She's no Dionne Warwick! Dionne brought the "magic" of her truer emotional range purveyed in captivating melodic nuances and in her singular voice and dramatic interpretations. Vocal power alone (as in a roar) is not art. Cilla's voice (like British food) ... authoritative yet bland.
@JudgeJulieLit Totally disagree! I like Dionne Warwick and Cilla Black. But Cilla Black sung this song in the only way it should be sung about the character in question, that was Alfie. She sings it with raw emotion and no one in my view sings this song better than Cilla Black. A very underrated vocalist in my oipnion.
@MsNerin26 Hmm ... okay, I'll try to see the film Alfie (original c. 1965)--likely you make a good point. And hear other Cilla songs. Thanks for your input ... and (from back then) the Beatles themselves share your enthusiasm for her. Have a fab day.
@JudgeJulieLit Yes do watch the original film Alfie that starred Michael Caine. He played this cad character brilliantly and Cilla's version of this lovely song really for me, set the tone of the film and I think she sings the song with the true pathos needed for the movie story.
A different era but Whitney, who sadly passed away today, had the same power in her voice. This is Cilla very early in her career given a golden chance to show her wares and she does just that. A brilliant performance that compliments that of Michael Caine in the title role of the movie. Essential 60's stuff - not to be missed.
A BEAUTIFUL SONG! By Cilla, In The Studio Burt Bacharach Made Cilla Sing This Song Over & Over Again Coz He Was Not Happy With It Then George Martin Said ''Burt What Is It That Your Looking For?'' Burt Said ''I'm Looking For That Magic Sound'' And George Simply Said ''That Magic You Are Looking For Was On Take 4'' And Take 4 Ladies & Gentlemen Is The Take You Hear Today
Cilla startles me everytime she hits the high notes starting with the line "What's it ALL aBOUT when you sort it out Alfie " HAHA<, My vote for the best version of Alfie goes to Dionne Warwick. hands down.
Cilla Black will always be for me one of the 60s' great singers."Alfie"was the first ballad she'd ever tackled and she nailed it. Yes, the sessions were an ordeal for everyone because Bacharach is a perfectionist, but look at the results he got! Stunning, moving performance which hits that emotional chord perfectly. And check out what Bacharach brought out in Dusty Springfield when she sang Ä House Is Not A Home"alongside him - magic.
My take on the Cilla/Dionne debate: First and foremost, I'm an American and a huge Dionne Warwick fan. Like most Americans, until recently I didn't even know who Cilla Black was. Both versions are breathtaking. The phrasing and technique belong to Dionne, but the emotion goes to Cilla. I'll put it this way: Warwick's version gives me the chills. But Cilla's version brings me to tears. So I'll have to say that this song belongs to Cilla Black, with Dionne Warwick coming in a VERY close second.
OK but most importantly - she does that thing - she suddenly transforms the power in her voice - the power ! - she suddenly blows all and everything into the weeds. I have never heard anyone describe what she does and when she does that. They all talk about her technically but she is / was inique. What was that POWER. She got the power ! POWER
Oh come on you lot. This was Cillas nemesis. She HAD to give it her all and she did. Was it perfect ? Yes. It has been perfect ever since and so has she. But, personaly I thought her Anyone who had a heart was the most heart rending thing I have ever heard and it still is. I love you Cilla ! xx
A title song sang by Millicent Martin in the film Alfie (1966) starring Michael Caine, Shelley Winters, Millicent Martin, Julia Foster and Jane Asher. Jane was once engaged to Paul McCartney.It was also nominated Best Song for the Academy Awards.
Cher, Warwick, Streisand et al might have made versions that were technically superior, but the sheer emotion that Cilla puts into this is what does it for me. No-one else can switch from angry to wistful and pleading in quite the same way.
Plus Cilla doesn't just sing - she inhabits the song. You can easily imagine her having been used and discarded by Alfie. Those others, to me, are incapable of being convincing in such a role. Behind their performances, you know they're really hard cases.
@Krzyszczynski Agreed. Cilla perhaps wasn't the most technically proficient singer of this track, but her emotional outpouring on this performance pulls on the heartstrings and elevates the song to another level. There's a certain vulnerability in her voice that almost brings me to tears.
I never heard of her until today. I think this song is perfect for her.
I really don't like her singing on most of her other videos. She tends to wail, go off key and under enunciate.
Maybe Bacharach encouraged her to over enunciate on this one. It feels weird to over enunciate, but it does a lot to keep the voice open and the singer on track. As long as you have a good voice to start with. Otherwise, people will just smile and say, "Oh, how nice." Or throw rocks at you.
@PinkLederhosen I believe he made her do 17 takes of this and she hated the entire experience. I think she had a great voice but Burt , perhaps being american, made her emphasise her "englishness" - when at the time most pop singers (including Cilla) adopted Americanised accents.
I think her voice is great in her other songs, especially the Lennon and McCartney written "Step Inside Love" and this is no exception, really the definitive version. Dionne has never forgiven her though, lol.
@PinkLederhosen Sorry, but you're completely full of shit. Musicians, (singers included) DO NOT have to be formally trained technicians bent on perfection. They have to SERVE the song! and Cilla does that here BRILLIANTLY! All of her flaws and technical shortcomings suit the vibe of the tune, and the overall mood of the film for which it was written. This is a POP song written for a FILM made in 1967! Louis Armstrong singing "Hello Dolly" is another example of what I'm describing.
I would to hear her sing this one more time - maybe 'Loose Women' would be the best place or even better on Paul O'Grady's show with him playing the part of Alfie - now that would be something!!!
@worldpeace32 Like Cilla? Or as good as Cilla? Not many sang like her but IMHO Pet Clark, Sandy Denny and Dusty Springfield were all great in their fields.
A powerful song with comforting lyrics I had almost forgotten. I'd never heard the Cilla Black version, but now that I have, I find it's my favorite (with absolutely NO disrespect to the legendary Barbara Streisand or Dionne Warwick). "I believe in LOVE, Alfie. Without true LOVE, we just exist" So True. Thank you for posting. Peace & Love to ALL.
Cilla, with the right song and production made some good singles that eptomise the 1960's just as Maddona did for the 1980's This was brilliant as was that song she did with the lyrics...dirty as a dustbin lid...Now what song was that?
I saw a documentary with George Martin, who produced this record, where he said it was Take 3 that was released, although Bacharach pushed on with many further takes with Cilla's singing deteriorating all the time as she didn't see what he wanted from her. It was Martin who pursuaded Bacharach that Take 3 was the one to use. Cilla's greatest achievement - magnificent performance.
this song is beautifully sung by cilla black,the very best version in my opinion,alison moyet does a credible version too,dionne and cher are great singers but this song belongs to cilla.
While Dionne Warwick soars and glides on this song, Cilla unfortunately stomps and clomps through it gracelessly. It's a pity because she actually has a nice vocal timbre.
Another thing that helps Cilla own this over Dionne Warwick is the fact that Cilla is English and the film is such an English film (even though the song is written by Americans!)
What a smart move for posterity to have cameras at a 60's recording session - a rarity. We're actually witnessing something which has gone forever in popular music: the performance in the recording studio.
This is not Dionne's song by any stretch of the imagination. Cilla totally OWNS this song. Bacharach himself said Cilla's was the definitive version of his song.
Certain artists own certain songs, granted it was initially Cilla's but Bacharach still felt he wasn't satisfied with the initial take. I'll have to go with the composer's gut feeling. I'd say that Burt knows damn well what he wants and has a preeeeety good ear for music.
All you claiming that she 'copied' Dionne's version are idiots as she recorded it first. Dionne recorded this after 40+ other versions had been recorded!!! Some 4 years later so chomp on that. Cilla destroyed the composition as she interpreted it so get over it. 0_o
@csupremes Your kidding me? Neither of those woman have any sort of emotion in their voices. They have nice voices but Cher owns that song. Its about a young girl in love and you cant beat the raw voice and emotion 20 yr old Cher brings to it...
@Tagg63 Are you kidding me? Did you ever see the original movie? It's not about a young girl in love ,it's about Alfie and the heartless, selfish person that WAS Alfie. Powerful movie and then it ends with Cher's version of the song which did fit the music of the time but not the picture it's self. And so you know, I loved Cher's voice during the 60's.Raw and full of emotion but then she changed her style and it lost something for me.
@csupremes I have always adored this song, and I love both versions as they are so different to me..
It's as if Cilla is singing to Alfie from afar..... narrating his selfishness and losses in the end... Cher, on the other hand, sounds like she is singing to Alfie, like one of his women he kicked to the curb.... desolate and hurt...
@TheAlysheba It is such a good song and i like your thoughts on both of those versions. You obviously saw the original movie because you understand what is being said. You make no mention of Dionne's version.
@Tagg63 I just checked out your channel and that version of Alfie is not the movie version and my comments were on the movie soundtrack. The version you are showing i like much better then the movie.
Cilla owns "You're My World". Jackie DeShannon owns "What the World Needs Now"and Dionne owns "Alfie". Cilla can belt with power but there are moments in the song where she resembles Ethel Merman and Kate Smith. I'm sure when the Bacharach-David-Warwick hit machine was in motion it pleased a lot of listeners in the UK, so why not give Cilla the nod to cover thes songs across the pond.Warwick stated "if I sneezed on my recording, Cilla would do the same on hers"
Actually Cilla sang it before Dionne. Even though it was written with Dionne's voice in mind the movie was done in London and they wanted a Brit singer for the film. They used Cher in the U.S. Rumor has it that Burt required tons of retakes to get it just right. You can see around 2:00 the expression from Cilla as if she's saying 'hope I hit that big note?' She did. Great video of recording techniques of the 60s
SORRY....but DIONNE WARWICK owns this song. Cilla just basically copies Dionne Warwick. She has no soul, she shouts. No comparison to Warwick's version (which was the million seller worldwide).
To say "she is awful" and then blabber something about "sheer faced effrontery" demonstrates that not only do you know nothing, but that you also can't handle poly-syllabic words very well. I can respect opinons that differ from my own. But yours is worthless.
Of all the tons of versions of this song recorded by different singers I think this is the best one. She was amazing and apparently Burt Bacharach thought so too.
A song as great as this will always be wonderful left in the capable hands of any great singer. I love Barbara Streisands, and Dionne Warwicks versions also. But to me this song will always belong to Cilla Black. I just think her joy of singing the song is captured in the performance more than any other I have heard. No disrespect intended to any other performer. Every performer has their signature song. This one belongs to Cilla.
A song as great as this will always be wonderful left in the capable hands of any great singer. I love Barbara Streisands, and Dionne Warwicks versions also. But to me this song will always belong to Cilla Black. I just think her joy of singing the song is captured in the performance more than any other I have heard. No disrespect intended to any other performer. Every performer has their signature song. This one belongs to Cilla.
I don't think anyone records this way anymore; live with orchestra, piano, back up singers, live in the studio. I read Bacharach did nearly 20 takes until he felt it was just right. George Martin produced this. It's said that he remarked Cila got it on the first few takes but Burt wanted more. Whatever, this is really beautiful. Also, notice that Cila was not a particularly beautiful woman in comparison to today's singers. Back then looks weren't as important as talent. Not today.
@Monkey45008 No thank God, Cilla has not the ubiquitous aquiline cookie cutter face purported as beauty but a face of singular beauty as is that singularly beautiful voice. Il est dit que «la beauté est dans l'œil du spectateur." Et je suis entièrement d'accord, car elle est la beauté pour moi.
and she sounded so much like Dionne Warwick on this one, too. Maybe that's why she did so many covers of songs that Dionne Warwick did. This one she might have done before Warwick, but the style was definitely the Bacharach and David sound. I prefer that little edge that Warwick had, but this is really quite fine.
Cilla's greatest ever. Burt B:s greatest? Certainly one of them. Amazing recording to this day. Being a teenager during the 60'ies, I'm prejudiced... but was there ever a better time for pop music?
didn't burt do about 31 takes..and then decide that take 2 or 3 was the best ? .. brilliant .. watch him conducting .. unfortunately , cilla will be remembered as a saturday tacky night tv host .. and not this ..
What a genius at work, Mr. Bacharach is...One day he'll be acknowledged as one of the worlds best composers ever. He already is, for a lot of critics and fans.
wow, what a beautiful song! she has such an amazing voice too, it's perfect for a song like this one! everytime i hear this song it makes me think of my good friend Alfio, but i like to call him Alfie sometimes. i would just love to sing this song some time, it's really sweet.
this is one of the rare bacharach songs when lyrics came first....one tends to believe that is the right sequence. and - sorry Dionne, my goddess- Cilla is a perfect choice. i simply am falling for her.
Expecting to hear Dionne, I was surprised to see Cilla in this same documentary. Being here in the states, all I heard was "You're My World", in turn my neighbor never heard that song but loved emphatically, Cilla's version of Alfie. At first impression I felt that this melancholic masterpiece should not be belted out in E. Merman or K. Smith fashion.I now realize that Cilla had done it the only way Cilla can. That day the winds were right ,the planets aligned,forever etched in time.
A couple of years ago my English neighbor, a retired sound mixer and Emmy award winner here in So. Cal. invited me over one afternoon to listen to how he put it in his own words, "the best rendition of Alfie".
This has everything... great song, composition, arrangement, performance, etc. Epiphany is a word that comes to mind. The musical gods had a hand in this cutting of this track. It is truly a great and rare work of art.
The look in Cilla's eyes and her mannerisms as she's singing make her look like she's in her own zone outside of reality, like she's caught a wave and she's riding high on it. Absolute perfection.
@GoldenTornado : I agree--a perfect comment to this perfect moment in music history. In addition, I love how this was recorded the old-fashioned way: sung live, with orchestra and backing vocals all at once, not pieced together like a jigsaw puzzle.
This is the definitive version of Alfie by which all others should be judged. Cilla does an absolutely fantastic job here and nobody else sings it as well - no not even Dionne.
I always thought Cilla struggled with most songs she sung, but this is a wonderful performance with a top arrangement from Mr Bacharach. I'm so glad it was captured on film. Love it!
I remember seeing this on TV in a Cilla/Bacharach special a few years ago. It impressed me so much then - and it still has the same impact now, over and over again. A wonderful composition, interpreted to perfection. No-one can sing this as well as our Cilla!
@MrAlbundy87 She had to do more takes than 3, although I think Burt used her 1st take in the end. Much respect to Hal David who is usually forgotten and shouldn't be.
@ppaulmorris ghb61 observing 'you know nothing' may be harsh, but you do fail on 2 accounts: (1) I 'guess' you mean Cilla had 'sheer bold faced effrontery'? -- or the comment has no real meaning. If so, I hardly think this example of her singing suggests she is 'brazen' or 'impudent': therefore is inappropriate.
(2) Cilla herself would not claim to have been a 'great' singer, but she sings with character, and most of all with HEART, and that makes her rendition of a difficult lyric, special.
@TruthfulBrute - It is all about opinion so save your smarmy illogical comments. You fail by actually calling her a singer. Game, set and match to me.
I love this song so much, my little boy who would be 3 in 2 days time if he hadn't been from SIDS was named after this- luv my little angel Alfie ♥. thank you so much for sharing it. x.
@ghb61 thanks for your heart felt sentiments-the song means a lot of things-its damn you do or not &gains and losses in life-and the question of .what is it all about-where we have huge problems in war ,hunger,resources growing over population-and many complex issues-i think-its touching--and the inevitable losses in all lives at the end--burt made her work hard for this song-pushed cilla to the edges of her staying power--what wondeful vocals she has-in all her music-just got to love her ,thx
Well done! You managed to keep it in sync as well as mine (not easy - is it?) But I only had a slightly scratchy record of it, thus yours is better - although the mix sounds slightly different. I did mine years ago, for my own entertainment, but then, when I got online and discovered YouTube... It'll be interesting to see if your version overtakes mine in hits - the race is ON!!!
Though I like Dionne Warwick's version better---she's got a better voice---it's still *amazing* to see this original recording.
Such an incredible song. The combination of musical complexity and lyrical honesty are breathtaking...
tgflux 3 days ago
This is true vocal talent and musicality that you rarely hear these days with what passes for 'singing' now. Beyonce, One Direction, need I go on. :)
MsNerin26 1 week ago
She's no Dionne Warwick! Dionne brought the "magic" of her truer emotional range purveyed in captivating melodic nuances and in her singular voice and dramatic interpretations. Vocal power alone (as in a roar) is not art. Cilla's voice (like British food) ... authoritative yet bland.
JudgeJulieLit 3 weeks ago
@JudgeJulieLit Totally disagree! I like Dionne Warwick and Cilla Black. But Cilla Black sung this song in the only way it should be sung about the character in question, that was Alfie. She sings it with raw emotion and no one in my view sings this song better than Cilla Black. A very underrated vocalist in my oipnion.
MsNerin26 1 week ago
@MsNerin26 Hmm ... okay, I'll try to see the film Alfie (original c. 1965)--likely you make a good point. And hear other Cilla songs. Thanks for your input ... and (from back then) the Beatles themselves share your enthusiasm for her. Have a fab day.
JudgeJulieLit 1 week ago
@JudgeJulieLit Yes do watch the original film Alfie that starred Michael Caine. He played this cad character brilliantly and Cilla's version of this lovely song really for me, set the tone of the film and I think she sings the song with the true pathos needed for the movie story.
MsNerin26 1 week ago
A different era but Whitney, who sadly passed away today, had the same power in her voice. This is Cilla very early in her career given a golden chance to show her wares and she does just that. A brilliant performance that compliments that of Michael Caine in the title role of the movie. Essential 60's stuff - not to be missed.
alanleespin 3 weeks ago
A BEAUTIFUL SONG! By Cilla, In The Studio Burt Bacharach Made Cilla Sing This Song Over & Over Again Coz He Was Not Happy With It Then George Martin Said ''Burt What Is It That Your Looking For?'' Burt Said ''I'm Looking For That Magic Sound'' And George Simply Said ''That Magic You Are Looking For Was On Take 4'' And Take 4 Ladies & Gentlemen Is The Take You Hear Today
ninjabluewings 3 weeks ago
Cilla startles me everytime she hits the high notes starting with the line "What's it ALL aBOUT when you sort it out Alfie " HAHA<, My vote for the best version of Alfie goes to Dionne Warwick. hands down.
steamyboy69 3 weeks ago
It's pretty good
sammy7819 4 weeks ago
This has been flagged as spam show
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BACHARACH WAS A FUCKING TYRANT ON THIS SESSION AND MADE CILLA CRY - PLUS HE LOOKED AND ACTED FRUITY. WHAT A JEWISH JERK.
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People cry all the time. I'm crying right now ... well
Ken1Nickels1 4 weeks ago
Cilla Black will always be for me one of the 60s' great singers."Alfie"was the first ballad she'd ever tackled and she nailed it. Yes, the sessions were an ordeal for everyone because Bacharach is a perfectionist, but look at the results he got! Stunning, moving performance which hits that emotional chord perfectly. And check out what Bacharach brought out in Dusty Springfield when she sang Ä House Is Not A Home"alongside him - magic.
duckiwi 1 month ago 2
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BACHARACH WAS A FUCKING TYRANT ON THIS SESSION AND MADE CILLA CRY - PLUS HE LOOKED AND ACTED FRUITY. WHAT A JEWISH JERK.
washboardblues 1 month ago
clair magire
glenys081 1 month ago
My dogs name is Alfie
PGMEagle 1 month ago
sh e was so b etter than Barbra streisand.....not evn close. this woman was soooo underrated. she was one of the greatest singers EVER!
bluepastry 2 months ago
cher was good too, dont forget her
AMsrok00 2 months ago
My take on the Cilla/Dionne debate: First and foremost, I'm an American and a huge Dionne Warwick fan. Like most Americans, until recently I didn't even know who Cilla Black was. Both versions are breathtaking. The phrasing and technique belong to Dionne, but the emotion goes to Cilla. I'll put it this way: Warwick's version gives me the chills. But Cilla's version brings me to tears. So I'll have to say that this song belongs to Cilla Black, with Dionne Warwick coming in a VERY close second.
angelthman 2 months ago
OK but most importantly - she does that thing - she suddenly transforms the power in her voice - the power ! - she suddenly blows all and everything into the weeds. I have never heard anyone describe what she does and when she does that. They all talk about her technically but she is / was inique. What was that POWER. She got the power ! POWER
unclenora 2 months ago 5
why do people leave horrible postings ? oh yea, because they are horrible. Seemples
unclenora 2 months ago
Oh Cilla
unclenora 2 months ago
Oh come on you lot. This was Cillas nemesis. She HAD to give it her all and she did. Was it perfect ? Yes. It has been perfect ever since and so has she. But, personaly I thought her Anyone who had a heart was the most heart rending thing I have ever heard and it still is. I love you Cilla ! xx
unclenora 2 months ago
@unclenora Who was Cilla's nemesis?
angelthman 2 months ago
She is amazing. Wow.
universityofwtmp 2 months ago
@universityofwtmp You sir, GET IT!!!.... +1
432ps1 2 months ago
Good song, She sang it very well.
A title song sang by Millicent Martin in the film Alfie (1966) starring Michael Caine, Shelley Winters, Millicent Martin, Julia Foster and Jane Asher. Jane was once engaged to Paul McCartney.It was also nominated Best Song for the Academy Awards.
MickileungHK 3 months ago
Cher, Warwick, Streisand et al might have made versions that were technically superior, but the sheer emotion that Cilla puts into this is what does it for me. No-one else can switch from angry to wistful and pleading in quite the same way.
Plus Cilla doesn't just sing - she inhabits the song. You can easily imagine her having been used and discarded by Alfie. Those others, to me, are incapable of being convincing in such a role. Behind their performances, you know they're really hard cases.
Krzyszczynski 3 months ago 2
@Krzyszczynski Agreed. Cilla perhaps wasn't the most technically proficient singer of this track, but her emotional outpouring on this performance pulls on the heartstrings and elevates the song to another level. There's a certain vulnerability in her voice that almost brings me to tears.
432ps1 2 months ago 2
absolute charm cilla and burt.
marycigarettes 3 months ago in playlist More videos from MrAlbundy87
I never heard of her until today. I think this song is perfect for her.
I really don't like her singing on most of her other videos. She tends to wail, go off key and under enunciate.
