My Five Favorite Burt Bacharach Songs #5 - On My Own by Patti Labelle and Michael McDonald

Of course, there has to be a Burt Bacharach song for my generation - and it's not 'That's What Friends Are For' that I like.  Well, I like that song but not enough to land in my Top 5 list.

This song introduced me to the vast talent of Patti Labelle and that wonderful voice of hers.  I was in second year high school when this song hit #1 and I remember it was summer.  Of course, at that time, I could not yet relate to the song since it talked of divorce and separation.  I just appreciated the song because two wonderful singers sang it.  I was already familiar with Michael McDonald at that time since he was with the Doobie Brothers and they had hits in the early 80s.

My Five Favorite Burt Bacharach Songs #4 - Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head by B.J.Thomas

My Uncle Ben had a 45 single of this song and during summers, when we go to Oroquieta, he would play this always on his really big and really cool stereo!  So that's why, although the song talks about rain, I always associate it with summer days and breezy afternoons - since this song would be playing out loud at that time of the day.

My Five Favorite Burt Bacharach Songs #3 - (They Long to Be) Close To You by the Carpenters

I had a Religion teacher when I was in Grade 4 who was so much into the Carpenters that she'd play their songs everytime we had class or was on recollection.  This was one of her favorites. No surprise there as to why!

Of course, I only learned now that it was Burt Bacharach who composed it and not Karen, who herself is a great composer.  This song sounds timeless!

My Five Favorite Burt Bacharach Songs #2 - I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself by The White Stripes

I actually didn't know that Burt Bacharach composed this song.  I learned of this song when Cameron Diaz danced to this in one of those Charlie's Angels movies.    It just sounded so sultry yet sad and the guitar riffs of Jack White and his pleading voice just made this song rock so much - at least for me! Of course, the video is just so wicked!

My Five Favorite Burt Bacharach Songs #1 - This Guy's In Love With You by Herb Alpert

I discovered Herb Alpert in 1987, when he collaborated with Janet Jackson on the Top 10 hit Diamonds.  I learned later on that he was already an accomplished musician and performer with a slew of hits that date back into the 60's. 

Anyhow, since Burt Bacharach returns to the UK Top 10 album charts this week, with his collaboration with Ronan Keating, When Ronan Met Burt, I decided to make a rundown of my favorite songs penned by him.

This is my most favorite of all.  The collaboration is fantastic since it combines Herb's trumpet playing prowess with the beautiful lyrics penned by Burt.  Melody and lyrics - wunderbar!