The legendary Burt Bacharach
and Hall David produced a multitude of 1960s classics with interchangeable
female singers - Cilla Black, Dusty Springfield and Sandie Shaw. But Dionne
Warwick was always their favourite. Bacharach had spotted her as a backing
singer, asking her to sing on his Brill Building demos, and then signed her to
their production company.
It was a
fruitful partnership, as they often wrote specifically for her, knowing she
could accommodate a variety of styles and emotions. She had hits with their "Don't
Make Me Over", the heart-breaking "Walk on By", "Do You
Know the Way to San Jose" and "Anyone Who Had a Heart".
"I Say A
Little Prayer" was produced in their normal pattern, David adding lyrics
to the music already composed by Bacharach, who would then oversee the recording
with hired session men. On this occasion
in April 1966, it had seemed unsuccessful,
with Warwick trying an unusual ten takes (normally it was three), and Bacharach
unhappy with the fast tempo. It was relegated to an album track, but suddenly
became popular with radio DJs, which prompted a single release in November
1967.
David's intention
was to describe a women's concern for her partner away serving in the Vietnam
War, but it also tapped into a universal theme of care for a loved one. It
details her small prayers during a typical day - starting from "the moment I wake up / before
I put on my makeup" (similar to the
Beatles "For No One"), her commute ("While riding I think of us") to her break at
work.
These are
heartfelt wishes, as it builds in the chorus to affirm "Forever, forever,
you'll stay in my heart". It sounds fresh and different, partly due to a
different beat pattern in the verse and chorus. Easy listening pop (a compliment not a criticism),
with Warwick's vocals delicately hitting the high notes, and powerful in the
chorus. She is also supported by the gospel vocal group Sweet Inspirations (including
her aunt Cissy Houston).
"I Say A
Little Prayer" was a number 4 hit for Warwick, quickly becoming a
standard, with Aretha Franklin a year later (with Sweet Inspirations backing
too), multiple other artists and the memorable scene in "My Best Friend's
Wedding".
Perhaps Aretha's
version was more emotive, but Warwick's was the original and still captured the
worry and love in her own beautiful way.
A great version of a Bacharach & David classic.
Hear Now - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLCRUWCETK4
Hear Next -
"The Look of Love" is a wonderful compilation of Bacharach
& David highlights.