Maybe Bacharach encouraged her to over enunciate on this one. It feels weird to over enunciate, but it does a lot to keep the voice open and the singer on track. As long as you have a good voice to start with. Otherwise, people will just smile and say, "Oh, how nice." Or throw rocks at you.
PinkLederhosen 3 months ago
@PinkLederhosen I believe he made her do 17 takes of this and she hated the entire experience. I think she had a great voice but Burt , perhaps being american, made her emphasise her "englishness" - when at the time most pop singers (including Cilla) adopted Americanised accents.
I think her voice is great in her other songs, especially the Lennon and McCartney written "Step Inside Love" and this is no exception, really the definitive version. Dionne has never forgiven her though, lol.
Nanobots 3 months ago
@PinkLederhosen Sorry, but you're completely full of shit. Musicians, (singers included) DO NOT have to be formally trained technicians bent on perfection. They have to SERVE the song! and Cilla does that here BRILLIANTLY! All of her flaws and technical shortcomings suit the vibe of the tune, and the overall mood of the film for which it was written. This is a POP song written for a FILM made in 1967! Louis Armstrong singing "Hello Dolly" is another example of what I'm describing.
432ps1 2 months ago
Comment removed
PinkLederhosen 3 months ago
I would to hear her sing this one more time - maybe 'Loose Women' would be the best place or even better on Paul O'Grady's show with him playing the part of Alfie - now that would be something!!!
gazza3337 4 months ago in playlist gazza3337's favourites
Her bridge reminds me of an older "Annie." Dionne is the QUEEN.
ValleyGold 4 months ago
cool 'old' film clip of recording session.
lunarmation 4 months ago
Is there anymore British singers who could sing like Cilla Black?
worldpeace32 5 months ago
@worldpeace32 Like Cilla? Or as good as Cilla? Not many sang like her but IMHO Pet Clark, Sandy Denny and Dusty Springfield were all great in their fields.
clivedxb 3 months ago
Cilla was the "Pepsi" girl in the 60s. I remember her doing the commercials.
hfkderby 5 months ago
Next! What a horrid rendition. Sorry, honey, you're no Streisand. Never make it in Hollywood. Tired old thing!
ClassicChiara 5 months ago
A powerful song with comforting lyrics I had almost forgotten. I'd never heard the Cilla Black version, but now that I have, I find it's my favorite (with absolutely NO disrespect to the legendary Barbara Streisand or Dionne Warwick). "I believe in LOVE, Alfie. Without true LOVE, we just exist" So True. Thank you for posting. Peace & Love to ALL.
mjcamck 5 months ago 2
Cilla, with the right song and production made some good singles that eptomise the 1960's just as Maddona did for the 1980's This was brilliant as was that song she did with the lyrics...dirty as a dustbin lid...Now what song was that?
TheBobitt 5 months ago
@TheBobitt It's called The Mucky Kid or Liverpool Lullaby ("Oh you are a mucky kid, Dirty as a dustbin lid...").
Nanobots 3 months ago
It's Cilla's and Burt's (and Hal's) song. Sorry, Dionne. Yes...magic in this one. Check out Cilla doing Lennon/McCartney's, "It's for You".
librastars 6 months ago
She gave it her all in this performance did she not, so full of emotion...I love it.
The words are pure Poetry...........and so true............
"Without true Love we Just exist......." gives me shivers...........
thankyou so much......
LadyMyrddin 6 months ago
I saw a documentary with George Martin, who produced this record, where he said it was Take 3 that was released, although Bacharach pushed on with many further takes with Cilla's singing deteriorating all the time as she didn't see what he wanted from her. It was Martin who pursuaded Bacharach that Take 3 was the one to use. Cilla's greatest achievement - magnificent performance.
mkgrunfield 6 months ago
God, I cant stop listening to this lovely song .. ta Cilla ..
taemurz 6 months ago
this song is beautifully sung by cilla black,the very best version in my opinion,alison moyet does a credible version too,dionne and cher are great singers but this song belongs to cilla.
faltskog36abba 6 months ago 3
What a great voice and performance! Wow thats good!
sfmarklh 7 months ago
Cilla Black owns this song .. end of .
barryeaton 7 months ago
WOW !!!!!!!
barryeaton 7 months ago
beautiful voice ...I love her version
missionchic1230 8 months ago
While Dionne Warwick soars and glides on this song, Cilla unfortunately stomps and clomps through it gracelessly. It's a pity because she actually has a nice vocal timbre.
direfranchement 8 months ago
She can have Alfie, but Dionne Warwick owns the rest!
guinnesstrail 8 months ago
Another thing that helps Cilla own this over Dionne Warwick is the fact that Cilla is English and the film is such an English film (even though the song is written by Americans!)
ancientraver19881989 8 months ago
Nice voice.
Inyakis 8 months ago
What a smart move for posterity to have cameras at a 60's recording session - a rarity. We're actually witnessing something which has gone forever in popular music: the performance in the recording studio.
MrPoupard 8 months ago
@Tagg63yes.....'heartless,selfish'...well said fellow messager....still a few Alfie casanova wannabes floating around in this world...sadly
TheBluebellMoon2 9 months ago
dionne warwick was in mind when this song was writen ,cilla is a great singer but....she is not dionne
trastis 9 months ago
spot on
motorandmarket 9 months ago
This is not Dionne's song by any stretch of the imagination. Cilla totally OWNS this song. Bacharach himself said Cilla's was the definitive version of his song.
FlamingFairy 9 months ago 2
Natural , emotional , . The Lovely Cilla
Ettoredipugnar 9 months ago
Go on our Cilla, give it some. I like a bit of regional accent coming through, not just generic
ContentiousMoi 10 months ago
This song has it alll and Cilla is flawless beautiful
anglianchannel 10 months ago
Certain artists own certain songs, granted it was initially Cilla's but Bacharach still felt he wasn't satisfied with the initial take. I'll have to go with the composer's gut feeling. I'd say that Burt knows damn well what he wants and has a preeeeety good ear for music.
mistressofaminer 10 months ago
this song was written for Cilla but because of recording contracts she was unable to record the song for the film.
