Weeks at number one: 2 (5th – 19th November 1954) / Length: 2m40s / Label: Decca
Notable for…oldest female number-oner so far (haven’t checked that)
MELODY & HARMONY ~ 2 : Nothing to write home from the war about. the “my son my son” bit reminds me of that famous song where Homer eats crisps in space
WORDS ~ 4 : For the generation who considered Vera Lynn their definitive sweetheart during the ’39-’45 war (if you can call it that….Eric hobsbawm (sp) tells me to consider 1914 – 1945 as one period of constant conflict), here she is a decade later seeing that same generation though their latest trauma: their children growing up. not exactly the battle of britain i guess, but the war still lingers here: the emphasis on safety and the preciousness of life makes it clear that the completion of childhood is not something to be taken for granted, and there’s an overall air of gratitude that is hard not to find at least a tiny bit touching, in some lame, old-people type way, like how they think pasta is a novelty
VOICE ~ 2 : Did you know ‘Vera Lynn’ is an anagram of ‘Very Lame’?
STRUCTURE ~ 2 : a sort of ABA thing, i guess. mercifully short
PRODUCTION & ARRANGEMENT ~ 2 : Vocals way too loud, also the male choir is absolutely RIDICULOUS
COOLNESS/STYLE ~ 1 : Oh, imagine if your mum bought this record and made you listen to it, and she cried whilst you both sat there and said: “I know I might not always show it, Mark, but I do love you…..and I do want you to do find your way in life…I just can’t see a future in this music thing…..not that you’re not talented, cos you are…..and god knows you practice enough(!)…..all I’m saying is that it can’t hurt to have a back-up plan…….people will always need sinks mending…….and if nothing else you’ll save yourself some money doing your own plumbing….what does Carol say?”
ORIGINALITY/NEWNESS ~ 1 : “old to begin”
CATCHYNESS ~ 2 : Its more of a catchy sentiment than melody….if that makes any sense at all. that’s the bit i’ll remember, i mean
CONNECTION/EMOTIONAL HOLD ~ 2 : Maybe in thirty years i’ll understand,or something
MORALITY/INTENT ~ 3 : Number one for remembrance day….(???)….maybe i’m too cynical but probably the prime demographic for this record was grieving war-mothers
OVERALL ~ 21/100
Spotify here, lyrics here, or buy it: FIVE DISC CD BOX SET!
NUMBER ONE MUSIC DIGEST 