This Iconic Ballad Might Be the Most Popular Wedding Song Ever
By Aaron Wulff
Nothing makes me feel like dropping quarters in a jukebox and slow dancing in an empty bar like “Unchained Melody.” Ranked the most popular wedding song by theblacktux.com, this timeless classic is a supreme display of blue-eyed soul that’s a good choice for a first dance.
Personally, when it comes to The Righteous Brothers, I’m bigger fan of “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin,’” but that song’s probably better for your five year anniversary. Kidding.
Our first order of business: why the hell is this song called “UNCHAINED” Melody.
Is the term “unchained” buried somewhere in the lyrics? No.
Are most melodies “chained,” so we should get ready for some “unchained” action? Negative.
Is the song about falling in love with a shackled prisoner? Not exactly. But close.
The song lyrics were actually written in the 1930s by a 16-year-old Hy Zaret about a young he was fond of that got away. Years later he met Alex North who would end up composing the music for the song, complete with plans of having his neighbor sing it. Who was his neighbor? Only the great Bing Crosby.
That didn’t pan out, but instead their recording wound up being used as the theme for the 1955 prison movie Unchained. (Not to be confused with the 2021 movie Unchained about kidnapping and underground fight rings.)
It wasn’t until 1965 that The Righteous Brothers recorded their mega-hit version, which easily remains the most popular rendition despite there being over 1,500 known recordings of the song by 600+ artists. That’s a bonus, because in the event you don’t like the Righteous Brothers version (just don’t admit it in public), there are hundreds of other options to pick from.
For instance, check out this version of old Elvis banging it out on a piano, complete with not one, but two large Cokes on hand. Strangely, it made me thirsty for Coke.
In 1990 the song made a comeback in the movie Ghost, where Patrick Swayze dies and comes back to haunt a resort owned by Whoopi Goldberg with his dirty dance moves. I could be getting my movies mixed up, but I’m pretty sure that’s right.
“Unchained Melody” has rightfully made numerous lists chronicling the greatest songs of all time. Steve Sullivan from The Encyclopedia of Great Popular Song Recordings is quoted as saying, “it’s a record designed to reduce anyone separated from the one they loved to a “pile of mush.”
So how do you dance to “Unchained Melody?”
If you’re getting dance lessons, it helps to know the song is in 12/8 time. Dancers frequently argue over how to dance to songs written in this time signature because you can do either a fast waltz (not recommended unless you want a challenge) or a slow 4-count step like Rumba or Bolero (often too slow for most people). For a more in-depth explanation of how to dance to songs in 12/8 time songs, see my article here.
Instead, I recommend a Canter Rumba (Slow Quick Slow) that splits the difference and is a much easier count to keep with the beat. Make sure to talk to your instructor so that whatever step you pick the tempo feels comfortable.
Aside from a funky dance beat that you may or may not even notice, “Unchained Melody” is curveball-free, meaning it’s a steady song from start to finish. The original recording is my favorite, with special thanks to the great, pre-gun-wielding Phil Spector, the instruments are powerful and easy to follow.
The song kicks in immediately, so there’s no intro or build up, but you do get a nice, slowed tempo if you want to do a fancy ending.
The song is a little bit long at 3:36, so you’ll have to decide if you and your audience want to endure the full experience or try to trim it. Keep in mind that the iconic vocals don’t kick in until just shy of three minutes, and there aren’t many obvious places to cut or fade in the song.
This song about unrequited young love has staying power. It’s a tune that’s endured for decades, so it’s only fitting that couples gravitate toward it for their first dance.
Get the free Wedding Dance Cheat Sheet
Keep Reading