5682sparky 10 months ago
All you claiming that she 'copied' Dionne's version are idiots as she recorded it first. Dionne recorded this after 40+ other versions had been recorded!!! Some 4 years later so chomp on that. Cilla destroyed the composition as she interpreted it so get over it. 0_o
reincreel 10 months ago
excuse me, a year later (Dionne's version)
reincreel 10 months ago
Nice but this is Dionne's song. Dionne's version is more in keeping with the mood of the movie. Never did like Cher's version at the end of the movie
csupremes 10 months ago
@csupremes Your kidding me? Neither of those woman have any sort of emotion in their voices. They have nice voices but Cher owns that song. Its about a young girl in love and you cant beat the raw voice and emotion 20 yr old Cher brings to it...
Tagg63 9 months ago
@Tagg63 Are you kidding me? Did you ever see the original movie? It's not about a young girl in love ,it's about Alfie and the heartless, selfish person that WAS Alfie. Powerful movie and then it ends with Cher's version of the song which did fit the music of the time but not the picture it's self. And so you know, I loved Cher's voice during the 60's.Raw and full of emotion but then she changed her style and it lost something for me.
csupremes 9 months ago
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TheAlysheba 8 months ago
@csupremes I have always adored this song, and I love both versions as they are so different to me..
It's as if Cilla is singing to Alfie from afar..... narrating his selfishness and losses in the end... Cher, on the other hand, sounds like she is singing to Alfie, like one of his women he kicked to the curb.... desolate and hurt...
TheAlysheba 8 months ago
@TheAlysheba It is such a good song and i like your thoughts on both of those versions. You obviously saw the original movie because you understand what is being said. You make no mention of Dionne's version.
csupremes 8 months ago
@csupremes I like Dionne, but Alfie is Cilla's and Cher's... That's just my opinion...
TheAlysheba 8 months ago
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direfranchement 8 months ago
@Tagg63 I just checked out your channel and that version of Alfie is not the movie version and my comments were on the movie soundtrack. The version you are showing i like much better then the movie.
csupremes 9 months ago
SHODDA BEEN - WHAT IT ALL ABOUT RALPHIE ! WHAT THE HELL IS A ALFIE?
HEARTHEANGELSVOICES 10 months ago
Cilla owns "You're My World". Jackie DeShannon owns "What the World Needs Now"and Dionne owns "Alfie". Cilla can belt with power but there are moments in the song where she resembles Ethel Merman and Kate Smith. I'm sure when the Bacharach-David-Warwick hit machine was in motion it pleased a lot of listeners in the UK, so why not give Cilla the nod to cover thes songs across the pond.Warwick stated "if I sneezed on my recording, Cilla would do the same on hers"
mistressofaminer 10 months ago
the best version.cill doesnt scream,she belts!big difference.the sheer power of that magnificent voice!thrilling to hear and see
sampson1959 10 months ago
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Actually Cilla sang it before Dionne. Even though it was written with Dionne's voice in mind the movie was done in London and they wanted a Brit singer for the film. They used Cher in the U.S. Rumor has it that Burt required tons of retakes to get it just right. You can see around 2:00 the expression from Cilla as if she's saying 'hope I hit that big note?' She did. Great video of recording techniques of the 60s
dlangegoogle 10 months ago
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dlangegoogle 10 months ago
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dlangegoogle 10 months ago
Its true Cilla screams on these songs, I dont know how she got away with it back then.
merseybee 10 months ago
Priscilla Maria Veronica White...FANTASTIC !!!!!!
derossire 10 months ago
SORRY....but DIONNE WARWICK owns this song. Cilla just basically copies Dionne Warwick. She has no soul, she shouts. No comparison to Warwick's version (which was the million seller worldwide).
ArchieBivens 11 months ago
Brilliant.. I recall Cilla during this film mentioning how painful it was to work with Burt. Not a bad gig, tho.
Great upload.
pbyardh 11 months ago
My favorite version of this song. Dionne's is great but Cilla's interpretation has such passion and texture. The film is charming, too.!
sumigurl 11 months ago
@ppaulmorris:
To say "she is awful" and then blabber something about "sheer faced effrontery" demonstrates that not only do you know nothing, but that you also can't handle poly-syllabic words very well. I can respect opinons that differ from my own. But yours is worthless.
ghb61 11 months ago
Of all the tons of versions of this song recorded by different singers I think this is the best one. She was amazing and apparently Burt Bacharach thought so too.
lasktdave 11 months ago
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A song as great as this will always be wonderful left in the capable hands of any great singer. I love Barbara Streisands, and Dionne Warwicks versions also. But to me this song will always belong to Cilla Black. I just think her joy of singing the song is captured in the performance more than any other I have heard. No disrespect intended to any other performer. Every performer has their signature song. This one belongs to Cilla.
russell0769 11 months ago
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A song as great as this will always be wonderful left in the capable hands of any great singer. I love Barbara Streisands, and Dionne Warwicks versions also. But to me this song will always belong to Cilla Black. I just think her joy of singing the song is captured in the performance more than any other I have heard. No disrespect intended to any other performer. Every performer has their signature song. This one belongs to Cilla.
russell0769 11 months ago
while cleaning my tears(the truth) i´ll send you a happy oldie by the great cilla (1968)
Montanarus 11 months ago
I don't think anyone records this way anymore; live with orchestra, piano, back up singers, live in the studio. I read Bacharach did nearly 20 takes until he felt it was just right. George Martin produced this. It's said that he remarked Cila got it on the first few takes but Burt wanted more. Whatever, this is really beautiful. Also, notice that Cila was not a particularly beautiful woman in comparison to today's singers. Back then looks weren't as important as talent. Not today.
