Search - Various Artists :: Billboard Top Pop Hits: 1963

In Memoriam to a great Singer - Kyu Sakamoto

Terry Stephen Paul Ryan | Reno, NV | 03/18/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There are a lot of great hits on this album but the one that I most favor, not just for 1963, but for all time, is the song written by Rokusuke Ei, and sung by one of the greatest Japanase singers of all time: Kyu Sakamoto. The song being called "Sukiyaki" in America but released in Japan in 1961 as "Ue O Muite Aruko" (I look up When I Walk). The song was inspired by actual events of the times in that Rokusuke Ei had his heart broke by the Japanese Actress, Meiko Nakamura. Nonetheless, noone could have sung the song as great or as well as Kyu Sakamoto. I will cherish his songs for all my days. And, if you do not believe this, listen to the partial song here on Amazon, and then buy the Billboard album itself to hear the entire song. AND then, try to find the actual album "The Very Best of Kyu Sakamoto". The tragic part is, Kyu is no longer with us as he was killed in the famous aircraft accident of 1985 on August 12th: JAL Flight 123, a 747 bound for Haneda Airport in Tokyo to Osaka. It took 30 minutes for this plane to hit the ground after pieces of its tail section broke off. Enough time for passengers to write farewells to their loved ones. This is one Story that should have been made into a movie: the life of Kyu Sakamoto and his family and friends. Thank you!"

A Great Investment

Kenneth Morris | 06/30/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Since almost all of these tracks are hard to find elsewhere, this CD is perhaps the most worthy of early 60s pop compilations. All original versions of hits with great sound."

Tunes that make me wanna DANCE !!!

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 02/04/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Billboard Top Pop Hits: 1963 is a very strong and enjoyable installment in this multi CD series of great pop hits from back in the day. The sound quality lacks nothing; it's very good. The artwork is nice and this will bring back so many good memories for the people who first heard these tunes on the radio!



The Rooftop Singers starts things right with their folk rock hit "Walk Right In;" this tune really has a great beat and the guitar arrangement is sublime! The Rooftop Singers sing this in perfect harmony and the overall effect is very warm and strong. I love it! Kyu Sakamoto continues the hits with his great "Sukiyaki." I don't understand what he's singing but this is a beautiful ballad that cannot be missed. I predict that you will enjoy "Sukiyaki" very much.



Listen also for Paul & Paula doing their smash hit, "Hey Paula." This adorable tune captures both the innocence and honesty of young true love in days when life seemed simpler. Paul & Paula make this a magical tune as they harmonize; the keyboards and percussion carry the bulk of the melody and it all works rather well.



The Cascades perform "Rhythm Of The Rain" with such style it amazes me; the percussion is cool and The Cascades sing this like the pros they always were! "Rhythm Of The Rain" is easily a major highlight of this album.



Bobby Vinton sings his hauntingly beautiful number entitled "Blue Velvet" without a superfluous note; and the musical arrangement lacks nothing--it's THAT good. Bobby has excellent diction and this makes his singing very special. In addition, there's also Dale & Grace performing "I'm Leaving It Up To You." "I'm Leaving It Up To You" has a country twist to it and this number shines just as fresh as it did the first time I ever heard it! The musical interlude, however brief, is very nicely done.



The album ends nicely with The Surfaris on "Wipe Out." This number benefits hugely from the clever use of the drums and the beat is infectiously catchy; you will enjoy "Wipe Out!" This is classic early `60s pop music.



Billboard Top Pop Hits: 1963 is chock full of great music. Whether you're new to this genre of music or an oldies lover from back in the day, you are bound to enjoy this album.

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