Hear The Voices
The Manhattan Transfer · Other Songs - The Manhattan Transfer
Hear the voices
Believe and imagine
Hear the voices
Come join the circle and feel the unspoken
Hear the voices
A spirit unbroken
Hear the voices
Just a simple storyteller
Troubadour on call whenever
The gods moved his heart to speech
He was something of a hero
To the conscience of the people
To the children on the beach
Son of Africa and legend
Music made of pain and pleasure
Brought the nation to it's feet
Every whisper sounds like thunder
Everybody stares in wonder
When the saints begin to speak
He sings and then they speak
Come join the circle and witness the magic
Hear the voices
Believe and imagine
Hear the voices
Come join the circle and feel the unspoken
Hear the voices
A spirit unbroken
Hear the voices
He was sentenced into exile
Far away from home but meanwhile
Popularity increased
Radio reversed his fortune
He was welcomed with emotion
A voice no one could defeat
Now they crank up the Victrola
In the corner bars and oh, my,
How the ladies start to weep
Every word describes their hunger
Everybody stares in wonder
When the saints begin to speak
He sings and then they speak
Hear The Voices
The Manhattan Transfer's 'Hear The Voices' exemplifies the group's signature style, blending jazz improvisation with vocal harmonies that have defined their career since the 1960s. As a quintet of professional singers, the ensemble is renowned for their ability to weave complex polyphonic textures into accessible pop and jazz standards. This recording reflects their commitment to vocal virtuosity and their role as one of the most influential vocal jazz ensembles of the mid-20th century. Their work often features intricate arrangements that highlight individual voices while maintaining a cohesive, rich sound characteristic of the era. The song stands as a testament to their mastery of jazz vocal performance and their enduring impact on the genre.