Aaron Neville is an American R&B and soul singer who has been active since the 1960s. His smooth and powerful voice has made him a beloved figure in the music industry, with hits that span several decades. Neville’s music is characterized by his distinctive falsetto and his ability to blend R&B, soul, and gospel into a unique sound.
He has won four Grammy Awards and has collaborated with numerous other artists, including Linda Ronstadt, The Neville Brothers, and Trisha Yearwood.
In this list, we will highlight the 10 best Aaron Neville songs of all time, showcasing his powerful voice and soulful style.
1. “Don’t Know Much”
“Don’t Know Much” is a classic love song by Aaron Neville, featuring Linda Ronstadt. The song was released in 1989 and became a big hit, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song is a beautiful duet between Neville and Ronstadt, with a soulful and romantic melody. The lyrics speak about not knowing much about love, but feeling it deeply and knowing that it is the most important thing. The song showcases Neville’s incredible vocals, with his signature falsetto and emotional delivery. The combination of Neville’s and Ronstadt’s voices creates a perfect harmony, making this song a timeless classic.
2. “Tell It Like It Is”
“Tell It Like It Is” is a soulful ballad by Aaron Neville released in 1966. The song’s simple yet powerful lyrics express the pain of unrequited love, as Neville pleads with his lover to be honest and tell him the truth about her feelings. The song’s slow tempo and smooth melody, accompanied by Neville’s rich and emotive vocals, have made it a timeless classic in the R&B genre. The song’s popularity has been cemented by its use in numerous films and television shows, as well as its cover versions by various artists over the years.
3. “Everybody Plays the Fool”
“Everybody Plays the Fool” is a classic R&B song originally released by The Main Ingredient in 1972. Aaron Neville’s version of the song was released in 1991 and became a massive hit, reaching number eight on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Neville’s soulful and emotive vocal delivery perfectly captures the song’s universal message about heartbreak and the painful lessons we all have to learn about love. The track’s smooth instrumentation and catchy chorus make it an irresistible sing-along anthem that still resonates with listeners today. Neville’s version of “Everybody Plays the Fool” remains one of his most beloved and well-known songs, solidifying his status as a true soul legend.
4. “All My Life”
“All My Life” is a romantic ballad performed by Aaron Neville in collaboration with Linda Ronstadt. The song was released in 1989 as the lead single from Neville’s album “The Grand Tour.” It was written by Karla Bonoff and features both Neville and Ronstadt’s signature soulful vocals. The song’s instrumentation includes piano, saxophone, and strings, giving it a smooth and classic sound. “All My Life” became a commercial success, peaking at No. 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart and No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s lyrics express the love and commitment between two people, making it a popular choice for weddings and romantic occasions.
5. “I Fall to Pieces”
“I Fall to Pieces” is a song originally recorded by Patsy Cline in 1961. Aaron Neville covered the song in 1993 for his album “Aaron Neville’s Soulful Christmas,” which features a mix of traditional Christmas songs and soulful covers. Neville’s rendition of “I Fall to Pieces” is a heartfelt and emotional take on the classic country ballad, showcasing his soulful and powerful vocals. The song features Neville’s signature falsetto, which adds a touch of vulnerability to the already poignant lyrics. Neville’s version of “I Fall to Pieces” is a standout track on the album and a testament to his ability to infuse soulful emotion into any song he sings.
6. “Crazy Love”
“Crazy Love” is a soulful ballad performed by Aaron Neville. The song was originally written and recorded by Van Morrison, but Neville’s version became a hit in the late 1990s. Neville’s smooth and soulful voice delivers the lyrics with a sense of longing and passion, making it a favorite among his fans. The song’s simple melody, combined with Neville’s emotional delivery, creates a powerful and memorable listening experience. “Crazy Love” is a classic love song that has stood the test of time and continues to be a favorite among R&B and soul music enthusiasts.
7. “Don’t Take Away My Heaven”
“Don’t Take Away My Heaven” is a beautiful love ballad by Aaron Neville, released in 1993. The song features Neville’s signature soulful vocals and a smooth, slow tempo that perfectly captures the emotion of the lyrics. The song speaks about the fear of losing a loved one and the plea to let love endure. Neville’s heartfelt delivery and the romantic melody make “Don’t Take Away My Heaven” a timeless love song that continues to resonate with listeners.
8. “Fire On the Mountain”
“Fire On the Mountain” is a soulful and powerful song by Aaron Neville, featuring his trademark smooth vocals and emotional delivery. The track is a cover of a traditional folk song and features a blend of country, blues, and gospel elements in its instrumentation, including twangy guitar and lively fiddle. Neville’s voice soars over the lively arrangement, imbuing the lyrics with a sense of urgency and passion as he sings about the danger and unpredictability of life. The song’s chorus is particularly memorable, with Neville repeating the phrase “Fire on the mountain, lightning in the air” with increasing intensity. Overall, “Fire On the Mountain” is a standout track in Neville’s catalog and showcases his exceptional vocal abilities and versatility as a performer.
9. “Somewhere Somebody”
“Somewhere Somebody” is a soulful ballad performed by Aaron Neville, which was released in 1991. The song features Neville’s signature smooth and tender vocals over a melodic instrumentation of piano, strings, and a gentle drumbeat. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is searching for his soulmate and longing to find that special someone who will complete him. Neville’s emotive delivery adds depth and sincerity to the lyrics, making the song a powerful and heartfelt tribute to the universal human desire for love and companionship. “Somewhere Somebody” showcases Neville’s exceptional vocal range and control, as well as his ability to connect with his audience through his soul-stirring music.
10. “When Something is Wrong with My Baby”
“When Something is Wrong with My Baby” is a soulful and emotional song by Aaron Neville, featuring Linda Ronstadt. Originally written and performed by Sam & Dave, Neville’s version features his smooth and powerful vocals, accompanied by Ronstadt’s beautiful harmonies. The song is a classic soul ballad about the ups and downs of love, and the challenges that come with it. Neville’s rendition brings a unique blend of gospel and R&B elements, with the addition of Ronstadt’s voice adding a touch of sweetness to the track. The song has become a staple in Neville’s discography, showcasing his ability to evoke emotion through his soulful delivery.