I concur with everyone who's recommending Lay Down (Candles in the Rain). It's amazing! If anyone ever asks me what song do I wish I had written, I say that one! 👍
She has a very powerful voice. My favorite song of hers is Lay Down (Candles in the Rain) (with the Edwin Hawkins Singers), from 1970. I'm sure you'll love it!
Melanie is one of those "new" singers who my friends and I "discovered" at Woodstock in '69. It began raining heavily during her set, but she just went on regardless. The next year, she recorded her most famous song "Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)" as a tribute to her experiences at that seminal festival. You should listen to it. Every time I play it, I am drawn back to those memories of four 19-yr old university students, listening to great music while being thoroughly baked, soaked, and muddy!! 😂🥴
Wow, I haven't heard this song in a million years, since I was a little kid and would hear it on the radio. I never thought much about it but that refrain is very memorable. It takes me back to being in the car, my Mom has some radio station on, she's driving me home from pre-school, it's hot and the windows are rolled down because we didn't have AC in our car, and I'm trying not to let the vinyl seat burn my back and thighs. I think I only ever heard this song in the car. It has that kind of rhythm that kids can latch on to and remember them. Yup, that's how I remember this.
Thanks for bringing back those seat covers that would make you regret those hot sunny days. Lol. But that's why you had a family of four kids to make them sit down first. Lol
Hey, at least you weren’t driving. Those metal steering wheels got HOT in the days before you could get leather wraps for them, and sun shades 🕶 for the windshield were not thought of yet.
There is a live version of "Lay Down" with the Edwin Hawkins Singers on a TV show from the Netherlands. It can be found here on YT. It's black and white from 1970 and incredibly powerful. You here a song like "Brand New Key" and might take her range as limited, but not with the live version of "Lay Down". A worthwhile review for your next Melanie song.
"We were so close, there was no room, we bled inside each others wombs.." - Melanie wrote "Candles in the Rain" and the imagery is startling and poetic and disturbing at the same time. But her words have stayed with me to this day.
This recording is one where she’s older, the original recording is even more powerful, as her voice lost a lot of it’s power. She was a powerhouse and sang Ruby Tuesday (by the Rolling Stones) at Woodstock and just blew it out of the park.
You should hear Melanie (Safka)'s first (and much more dramatic) hit, Lay Down Candles, done with the Edwin Hawkins Singers (and yes, about Woodstock). There is a live TV performance on RUclips. But another novelty hit like this one is her Nickel Song. "They only put a nickel in, and they want a dollar song!"
Her song Lay Down (Candles in the Rain) is about her experience at Woodstock in the rain. A beautiful song. This song (Look What they've Done to my Song) is about her experiences with the record industry.
To add to the suggestion below do the live version of "LAY DOWN (Candles in the Rain)" with the Edwin Hawkins Singers !!! It is the best expression of how much power her voice really has. This and the last song are about a 5 in her capability of vocal power, she can hit 10+++
you gotta see and hear Melanie on Lay Down (Candle in the Rain), with the Edwin Hawkins singers. The live tv version from Norway in 1970. You'll love it
I prefer the studio version, but the tv version is almost as good. Melanie doesn't go for all the high notes on the tv version, and overall I think the sound quality is better on the record.
It's so amazing she outlived so many others from the Woodstock era and she's just as beautiful she's in her mid-seventies at least. She's not a young girl anymore but she's still got it. She's still got several albums of good music. One of them I remember specifically is Brand New Key, constantly on the radio.
"Lay Down (Candles in the Rain" is another *totally different* sound, performed with a famous choir, "The Edwin Hawkins Singers". It's about her experience at Woodstock. You might choose the live version on Netherlands TV to see her and her backup and get performers and get more personal connection.
She is also singing in French and Austrian. I had such a crush on her in my young days. Great voice, and Lay Down with the Edwin Hawkins Singer is a must. She also performed at Woodstock as a single act (no other musicians on stage). Pretty brave for a 22 year old female artist at the time.
Melonie was a phenomenal person and singer. Like it’s been mentioned many times in the comments Candles in the rain (lay down) is a definite one to react to. Much love and smiles robsquad family
"Look what they've done to my brain, ma, look what they've done to my brain"...I understood what she meant the first time I heard this, and it still makes me shiver.
Everyone's favourite "flower power" girl ❤👍 There's a couple of very good videos showing how she connected with her audience. A couple of suggestions for future reactions: Her contribution to the Peace and Love culture of the 60/70s "Peace Will Come". Will literally "blow you away". A heartfelt, empathetic version of the Rolling Stones' "Ruby Tuesday". And a surprising performance from the early 90s of Bob Dylan's "A Hard Rains Gonna Fall". She turns it into a raunchy RnB number. An incredibly talented girl that seems to have been forgotten. It's good you've found her.
I don't know the details and I may remember wrong, but I think this song was a response to being cheated in some way out of the rights to "Brand New Key". Her voice is so, so powerful. Melanie Safka is a wonderful singer-songwriter and has written and performed some great songs. "Lay Down" is probably the next one to react to, my favorite Melanie song is "Lay Your Hands Across the Six Strings". Thanks for sharing your reaction to "Look What They've Done To My Song". :-)
You were right when you first agreed that French was the language she was singing in, while the encore was done in German, which is the language, albeit dialect, spoken here in Austria. Vielen Dank!
Melanie Safka is my all time favorite female artist and my first ever musical crush. Her albums were put out by Buddah Records and had the best record label. It was the psychedelic label design that caught my attention. It was July 4, 1970, I was almost 6 years old, and everyone gathered at the community pool, bringing a turntable, speakers, and a lot of people brought their records to play. My dad brought 2 Melanie albums he had just bought. On the old turntables you could stack albums up and as each album would finish the turntable would drop the next one down to begin playing. People kept cutting the record stack and my dad's Melanie albums never got to play. When we got home, even though I was tired I put those 2 Melanie albums on our turntable in the living room and listened to them both in full before finally going to bed. And I've been listening to them ever since.
Gosh! I was sooo hoping that the next Melanie song you two reacted to w/b her (imho) absolutely amazing Best! > Lay Down ..Candles in the Rain< with the Edwin Hawkins Singers! I simply ‘Know’ you’re both going to Love it! Please… don’t take long to visit her again.. you will Love the trip to church these a,azing singers provide you with!❣cheers.. keep up the good work y’all! 😉👋🇨🇦🫶
👉🏿IMPT Here’s a link to the most preferred and highly enjoyable version where they all performed together on a Dutch television show in ‘70..(as others here have also attested)😁 ❣❣❣❣❣ ruclips.net/video/IZ52lk9wjZI/видео.html
I agree with all the suggestions to check out Lay Down ( Candles in the Rain) with the Edwin Hawkins Singers. The live version from Dutch television is stunning. Moves me to tears.
In my primary years at school during the 70's we learnt to sing this in our weekly music class. It was a radio show that came over the schools PA system. Ah the memories. Cheers guys, Paul.👍📀😁🎶❤️
I agree with everyone who says you must listen next to Melanie's "Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)" with the Edwin Hawkins Singers. It will blow your mind. Also, please react to Barbra Streisand's "Happy Days" duet with Judy Garland from Judy's early '60s TV show. It's a legendary pairing of two iconic singers. I can't believe you haven't yet listened to Judy Garland, who for my money was the greatest female entertainer of the 20th century.
She wrote Lay Down about her experience at Woodstock. She has a You Tube channel and she now lives in Nashville. I love her voice. I always have. She's got a concert coming up singing all the songs she sang at Woodstock. She is from the Janis Joplin era and your right. Her voice does reflect that.
Melanie! - what a beautiful and amazing person. I don't know where to go from that. Her voice and lyrics were .... I can't find the word. Thank you for bringing this back.
Oh you’ve got to hear Melanie and The Edwin Hawkins Gospel Choir doing “Lay Down/ Candle In The Rain” About her experience at Woodstock!!! Ps. When you heard your first Janis Joplin song Melanie left you a comment saying she’d been at Woodstock with her!!!
A gentle soul. The first celebrity I ever met, backstage in 1970 at the Schaefer Music festival in Central Park, which was the year the original version came out. She offered me a glass of wine. I was 16 at the time 😊. This version is from 40 years later in 2010. "Lay Down" would be a good one to try next.
As everyone is saying, definitely your next song by her should be Lay Down (Candles in the Rain). It truly showcases her vocal abilities. And, it's just a beautiful song.
I really, really like this one. And what a voice! Ray Charles did a pretty good cover of it but Melanie's is the definitive version for sure. "Lay Down (Candles In the Rain)" is an inspiring song from Melanie and you guys are going to absolutely love it, especially Amber.
Lay Down (Candles in the Rain) is a must hear, you'll love it. Also check out for Female Friday... around the same time period.... 'Susan Jacks' - 'Anna Marie' or a band she was with called 'The Poppy Family' playing 'Where Evil Grows' or 'Beyond The Clouds'. All great tunes from Canada with Love. Cheers.
Thanks a million for this nice reaction. So happy to make me discover this huge live rendition. Melanie Safka is in my top 20 female singers. Love her. Strange, but only now I'm realizing the striking resemblance with Cindy Lauper's ton of voice. A treat. Her album "Stoneground words" is my fav.
I love that you guys give every song an honest try. You recognize greatness in a voice, lyric or guitar lick. It sets you apart from some other reactors. Melanie is a gem I'm so glad you like!
So are you guys ready to go on a emotional rollercoaster of various songs performed simultaneously by various artists around the world? Then you both need to delve into Playing for Change I would suggest The Weight featuring Robbie Robertson (rip) and Ringo Starr to start off, then When the Levee Breaks (featuring John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin);Then go to Give Me Shelter by the Rolling Stones. I promise you both will love it especially how in sync everyone is from here in the U.S. to the Congo, to Japan, to Nepal and well I'm sure you get it. Anyways have a good weekend.
I haven't scrolled down yet; but, I'm sure everyone is telling you to check out Lay Down (Candles in the Rain) (with the Edwin Hawkins Singers), from 1970! I really hope you do! I know that at least, one of you will love it!
This song was perfect for the time it was released. Melanie Safka is wonderful. Have you not listened to her recording of Lay Down, with backup by the Edwin Hawkins Singers? They were a black gospel chorus based in Oakland, CA. Her collaboration with them on Lay Down is POWERFUL and so fabulous...you must NOT deny yourself that joy. And it sounds nothing like this one or Brand New Key. Just shows how versatile Ms Safka truly is. BTW, you reacted to a Janis Joplin tune maybe 18 mos. ago and she entered a comment about it and that she knew Janis, etc. I saw her comment & was amazed. What a treat. Hope she sees this. Be blessed❤
Everyone's right. Lay Down ( ) is the song to hear. I have always been deeply moved by the song, the power of Melanie and the power of the gospel choir. Did I miss the live performance on tv in my country (NL) at that time? I do not remember it. But fortunately it is on TouTube and I must confess that I only discovered it last year. After you have given your hearts to Lay Down (you will be moved), try one of the live versions of Tuning My Guitar. Thanks for your videos. Paul
Guys, you have absolutely got to 100% react to her live version ofLay Down Candles in the Rain with the Edwin Hawkins singers. It is absolutely astonishing. Beautiful. She also did a duet of look what they’ve done to my song Ma with Miley Cyrus a few years back. It was great. Love Melanie.
Melanie did a duet of this song with Miley Cyrus in the last few years. It's a part of Miley's "Back Yard Sessions" and is such a great version. A lot of fun. Would love to see you guys react to it.
Hi guys, love the channel. Just want to say wow I've never heard of melanie, but will certainly look up more of her back catalogue. When she sang in French & German "Austria doesn't have it's own language". It just highlighted Melanie's diverse talent. Thanks guys for the fun videos. 👍👍
I Grew Up Listening To Melanie Anne Safka-Schekeryk (born February 3, 1947), professionally known as Melanie or Melanie Safka Back In The Late 1960's, On Through The Early 1970's, Due To My Late Older Brother Having Her Records . . . Melanie was born and raised in the Astoria neighborhood of Queens, New York City. Her father, Frederick M. Safka (1924-2009), was of Ukrainian and Russian ancestry, and her mother, jazz singer Pauline "Polly" Altomare (1926-2003), was of Italian heritage. She's 77 Years Old Now, August 2023 . . .
A song I know your children will love by Melanie, is Alexander Beetle... The studio version of, Lay Down (Candles in the Rain) should be your next listen. There is a youtube video of it with pictures of the Woodstock Festival featured.
the little hippie girl with a guitar, who sang at Woodstock. One of a kind
I Loved her Free Spirit feeling for sing-along 🎉
speaking of hippie, her and Miley sing this song on Happy Hippie presents and it's freaking awesome - should give it a listen
RIP Melanie. The world lost a Star and Heaven gained an Angel.
Looks like a lot of us are remembering Melanie this week. I'm listening to her songs and crying.
I concur with everyone who's recommending Lay Down (Candles in the Rain). It's amazing! If anyone ever asks me what song do I wish I had written, I say that one! 👍
-awesome !-
@@bkm2797in Australia it's title was lay down (candles in the rain) my favourite Melanie song.
Yes! That is my favorite from Melanie! Funny, I always thought it was titled Lay Down, never heard Candles in the Rain.
Live version with the Edwin Hawkins Singers only!
And backed up by a gospel group, the Edwin Hawkins Singers.
She has a very powerful voice. My favorite song of hers is Lay Down (Candles in the Rain) (with the Edwin Hawkins Singers), from 1970. I'm sure you'll love it!
That was my favorite of hers too.
While it didn’t really showcase her voice, I loved “Brand New Key”. It was just such a fun song.
If you do Lay Down, do the one that is live on the German TV show. All the reactors do that, and for very good reason. It is wonderful.
But I hope if they react to this song, it HAS to be this live version. It's even bigger with them singing with her. ❤
Yes! With the Edwin Hawkins Singers! Outstanding!
Melanie sang Lay Down on Netherlands TV and it absolutely showcases her powerful voice - please put it on your list - it’s wonderful!
Yes! This is a must see for everyone!
Lay down is my favorite song of hers.
Lay Down, lay down, lay it all down!
Lay Down (Candles In The Rain) is one of her biggest hits. written about her experience at Woodstock
Melanie is one of those "new" singers who my friends and I "discovered" at Woodstock in '69. It began raining heavily during her set, but she just went on regardless. The next year, she recorded her most famous song "Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)" as a tribute to her experiences at that seminal festival. You should listen to it. Every time I play it, I am drawn back to those memories of four 19-yr old university students, listening to great music while being thoroughly baked, soaked, and muddy!! 😂🥴
Jay & Amber, you'll love her "Lay Down(Candles In the Rain)" (with the Edwin Hawkins Singers) !!! (for song #3)
Yes, second that.
Yes, this is the ultimate Melanie song in it's ultimate live version. They blended together perfectly.
1,000% agree
-kool !-
Wow, I haven't heard this song in a million years, since I was a little kid and would hear it on the radio. I never thought much about it but that refrain is very memorable. It takes me back to being in the car, my Mom has some radio station on, she's driving me home from pre-school, it's hot and the windows are rolled down because we didn't have AC in our car, and I'm trying not to let the vinyl seat burn my back and thighs. I think I only ever heard this song in the car. It has that kind of rhythm that kids can latch on to and remember them. Yup, that's how I remember this.
Thanks for the memory! I love that!
Thanks for bringing back those seat covers that would make you regret those hot sunny days. Lol. But that's why you had a family of four kids to make them sit down first. Lol
Hey, at least you weren’t driving. Those metal steering wheels got HOT in the days before you could get leather wraps for them, and sun shades 🕶 for the windshield were not thought of yet.
I totally agree with everyone's suggestion for Lay Down (Candles In The Rain). It's so powerful & soulful. My favorite Melanie song.
Beautiful People has always been my Melanie fav.
Love Melanie. Hippy Vibe all the way.
There is a live version of "Lay Down" with the Edwin Hawkins Singers on a TV show from the Netherlands. It can be found here on YT. It's black and white from 1970 and incredibly powerful. You here a song like "Brand New Key" and might take her range as limited, but not with the live version of "Lay Down". A worthwhile review for your next Melanie song.
