moody Blues, yes. My wife slept a lot of the way and didn’t seem to notice the repetition!
Oh, I’m not sure what I would sing! It may be Eternal Flame by the Bangles, or Close to You by the Carpenters!
Two great choices, Ritu.
Thanks Hugh!!!
I don’t know why I never heard this song before. Maybe I should get out more. Thanks for the exposure, Hugh.
To be fair to you, John, the song was only a major hit in the UK. It failed to chart very well anywhere else. Good to introduce you to the song, though.
Always enjoyable. Thanks, Hugh.