Living in Harmony

As promised in my previous article, here is an explanation of why I love harmonies oh so much. Though R.E.M. and the Red Hot Chili Peppers may be my two longest obsessions, I've had a pretty lengthy list. One of these obsessions I had once upon a time: the Eagles. I'm just gonna say it up front; I think the Eagles have the best harmonies in the history of music. Them and Crosby, Stills, and Nash, though the Eagles have a larger catalog & more members and therefore earn my top spot.

Now, as I said before, there is a difference between backing vocals and harmonies - or, there can be. I generally define harmonies as other singers singing the same line at the same time, but with different notes that compliment the melody. However, I also count multiple tracks of non-melody lyrics/sounds as harmonies. It really just depends on the song. THE harmony song is "Seven Bridges Road" by the Eagles. All five of them line up to sing the 40-second intro with no instruments. I was lucky enough to see them perform it during my last concert before Covid, and it sent chills down my spine. There's a great video of them rehearsing backstage from 1977, too, that is pure magic:

"Seven Bridges Road" may be the best harmony song, but my true favorite is "Helplessly Hoping" by Crosby, Stills, and Nash. I think because there are only three singers rather than five, it's easier to focus on each of them more, which makes you appreciate each voice that much more.

The Beach Boys of course deserve a spot on this list as well. Brian Wilson's perfectionism made sure their music had the smoothest, most seamless harmonies, like in "Good Vibrations", "Wouldn't It Be Nice", and "God Only Knows". Some other greats to do it are Simon & Garfunkel (duh) on literally every song they ever did, and The Mamas & The Papas. Even Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" can occasionally give me goosebumps. My favorite secret harmony nugget comes in the final chorus (I have a thing for special choruses, too - yet ANOTHER article to come!) of "Danny's Song" by Loggins & Messina. Kenny Loggins sings the first three sets of verses and choruses alone, and Jim Messina makes a surprise appearance for the last chorus, with both of them layering several tracks and producing my favorite singular harmony moment of all.

Check out my "harmonies" playlist to see the rest of my favorites: