(The Hit Hammer is where I'm reviewing each #1 song on the Billboard Hot 100. Starting from when the chart started in 1958 and eventually working my way to the present. To see my inspiration and more information about this blog, please refer to the "Poor Little Fool" post)
Note: I have no idea why, but technology is not being nice to me right now, so I couldn't upload a picture along with this entry. I wouldn't think anyone would have an issue with that, but it's not how my posts usually look. I hope this is just a one time thing, but we'll see.
The Tymes - "So Much In Love"
Hit Number 1: August 3, 1963
Stay at Number 1: 1 Week
Doo-wop had a nice run, but it was dying fast. People were moving on from their 1950s lifestyle, and that included the kinds of music they were listening to. People were hungry for something else, and they were being treated to new things like surf rock, folk, and soul music that was starting to dominate the charts. But doo-wop in its last gasps had one last moment at the top. That song was "So Much In Love".
If you look at the structure of the song, "So Much In Love" is a very simple song. It sounds to me like there were no instruments being played on the song, and the beat of the song is being carried by finger snaps. Where there would usually be instruments, was subbed out with the oohs and aahs of the Tymes themselves. Of course, it's a love song, and it's about two lovers all alone and walking on the beach together, and they keep telling each other about how much they love each other. Later, they discuss the future and what they'll do at their wedding. There really isn't anything that makes "So Much In Love" an amazing song, and I can definitely see some people out there that would label this as a "forgettable song". I am not one of those people.
Just like "Surf City" that came before it, "So Much In Love" paints a nice picture in my head. I can just see two lovers walking alone on the beach, probably while the sun is going down, slight breeze in the air, and overall giving that feeling of there being nothing in the world except you, the one you love, and the beach you're walking beside. (Kind of similar to the YouTube video thumbnail above) It's a very peaceful feeling, better helped by a very peaceful sounding song. The lack of instruments is what really helps deliver that feeling to me. You see, doo-wop is not as easy a genre to master as some people might think. All the singers and background singers have to come in at the right times, and be completely on sync with each other. That sounds kind of obvious, but it's especially vital for doo-wop songs, and the Tymes pretty much master it. Their oohs and aahs weave around gracefully, the finger snaps are on point and carry the song nicely, and again, it gives you that peaceful feeling and image. Doo-wop couldn't be around forever, but it went out on a good note with this one.
GRADE: 8/10
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