Sometimes a Voice Without Peer is just an amazing Voice (see: Dion, Celine), or an amazing interpreter of songs (see: Sinatra, Frank). There are times, however, when a Voice stuns you not specifically for its range, or its power, or even its quality. Sometimes you just ask yourself "How is THAT voice coming out of THAT head?".
And that, my friends, brings me to today's Voice Without Peer. I have asked myself the above question countless times and I cannot answer it. It still just boggles my mind. This one is a Brit, and a sorta doofus-y looking one at that. But when he opens his mouth, Great Googly Moogly. He had a run of hits in the late '80s, dance tunes and ballads, and had the good fortune to hook up with producers Stock/Aitken/Waterman, who also produced hits for Bananarama amongst others.
He became an Internet celebrity when a meme was created that posed as a normal YouTube video, then suddenly transferred the viewer to his first hit, a catchy dance tune that showcased the Voice but also exposed his lack of dancing skills. He's got one move, and repeats it constantly.
The meme was called "Rick Rolling". It became so popular that one year he actually recreated the experience during the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, where a float pulled up and these characters were singing some song, then things got surreal as the Voice stepped out. It was a 3-D Rick Roll.
Rick Astley still has command of that Voice, although he's not actively engaged in the business. He took his second shot at fame with tongue-in-cheek and was a great sport about it. But whether you laugh with him or at him, don't deny that you're amazed that someone who looks like that can sing like that. So, let's enjoy one of his later hits, an energetic dance tune that showcases the Voice Without Peer.
I'm always up for some Rick Astley. See you tomorrow...
Pete
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