I hope they one day find Oh Happy Day by The Edwin Hawkins Singers. A gospel song that hit the top of the charts in multiple countries.
This one is amazing. They need to see it!
The world has lost a true flower child. God bless you Melanie!
"We were so close, there was no room, we bled inside each others wombs.." - Melanie wrote "Candles in the Rain" and the imagery is startling and poetic and disturbing at the same time. But her words have stayed with me to this day.
The lyric is actually "...we bled inside each other's wounds".
@@allenelliott4964 ok, thanks, I stand corrected, but either way the imagery is amazing.
#cheers !
Absolutely you guys need to do lay down (candles in the rain).take care
Agreed!
A powerful songwriter, sensitive soul, emotive singer, AND all us boys had a crush on her, of course.
This recording is one where she’s older, the original recording is even more powerful, as her voice lost a lot of it’s power. She was a powerhouse and sang Ruby Tuesday (by the Rolling Stones) at Woodstock and just blew it out of the park.
You should hear Melanie (Safka)'s first (and much more dramatic) hit, Lay Down Candles, done with the Edwin Hawkins Singers (and yes, about Woodstock). There is a live TV performance on RUclips. But another novelty hit like this one is her Nickel Song. "They only put a nickel in, and they want a dollar song!"
I love her song Lay Down(Candles In The Rain)
One of my ALL TIME FAVORITES is her version of Hey Mr Tambourine Man! I'm obsessed. It's a slower, more magical and emotional cover. Just amazing.
you have to do Melanie's cover of The Rolling Stones Ruby Tuesday, she blows them away and makes it her own
Her song Lay Down (Candles in the Rain) is about her experience at Woodstock in the rain. A beautiful song. This song (Look What they've Done to my Song) is about her experiences with the record industry.
Lay Down really shows how powerful her voice is. With a full gosple choir backing her, she's still heard clearly over them.
Melanie is fantastic. She did the best version ever of Mr Tambourine Man, she has a unique voice.
Melanie wrote this at 16 or so. Her mom had driven her to perform at Woodstock in 1969. Good mom!
To add to the suggestion below do the live version of "LAY DOWN (Candles in the Rain)" with the Edwin Hawkins Singers !!! It is the best expression of how much power her voice really has. This and the last song are about a 5 in her capability of vocal power, she can hit 10+++
you gotta see and hear Melanie on Lay Down (Candle in the Rain), with the Edwin Hawkins singers. The live tv version from Norway in 1970. You'll love it
Don't forget Brand New Key, great song
They already reacted to Brand New Key.
I prefer the studio version, but the tv version is almost as good. Melanie doesn't go for all the high notes on the tv version, and overall I think the sound quality is better on the record.
@@tombeyerlein3813 I agree. Right from the opening drum note. Boom. Lay Down... Unforgettable.
@@Siouxsi-Sioux "Brand New Key" was their first reaction to her
The first language (other than english) was french. Austrian is actually german (with flavour 😊).
😂- Exactly!
Ils ont changé ma chanson, Ma - literally, they have changed my song, ma.
I thought it may have been French, or possibly Alsatian, which combines elements of French and German.
Melanie is the ultimate hippie chick. And so original. “People In The Front Row”. Is also very unique
It's so amazing she outlived so many others from the Woodstock era and she's just as beautiful she's in her mid-seventies at least. She's not a young girl anymore but she's still got it. She's still got several albums of good music. One of them I remember specifically is Brand New Key, constantly on the radio.
Her daughter Jeordie is carrying on the family tradition and is a fixture on the Phoenix AZ music scene.
@@kevinmauch5622 cool beans!
" Lay Down /Candles In The Rain" is and always be a stunning reflection of her talents! Please play that next time.
More Melanie?
Try my favorite - "Lay Down/Candles in the Rain." The most amazing female vocals since Janis Joplin.
"Lay Down (Candles in the Rain" is another *totally different* sound, performed with a famous choir, "The Edwin Hawkins Singers". It's about her experience at Woodstock.
You might choose the live version on Netherlands TV to see her and her backup and get performers and get more personal connection.