Monkey45008 1 year ago
@Monkey45008 No thank God, Cilla has not the ubiquitous aquiline cookie cutter face purported as beauty but a face of singular beauty as is that singularly beautiful voice. Il est dit que «la beauté est dans l'œil du spectateur." Et je suis entièrement d'accord, car elle est la beauté pour moi.
crockyoshighty 11 months ago
omigod - speechless - tears
ivycompton 1 year ago
This brought tears to my eyes.
tjb516 1 year ago
She does a fine version, but dionne warwicks voice really handle this song. this is DONNE WARWICKS song!
masc6feet1man 1 year ago
@masc6feet1man
This is without question Cillas song. I agree. Dionne sings it beautifully. But she has plenty songs of her own. This one belongs to Cilla.
russell0769 11 months ago
my grandad used to sing this to me when i was little... RIP Grandad xx
forwantofabetterword 1 year ago 5
@forwantofabetterword My mother used to sing it as she pushed me in my stroller. I'm in my 40's now and still love it :)
akabbott 1 year ago
and she sounded so much like Dionne Warwick on this one, too. Maybe that's why she did so many covers of songs that Dionne Warwick did. This one she might have done before Warwick, but the style was definitely the Bacharach and David sound. I prefer that little edge that Warwick had, but this is really quite fine.
LaerdBryn 1 year ago
For me - this IS the best song Cilla ever recorded. This song is perfect for her voice. The Lyrics are absolutely brilliant A Classic!
MissymissyJo 1 year ago
this is the best version of this song thanks Cilla
whileweareaway 1 year ago
God, how i wish for a return to a world where records were made by musicians! Thank you so much for posting this gem!
trkkazulu 1 year ago 3
@mikeymax777
listen to a girl called rumer. will you find her on youtube.
maybe her voice is not as strong as cilla or dusty. but it is beautiful.
and she is english.
londonbossa1 1 year ago
love the way B.Bacharach is conducting. :)
mgxxgm999 1 year ago
Cilla's greatest ever. Burt B:s greatest? Certainly one of them. Amazing recording to this day. Being a teenager during the 60'ies, I'm prejudiced... but was there ever a better time for pop music?
steffekingen 1 year ago
didn't burt do about 31 takes..and then decide that take 2 or 3 was the best ? .. brilliant .. watch him conducting .. unfortunately , cilla will be remembered as a saturday tacky night tv host .. and not this ..
barryeaton 1 year ago
What a genius at work, Mr. Bacharach is...One day he'll be acknowledged as one of the worlds best composers ever. He already is, for a lot of critics and fans.
alekx77 1 year ago
wow, what a beautiful song! she has such an amazing voice too, it's perfect for a song like this one! everytime i hear this song it makes me think of my good friend Alfio, but i like to call him Alfie sometimes. i would just love to sing this song some time, it's really sweet.
godspringirl1 1 year ago
this is one of the rare bacharach songs when lyrics came first....one tends to believe that is the right sequence. and - sorry Dionne, my goddess- Cilla is a perfect choice. i simply am falling for her.
Petiszived 1 year ago
Is that backing singer Camilla Parker-Bowles???!!!
Sweetjuniperberry 1 year ago
@Sweetjuniperberry - close, but no turnip greens for you. That's Mister Ed.
jjpmstd 1 year ago
@iepurasdragalas22 so sweet :*
TAUSENDSCHON1 1 year ago
Is the singer on the left in the backing vocal trio Ellie Greenwich?
FabFrank1 1 year ago
@FabFrank1 : YES ! That's Ellie. Burt brought his favorite female songwriter/singer with him to record this.
NikkiVideo 1 year ago
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Good on ya Cilla! Perfect delivery of an awesome song.
FikaFua89 1 year ago
Good on ya Cilla! Perfect delivery of an awesome song.
FikaFua89 1 year ago
What a treat!
JVOCQC 1 year ago
Expecting to hear Dionne, I was surprised to see Cilla in this same documentary. Being here in the states, all I heard was "You're My World", in turn my neighbor never heard that song but loved emphatically, Cilla's version of Alfie. At first impression I felt that this melancholic masterpiece should not be belted out in E. Merman or K. Smith fashion.I now realize that Cilla had done it the only way Cilla can. That day the winds were right ,the planets aligned,forever etched in time.
Soundexpert100 1 year ago
A couple of years ago my English neighbor, a retired sound mixer and Emmy award winner here in So. Cal. invited me over one afternoon to listen to how he put it in his own words, "the best rendition of Alfie".
Soundexpert100 1 year ago
This has everything... great song, composition, arrangement, performance, etc. Epiphany is a word that comes to mind. The musical gods had a hand in this cutting of this track. It is truly a great and rare work of art.
The look in Cilla's eyes and her mannerisms as she's singing make her look like she's in her own zone outside of reality, like she's caught a wave and she's riding high on it. Absolute perfection.
GoldenTornado 1 year ago 32
@GoldenTornado wow best comment ever and -thanx for your Epiphany as well.
MrAlbundy87 1 year ago 6
@MrAlbundy87
It would be impossible to make a bad comment about either the song, the singer or the superb writer.
conniff44 1 year ago
@GoldenTornado : Your comments are as perfect as this recording. Thanks.
ghb61 1 year ago
@GoldenTornado : I agree--a perfect comment to this perfect moment in music history. In addition, I love how this was recorded the old-fashioned way: sung live, with orchestra and backing vocals all at once, not pieced together like a jigsaw puzzle.
ghb61 1 year ago
Thanks for this!
4Adriene 1 year ago
Where did all these power house singers go today?
These were the days.......
puggychu 1 year ago
This is the definitive version of Alfie by which all others should be judged. Cilla does an absolutely fantastic job here and nobody else sings it as well - no not even Dionne.
FlamingFairy 1 year ago
@FlamingFairy great version by Cilla but don't dismiss Dionne's. Hers is better in my opinion.
marydbest1 1 year ago
When pushed, Cilla's vocal chops could really surprise....with a uniquely English soulfulness...very under-rated!
jimdivax 1 year ago
@jimdivax yes-cilla still has the voice as others have withered away
she worked hard to perfect this version..
simonmoves 1 year ago
I always thought Cilla struggled with most songs she sung, but this is a wonderful performance with a top arrangement from Mr Bacharach. I'm so glad it was captured on film. Love it!
Craigtoun 1 year ago
Great song, singer and film
catkinstra 1 year ago
Great voice!
screenwitch 1 year ago
I remember seeing this on TV in a Cilla/Bacharach special a few years ago. It impressed me so much then - and it still has the same impact now, over and over again. A wonderful composition, interpreted to perfection. No-one can sing this as well as our Cilla!
SomersetBob 1 year ago 6
@SomersetBob thanks for your comments--yes i remember seeing that--bacharach was trying to get the best from cilla--probably take 3--
MrAlbundy87 1 year ago 2
@MrAlbundy87 She had to do more takes than 3, although I think Burt used her 1st take in the end. Much respect to Hal David who is usually forgotten and shouldn't be.
Hania454 7 months ago
The best vocal version of this song - EVER!
napierlad 1 year ago
She is awful. It is all about sheer faced effrontery.
ppaulmorris 1 year ago
@ppaulmorris :
You know nothing.
ghb61 1 year ago
Criticising someone just for having an opinion different to yours. You really do sound a reasonable person. Quality.
ppaulmorris 1 year ago
@ppaulmorris ghb61 observing 'you know nothing' may be harsh, but you do fail on 2 accounts: (1) I 'guess' you mean Cilla had 'sheer bold faced effrontery'? -- or the comment has no real meaning. If so, I hardly think this example of her singing suggests she is 'brazen' or 'impudent': therefore is inappropriate.
(2) Cilla herself would not claim to have been a 'great' singer, but she sings with character, and most of all with HEART, and that makes her rendition of a difficult lyric, special.
TruthfulBrute 1 year ago
@TruthfulBrute - It is all about opinion so save your smarmy illogical comments. You fail by actually calling her a singer. Game, set and match to me.
ppaulmorris 11 months ago
@ghb61 Ooops..having a different opinion from you leads the rattle to be thrown out your pram. Grow up.
ppaulmorris 11 months ago
@ppaulmorris Your just trolling. Ciller songs are the only once ever to make the hair on my neck stand up.
So go and play some where else.
flyparagliding 11 months ago
@flyparagliding Weak reply - and you know it. Just because someone does not agree with you.
ppaulmorris 11 months ago
I love this song so much, my little boy who would be 3 in 2 days time if he hadn't been from SIDS was named after this- luv my little angel Alfie ♥. thank you so much for sharing it. x.
millyjean100 1 year ago
perfection.
rooduck 1 year ago
Great video thanks for sharing it. I was 12 when that came out and I had the same haircut. Nice trip down memory lane thanks again.
mylillambs 1 year ago
cant stop playing this, thank you Cilla, means so much xx
patsy571 1 year ago
best bit - WiTHOUT TRUE LOVE WE JUST EXSIST!!!
but its all great, best cilla song.
henner777 1 year ago
this was her finest song.
idleswine 1 year ago
One of the greatest moments in the history of musical recording. Enough said.
Bobbr3 1 year ago
@Bobbr3
I totally agree. Amazing.
ghb61 1 year ago
she delivers this o beautifully
patsy571 1 year ago
One of the best songs ever written by one of the best,underrated singers of all time! Cilla's version is #1.
450984 1 year ago
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i played this at my partner alfies funeral he had always asked me to one day but heartbreakingly i had to far to early in jan 10 he was only 43
andreaalfleahlouie 1 year ago
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andreaalfleahlouie 1 year ago
oh my...i wept while watching this!!!....
crawcoil 1 year ago
@crawcoil I'd bet the bank you weren't alone... : )
Shimmeringsmiley 1 year ago
@crawcoil :
I just discovered this clip about a week ago, have seen it a dozen times or more, and I've wept while watching it each time.
ghb61 1 year ago 3
@ghb61 thanks for your heart felt sentiments-the song means a lot of things-its damn you do or not &gains and losses in life-and the question of .what is it all about-where we have huge problems in war ,hunger,resources growing over population-and many complex issues-i think-its touching--and the inevitable losses in all lives at the end--burt made her work hard for this song-pushed cilla to the edges of her staying power--what wondeful vocals she has-in all her music-just got to love her ,thx
MrAlbundy87 1 year ago
@ghb61 I also weep when ever she's sings, but not for good reasons.
thatsme1945 1 year ago
Cilla deserves tobe dame
slickwillywize 1 year ago
a sad but beautiful song.................
nodnops 1 year ago
Bravo.....
Dorika19870804 2 years ago
brillant 5*
TTTRRRAAA3 2 years ago
Well done! You managed to keep it in sync as well as mine (not easy - is it?) But I only had a slightly scratchy record of it, thus yours is better - although the mix sounds slightly different. I did mine years ago, for my own entertainment, but then, when I got online and discovered YouTube... It'll be interesting to see if your version overtakes mine in hits - the race is ON!!!
morpheusatloppers 2 years ago