What the World Needs Now Are the 15 Best Burt Bacharach Songs
Burt Bacharach died on Feb. 8, 2023, at age 94—but his musical legacy will live forever.
The iconic songwriter is behind some of the biggest hits and most enduring pieces of pop music history thanks to his partnership with Hal David. While it was tremendously difficult to narrow down his best work when he composed more than 500 songs that have been recorded by nearly 1,200 artists and counting, here are our favorites.
Related: Burt Bacharach Dead at 94
15 Best Burt Bacharach Songs
"Say a Little Prayer," Aretha Franklin
"I Say a Little Prayer" combines Aretha Franklin's indelible and inimitable soulful vocals, heartfelt lyrics, tempo changes, melodies and horns that are timeless—so much so that they played a key role in the beloved romcom My Best Friend's Wedding.
"What's New Pussycat?," Tom Jones
Written for the 1965 movie of the same name, Tom Jones' immortal "whoa-whoa-ohhhs" were introduced to an entire new generation thanks to John Mulaney.
"The Look of Love," Dusty Springfield
Bacharach penned "The Look of Love" for Casino Royale in 1967, reportedly inspired by the sight of Ursula Andress. Dusty Springfield made the song her own.
"Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head," B.J. Thomas
B.J. Thomas had a smash hit with "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head," a classic that is sure to get stuck in your head whenever you're having a tough day (or just forget your umbrella).
"(They Long to Be) Close to You," The Carpenters
Karen Carpenter's haunting vocals made this an instant classic and a No. 1 hit in 1970.
"(There's) Always Something There to Remind Me," Naked Eyes
Bacharach and David penned this back in the 1960s, but it's Naked Eyes' 1983 cover that withstood the test of time best.
"The Guy's In Love With You," Herb Alpert
Herb Alpert took "This Guy's In Love With You" to No. 1 in 1968.
"The Blob," The Five Blobs
Does The Blob as a film deserve a theme song this fire? Debatable. But we're glad it does.
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"Baby It's You," The Shirelles
The Beatles covered this with John Lennon on lead vocals and basically turned it into a flat Buddy Holly and the Crickets tune. That would be fine if The Shirelles' original version wasn't so lovely.
"Walk On By," Dionne Warwick
Dionne Warwick served as a muse and vocal partner for Bacharach for years, charting 39 consecutive songs he penned for her. This defiant heartbreak anthem was one of their first and most enduring works together.
"Forgive Me (For Giving You Such a Bad Time)," Babs Tino
"Forgive Me (For Giving You Such a Bad Time)" bubbled under the Hot 100 at No. 117, but thanks to the instrumental arrangements and staccato vocal, it's an underrated part of Bacharach's canon.
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"Do You Know the Way to San Jose," Dionne Warwick
Warwick's sweet vocals on this track will make you consider tossing your GPS.
"I'll Never Fall In Love Again," Elvis Costello
Others have sang this song, but when Elvis Costello sings it, you believe him.
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"Magic Moments," Perry Como
How infectious are the whistles and harmonies in "Magic Moments?" The Perry Como hit was one of the first tunes to put Bacharach on the map.
"I Just Don't Know What to Do With Myself," The White Stripes
We doubt Bacharach had any idea that rockers The White Stripes would cover this tune, but like all the best covers, they made it their own while remaining true to the source material thanks to Jack White's tormented vocals and his and Meg's stripped down instrumentals.
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