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Lana Del Rey's Simple, Stirring Performance of "Unchained Melody" Is Just Gorgeous
The singer's voice fits perfectly into the throwback song from 1955.
Of course Lana Del Rey was a perfect choice for a moody tune during NBC's Christmas at Graceland special. The singer's musical and visual aesthetics have always drawn heavily on Elvis Presley's heyday of the 1950s and 60s, so her tribute to the King was a natural fit. During the hourlong special, which will be broadcast again on NBC December 21 at 8 p.m. ET., Del Rey sang "Unchained Melody," accompanied by three backing singers and a pianist, and her vibrato was simply gorgeous.
The special was recorded at Presley's home in Memphis, Tennessee. Actress Riley Keough, a,k.a Presley's granddaughter, was an executive producer, and said in a statement, “My family and I are elated to open the doors to Graceland in this first-of-its-kind special. With intimate musical performances drawing inspiration from my grandfather Elvis' cherished Christmases in Memphis, viewers will be invited to experience firsthand the magic that is Christmas at Graceland.” Other performers from the evening included John Legend, Kacey Musgraves, and Lainey Wilson.
What to know about "Unchained Melody"
Originally written for the 1955 film Unchained (and nominated for Best Song at that year's Oscars), the song has been recorded by a number of Artists, including famed piano man Liberace, but the most famous version is by The Righteous Brothers, released in 1965. Elvis Presley sang the standard, accompanying himself on piano, in 1977, less than a year before his death, and it is considered one of his last great performances. It was also used during the iconic pottery scene in the hit 1990 supernatural love story Ghost.
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The lyrics to "Unchained Melody," written by Alex North and Hy Zaret
Woah, my love, my darling
I've hungered for your touch
A long, lonely time
And time goes by so slowly
And time can do so much
Are you still mine?
I need your love
I need your love
God speed your love to me
RELATED: Somehow Susan Boyle & Elvis Sang a Stunning Duet of This Classic Christmas Hymn
Lonely rivers flow
To the sea, to the sea
To the open arms of the sea, yeah
Lonely rivers sigh
"Wait for me, wait for me"
I'll be coming home, wait for me
Woah, my love, my darling
I've hungered, hungered for your touch
A long, lonely time
And time goes by so slowly
And time can do so much
Are you still mine?
I need your love
I need your love
God speed your love to me