She is also singing in French and Austrian. I had such a crush on her in my young days. Great voice, and Lay Down with the Edwin Hawkins Singer is a must. She also performed at Woodstock as a single act (no other musicians on stage). Pretty brave for a 22 year old female artist at the time.
Yes, lay down is a must!💖Absolutely incredible.
Melonie was a phenomenal person and singer. Like it’s been mentioned many times in the comments Candles in the rain (lay down) is a definite one to react to. Much love and smiles robsquad family
Still is.
She still is. In her 70's and usually tours with her daughters.
Love her voice. Candles in the rain is spectacular with Edwin Hawkins singers doing background...
"Look what they've done to my brain, ma, look what they've done to my brain"...I understood what she meant the first time I heard this, and it still makes me shiver.
Lay Down Candles in the Rain is about Woodstock. It’s amazing. The live version with the Edwin Hawkins singers is killer.
Melanie's "Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)" is a beautiful song and a must listen.
Everyone's favourite "flower power" girl ❤👍 There's a couple of very good videos showing how she connected with her audience.
A couple of suggestions for future reactions:
Her contribution to the Peace and Love culture of the 60/70s "Peace Will Come". Will literally "blow you away".
A heartfelt, empathetic version of the Rolling Stones' "Ruby Tuesday".
And a surprising performance from the early 90s of Bob Dylan's "A Hard Rains Gonna Fall". She turns it into a raunchy RnB number.
An incredibly talented girl that seems to have been forgotten. It's good you've found her.
a must listen, Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)
I don't know the details and I may remember wrong, but I think this song was a response to being cheated in some way out of the rights to "Brand New Key". Her voice is so, so powerful. Melanie Safka is a wonderful singer-songwriter and has written and performed some great songs. "Lay Down" is probably the next one to react to, my favorite Melanie song is "Lay Your Hands Across the Six Strings". Thanks for sharing your reaction to "Look What They've Done To My Song". :-)
I’m replying in case someone else gives details on the origin of the song. Now I’m curious.
You were right when you first agreed that French was the language she was singing in, while the encore was done in German, which is the language, albeit dialect, spoken here in Austria. Vielen Dank!
she recently did this song with Miley Cyrus and she sounds great still
Yes! I really enjoyed that collaboration!
Melanie Safka is my all time favorite female artist and my first ever musical crush. Her albums were put out by Buddah Records and had the best record label. It was the psychedelic label design that caught my attention. It was July 4, 1970, I was almost 6 years old, and everyone gathered at the community pool, bringing a turntable, speakers, and a lot of people brought their records to play. My dad brought 2 Melanie albums he had just bought. On the old turntables you could stack albums up and as each album would finish the turntable would drop the next one down to begin playing. People kept cutting the record stack and my dad's Melanie albums never got to play. When we got home, even though I was tired I put those 2 Melanie albums on our turntable in the living room and listened to them both in full before finally going to bed. And I've been listening to them ever since.
Beautiful People hits me in the feels. It was her first hit.
Yes Yes Yes "Candles in the rain" Melanie and Edwin Hawkins singers.
What an amazing voice! Her vocals are off the charts!! One of the greatest singers in pop music history.
The album Candles in the Rain (which contains this song) is a masterpiece. No fillers IMO.
I have the album.
As others mentioned- Lay Down Candles is a must for Melanie
Gosh! I was sooo hoping that the next Melanie song you two reacted to w/b her (imho) absolutely amazing Best! > Lay Down ..Candles in the Rain< with the Edwin Hawkins Singers! I simply ‘Know’ you’re both going to Love it! Please… don’t take long to visit her again.. you will Love the trip to church these a,azing singers provide you with!❣cheers.. keep up the good work y’all! 😉👋🇨🇦🫶
👉🏿IMPT Here’s a link to the most preferred and highly enjoyable version where they all performed together on a Dutch television show in ‘70..(as others here have also attested)😁 ❣❣❣❣❣ ruclips.net/video/IZ52lk9wjZI/видео.html
I agree with all the suggestions to check out Lay Down ( Candles in the Rain) with the Edwin Hawkins Singers. The live version from Dutch television is stunning. Moves me to tears.
Her version of Ruby Tuesday is stunning. And The Nickel Song isn't mentioned often, but is also great.
