Those magical words...

Ranjan Das Gupta

Valentine’s Day epitomises love and romance. During the medieval era knights knelt in front of their leading ladies requesting to hold their hands. The concept of love has changed through the centuries. Modern day love is bold sans inhibitions but lacks the classicism of yesteryear. Here are five eternally memorable love songs that define romance at its best.

Tell me Quando, Quando, Quando

This Pat Boon number of the 60s was a raging hit. With his baritone the inimitable crooner gave a new, aesthetically rich meaning to love. Quando in Spanish means I love you. Using his vocal octaves like sea waves, Pat Boon sang and recorded the song in two takes. It remains an all-time favourite of Sophia Loren.

O Summer Wine

In no other song did Nancy Sinatra sound so romantic as in O Summer Wine. This evergreen duet of hers with Lee Hazelwood made both internationally famous. Strawberries Cherries and Angel Kissing Springs, the starting words had Nancy Sinatra pausing briefly after the second line. The continuity by Lee Hazelwood spelt a dreamy yet practical romance. The use of bass guitars with horn sections gave the song its true musical meaning.

White Roses of Athens

Greek singer Nana Muscouri is a romantic at heart. Her haunting number White Roses of Athens had rich lyrics. Nana Muscouri shunned vulgarity. Chanting musically the ethnic beauty of white roses she allowed an undercurrent of silent romance to flow.  A shrill tone in certain moments of the song well explained her loneliness and care for nature. It was late Pete Segar’s beloved number.

Free As The Wind

Engelbert Humperdinck won countless hearts with his effortless singing and melodious rendering. His Free As The Wind symbolised independence and romanticism. Engelbert Humperdinck gave a special accent to freedom like the wind and inspired romance which was sublime. 

My World Can Be 

Israli singer Dalia Lavi was an accomplished actress. Her  memorable song is My World Can Be Your World. Through this song she spoke of a free world where inhibitions don’t exist. Dalia Lavi conveyed a number of emotions.