Although credited to the duo, the 1965 recording is a solo performance by Bobby Hatfield . Lead singer duties were reportedly decided by a coin toss between Hatfield and Bill Medley.
The Righteous Brothers' rendition of "" is widely considered the definitive version of one of the most recorded songs in history. Originally released in 1965 as a B-side, it became a massive hit and later experienced a significant resurgence in 1990 after being featured in the film Ghost . Song Origins and Composition
Produced by Phil Spector , the track was originally intended to be a "throwaway" B-side for the single "Hung On You." However, radio DJs preferred "Unchained Melody," driving it to #4 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The song was written in 1954 by Alex North (music) and Hy Zaret (lyrics) as the theme for the prison film Unchained .
Written in the key of C major , the song is noted for an unusual harmonic device where the bridge ends on the tonic chord rather than the standard dominant chord. The Righteous Brothers' Version (1965)
Despite its title, the word "unchained" never appears in the lyrics. Zaret chose to focus on the emotional theme of a lover pining for their partner after a "long, lonely time".
Hatfield's tenor delivery is celebrated for its "stratospheric heights" and emotional power, culminating in a soaring climax that has become the song's trademark. Today's Song: "Unchained Melody"