Rip Melanie, thanks for all those lovely singalongs 👍🙏
Well, wow. Not heard that in decades! Thank for the memories guys. ❤
I just love how she just hits it off key by the right amount.
In my primary years at school during the 70's we learnt to sing this in our weekly music class. It was a radio show that came over the schools PA system. Ah the memories.
Cheers guys, Paul.👍📀😁🎶❤️
I agree with everyone who says you must listen next to Melanie's "Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)" with the Edwin Hawkins Singers. It will blow your mind. Also, please react to Barbra Streisand's "Happy Days" duet with Judy Garland from Judy's early '60s TV show. It's a legendary pairing of two iconic singers. I can't believe you haven't yet listened to Judy Garland, who for my money was the greatest female entertainer of the 20th century.
Melanie has some excellent GOSPEL songs, with a choir and lots of other material. Folk, blues, pop sounds too.
She wrote Lay Down about her experience at Woodstock. She has a You Tube channel and she now lives in Nashville. I love her voice. I always have. She's got a concert coming up singing all the songs she sang at Woodstock.
She is from the Janis Joplin era and your right. Her voice does reflect that.
I agree with the people saying listen to "Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)", but also listen to "Peace Will Come (According to Plan)".
I hope that song proves to be prophetic: There's a chance peace will come in your life.
Agreeing with a lot of others here - Lay Down (Candles in the Rain) is possibly her masterpiece, and you really should give it a listen!
Melanie! - what a beautiful and amazing person. I don't know where to go from that. Her voice and lyrics were .... I can't find the word. Thank you for bringing this back.
Oh you’ve got to hear
Melanie and The Edwin Hawkins Gospel Choir doing
“Lay Down/ Candle In The Rain”
About her experience at Woodstock!!!
Ps. When you heard your first Janis Joplin song Melanie left you a comment saying she’d been at Woodstock with her!!!
It's Woodstock anniversary time so Melanie's song Laydown is appropriate. Turn on, tune in, drop out!!
Wow…. You guys are digging deep here !
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 great reaction ! It was the sound of the time,and I miss it ! ❤️✌🏻
"Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)" and the Jim Croce cover "Lover's Cross" are also great.
Melanie DEFINED " HIPPIE CHICK" My JHS crush. Loved her songs. Heaven has another beautiful soul!
A gentle soul. The first celebrity I ever met, backstage in 1970 at the Schaefer Music festival in Central Park, which was the year the original version came out. She offered me a glass of wine. I was 16 at the time 😊.
This version is from 40 years later in 2010. "Lay Down" would be a good one to try next.
As everyone is saying, definitely your next song by her should be Lay Down (Candles in the Rain). It truly showcases her vocal abilities. And, it's just a beautiful song.
Phenomenal synchronicity! Just yesterday I was going to look to see if you had ever reacted to to this song, and suggest it if you hadn’t.
I really, really like this one. And what a voice! Ray Charles did a pretty good cover of it but Melanie's is the definitive version for sure.
"Lay Down (Candles In the Rain)" is an inspiring song from Melanie and you guys are going to absolutely love it, especially Amber.
Another song of Melanie's was "Ring the living bell". Also "There's a chance peace will come".
Haven’t heard this in many years! Thx guys ❤
Lay Down (Candles in the Rain) is a must hear, you'll love it. Also check out for Female Friday... around the same time period.... 'Susan Jacks' - 'Anna Marie' or a band she was with called 'The Poppy Family' playing 'Where Evil Grows' or 'Beyond The Clouds'. All great tunes from Canada with Love. Cheers.
Yes, "Candles in the Rain" is a must next!!!!! Please!
Thanks a million for this nice reaction. So happy to make me discover this huge live rendition. Melanie Safka is in my top 20 female singers. Love her. Strange, but only now I'm realizing the striking resemblance with Cindy Lauper's ton of voice. A treat. Her album "Stoneground words" is my fav.
I love that you guys give every song an honest try. You recognize greatness in a voice, lyric or guitar lick. It sets you apart from some other reactors. Melanie is a gem I'm so glad you like!
Melanie was at Woodstock!!!
So are you guys ready to go on a emotional rollercoaster of various songs performed simultaneously by various artists around the world?
