Burt Bacharach died on February 8, 2023, at age 94, but his musical legacy will live on forever.
The iconic songwriter is responsible for some of the biggest hits and most enduring tracks in pop music history thanks to his partnership with Hal David. While it was extremely difficult to pin down his best work when he composed over 500 songs that have been recorded by nearly 1,200 artists and counting, here are our favorites.
Related: Burt Bacharach Dead at 94
15 Best Burt Bacharach Songs
“Say a little prayer”, Aretha Franklin
“I say a little prayer” combines Aretha Franklin‘s indelible and inimitable soulful voice, heartfelt lyrics, tempo shifts, timeless melodies and horns, so much so that they played a key role in the beloved romantic comedy The wedding of my best friend.
“What’s Up Pussycat?”, Tom Jones
Written for the 1965 film of the same name, Tom Jones‘ immortal “whoa-whoa-ohhhs” were introduced to a whole new generation thanks to John Mulaney.
“The Look of Love”, Dusty Springfield
Bacharach wrote “The Look of Love” for Casino Royale in 1967, reportedly inspired by the sight of Ursula Andress. dusty springfield owns the song.
“The raindrops keep falling on my head”, BJ Thomas
Thomas B.J. had a smash hit with “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head,” a classic that’s sure to get stuck in your head whenever you have a rough day (or just forget your umbrella).
“(They yearn to be) close to you”, The Carpenters
Karen CarpenterThe haunting vocals made it an instant classic and a No. 1 hit in 1970.
“(There’s) Always Something to Remind Me”, Naked Eyes
Bacharach and David wrote this in the 1960s, but it’s Naked eye‘1983 cover that has stood the test of time the best.
“The guy is in love with you”, Herb Alpert
Alpert grass took “This Guy’s In Love With You” to No. 1 in 1968.
“The Blob”, The Five Blobs
Do the blob like a movie deserves a theme song this fire? Questionable. But we are happy that he does.
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“Baby It’s You”, The Shirelles
The Beatlescovered that with John Lennon on lead vocals and basically turned it into a dishBuddy Holly and the Crickets adjust. It would be nice if The Shirelles‘ the original version was not so beautiful.
“Pass It By”, Dionne Warwick
Dionne Warwick served as Bacharach’s muse and vocal partner for years, recording 39 consecutive songs he wrote for her. This heartbreaking and defiant anthem was one of their earliest and most enduring works together.
“Forgive Me (For Giving You Such A Bad Time)”, Babs Tino
“Forgive Me (For Giving You Such A Bad Time)” bubbled under the Hot 100 at No. 117, but thanks to the instrumental arrangements and staccato vocals, it’s an underrated part of Bacharach’s canon.
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“Do You Know the Way to San Jose”, Dionne Warwick
Warwick’s sweet vocals on this track will have you throwing away your GPS.
“I will never fall in love again”, Elvis Costello
Others have sung this song, but when Elvis Costello sing it, you believe it.
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“Magic Moments”, Perry Como
How infectious are the whistles and harmonies of “Magic Moments”? THE Perry Como hit was one of the first tracks to put Bacharach on the map.
“I just don’t know what to do with myself”, The White Stripes
We doubt Bacharach had any idea the rockers The White Stripes would cover this track, but like all the best covers, they make it their own while staying true to the source thanks to Jack Whitethe tormented voice of and the stripped down instrumentals of Meg and him.
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