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The Dengler Domain: Music Battle Royale

Welcome to the inaugural edition of the Dengler Domain Music Battle Royale. Two number one Billboard singles from two different decades are pitted against each other. Song number one is 1967’s “To Sir With Love” performed by Lulu, and song number two is 1977’s “You Light Up My Life” performed by Debby Boone. The grading scale is completely subjective so it is time to get down to the nitty, gritty.

In the first corner is “To Sir With Love.” This song topped the Billboard chart for five weeks in 1967. This song loses points for originality because it was the theme for a film of the same name which starred Sidney Poitier. The Scotland born singer Lulu demonstrates a sultry voice during this song. The beat is toe tapping worthy and easy to follow along with. Grooving along to this tune is a must. It does not let one stand still.

Points are earned with the song’s total running time of 2:48. This is a delight and a brief moment in time compared to today’s marathon songs. With four simple verses, the lyrics invoke a sense of compassion towards a teacher who has helped the singer grow up. The lyrics are a blessing compared to the dirtiness of some of today’s songs.

In the second corner is “You Light Up My Life.” This song has the edge with ten weeks atop the Billboard chart in 1977. It loses many points due to Debby Boone covering this song from the original singer, Kasey Cisyk. This song was also on a soundtrack for a film of the same name. It loses points because of this reason. With Debby Boone’s powerful vocals on this love ballad, the song is a beautiful mix of instruments and her voice. The simple rhythm results in the song being a listenable delight while earning crucial points.

The lyrics indicate someone feeling better because of another person. While meant to mean a human relationship, Debby takes it as her relationship with God. The crucial point of this song is Debby’s performance at the end of the song. She hits a phenomenal high note in addition to her wonderful grace and flow. For this reason, Debby Boone’s version of “You Light Up My Life” walks home with the inaugural Dengler Domain Music Battle Royale.

Both of these songs would hold up in today’s society. They are unique and unlike today’s music. “You Light Up My Life” is a classic love ballad which was and could still be a North Tama slow dance song. The rhythms and the singers’ vocal range carry these songs in beautiful ways which would stand out in today’s music scene. These differences would set these songs apart.

Email Sean with your thoughts and ideas for future columns at: sean.h.dengler@gmail.com

The Dengler Domain: Music Battle Royale

Welcome to the inaugural edition of the Dengler Domain Music Battle Royale. Two number one Billboard singles from two different decades are pitted against each other. Song number one is 1967’s “To Sir With Love” performed by Lulu, and song number two is 1977’s “You Light Up My Life” performed by Debby Boone. The grading scale is completely subjective so it is time to get down to the nitty, gritty.

In the first corner is “To Sir With Love.” This song topped the Billboard chart for five weeks in 1967. This song loses points for originality because it was the theme for a film of the same name which starred Sidney Poitier. The Scotland born singer Lulu demonstrates a sultry voice during this song. The beat is toe tapping worthy and easy to follow along with. Grooving along to this tune is a must. It does not let one stand still.

Points are earned with the song’s total running time of 2:48. This is a delight and a brief moment in time compared to today’s marathon songs. With four simple verses, the lyrics invoke a sense of compassion towards a teacher who has helped the singer grow up. The lyrics are a blessing compared to the dirtiness of some of today’s songs.

In the second corner is “You Light Up My Life.” This song has the edge with ten weeks atop the Billboard chart in 1977. It loses many points due to Debby Boone covering this song from the original singer, Kasey Cisyk. This song was also on a soundtrack for a film of the same name. It loses points because of this reason. With Debby Boone’s powerful vocals on this love ballad, the song is a beautiful mix of instruments and her voice. The simple rhythm results in the song being a listenable delight while earning crucial points.

The lyrics indicate someone feeling better because of another person. While meant to mean a human relationship, Debby takes it as her relationship with God. The crucial point of this song is Debby’s performance at the end of the song. She hits a phenomenal high note in addition to her wonderful grace and flow. For this reason, Debby Boone’s version of “You Light Up My Life” walks home with the inaugural Dengler Domain Music Battle Royale.

Both of these songs would hold up in today’s society. They are unique and unlike today’s music. “You Light Up My Life” is a classic love ballad which was and could still be a North Tama slow dance song. The rhythms and the singers’ vocal range carry these songs in beautiful ways which would stand out in today’s music scene. These differences would set these songs apart.

Email Sean with your thoughts and ideas for future columns at: sean.h.dengler@gmail.com