Then you both need to delve into Playing for Change
I would suggest The Weight featuring Robbie Robertson (rip) and Ringo Starr to start off, then When the Levee Breaks (featuring John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin);Then go to Give Me Shelter by the Rolling Stones.
I promise you both will love it especially how in sync everyone is from here in the U.S. to the Congo, to Japan, to Nepal and well I'm sure you get it.
Anyways have a good weekend.
I haven't scrolled down yet; but, I'm sure everyone is telling you to check out Lay Down (Candles in the Rain) (with the Edwin Hawkins Singers), from 1970! I really hope you do! I know that at least, one of you will love it!
I agree with everyone when it comes to "Lay Down/Candles in the Rain" That entire album is to die for! "Beautiful People" will rely get ya.
Maybe try her song “Lay Down” with Edwin Hawkins singers. Beautiful and powerful. Thanks
OH YES Thank you so much--and with a little French thrown in for good measure!! Maybe one day. Candles in the Rain. A HUGE HIT
Yes - Lay Down/Candles in the Rain" gives me chills!!!
This song was perfect for the time it was released. Melanie Safka is wonderful. Have you not listened to her recording of Lay Down, with backup by the Edwin Hawkins Singers? They were a black gospel chorus based in Oakland, CA. Her collaboration with them on Lay Down is POWERFUL and so fabulous...you must NOT deny yourself that joy. And it sounds nothing like this one or Brand New Key. Just shows how versatile Ms Safka truly is.
BTW, you reacted to a Janis Joplin tune maybe 18 mos. ago and she entered a comment about it and that she knew Janis, etc. I saw her comment & was amazed. What a treat. Hope she sees this.
Be blessed❤
Amber, as a fan of Woodstock, you have to check out Melanie's response to the concert, Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)!
Such great melody in this song, and her voice is just incredible.
Everyone's right. Lay Down ( ) is the song to hear. I have always been deeply moved by the song, the power of Melanie and the power of the gospel choir. Did I miss the live performance on tv in my country (NL) at that time? I do not remember it. But fortunately it is on TouTube and I must confess that I only discovered it last year.
After you have given your hearts to Lay Down (you will be moved), try one of the live versions of Tuning My Guitar.
Thanks for your videos.
Paul
I will search this one up every once in a while to just listen and just sit remember a different time. It’s just so nostalgic .
Guys, you have absolutely got to 100% react to her live version ofLay Down Candles in the Rain with the Edwin Hawkins singers. It is absolutely astonishing. Beautiful. She also did a duet of look what they’ve done to my song Ma with Miley Cyrus a few years back. It was great. Love Melanie.
Melanie did a duet of this song with Miley Cyrus in the last few years. It's a part of Miley's "Back Yard Sessions" and is such a great version. A lot of fun. Would love to see you guys react to it.
Hi guys, love the channel. Just want to say wow I've never heard of melanie, but will certainly look up more of her back catalogue. When she sang in French & German "Austria doesn't have it's own language". It just highlighted Melanie's diverse talent. Thanks guys for the fun videos. 👍👍
I Grew Up Listening To Melanie Anne Safka-Schekeryk (born February 3, 1947), professionally known as Melanie or Melanie Safka Back In The Late 1960's, On Through The Early 1970's, Due To My Late Older Brother Having Her Records . . .
Melanie was born and raised in the Astoria neighborhood of Queens, New York City. Her father, Frederick M. Safka (1924-2009), was of Ukrainian and Russian ancestry, and her mother, jazz singer Pauline "Polly" Altomare (1926-2003), was of Italian heritage.
She's 77 Years Old Now, August 2023 . . .
A really unique voice I my era.we , most that I knew and loved her. I certainly liked her beautiful voice. Melissa Ward here.
A song I know your children will love by Melanie, is Alexander Beetle...
The studio version of, Lay Down (Candles in the Rain) should be your next listen. There is a youtube
video of it with pictures of the Woodstock Festival featured.
Lay Down was written from her experience at Woodstock. Love it too.
One of the most unique voices ever!! Love her!! Great reaction guys. Take care.
Loved Melanie... still do❤❤❤❤ ONE of a kind for sure.