This week’s Two for Tuesday songs are about love at first sight.
I’m a Believer by The Monkees
and
The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face by Roberta Flack
I’m a Believer was written by Neil Diamond. The Monkees recorded the song in 1966 with drummer Mickey Dolenz providing lead vocals. For the last week of the year, 1966, I’m a Believer was No. 1 on the U. S. Billboard Hot 100 chart, and it remained No. 1 for the next seven weeks. I’m a Believer was the last No. 1 hit of 1966 and the biggest-selling single in 1967. The song performed as well in other countries. In 2021, Rolling Stone magazine ranked it Number 341 of its 500 greatest songs of all times list.
The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face was written in 1957 by Ewan MacColl for Peggy Seeger, whom he would later marry. (Peggy—sister to folk musician Pete Seeger). The song was recorded by several folk singers (Kingston Trio – Peter, Paul, and Mary – Gordon Lightfoot), but it didn’t become an international success until Roberta Flack released it in 1972, despite having recorded the song in 1969 and frequently singing it. She won Grammys for Record of the Year and Song of the Year. Billboard ranked the song as the No. 1 Hot 100 single for 1972.
Both songs, though completely opposite in tempo, share the theme of falling in love at first sight. I’m a Believer is a toe-tapping, get-on-your-feet and jump around at the sock hop type song. The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face is a slow, hold-your-partner-close and sway-dance song.
The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face is a favorite wedding song.
I’m a Believer should be. 😉
Until we meet again,
Both great songs and as you say poles apart 💜💜