About the song
The Everly Brothers’ “What Kind of Girl Are You?”. This 1960 gem takes us right back to the heart of the rock and roll era, a time when catchy melodies and close harmonies ruled the airwaves. The Everly Brothers, those ever-so-charming sibling singers, were masters of this sound, and “What Kind of Girl Are You?” exemplifies their signature style perfectly.
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Now, this song isn’t your typical teenage love ballad. Don’t get me wrong, there’s plenty of affection present, but it’s laced with a healthy dose of confusion and frustration. Our narrator, sung with that signature Everly Brothers’ blend (can you almost hear the echo?), is utterly bewildered by the object of his desire.
“What Kind of Girl Are You?” isn’t just a question posed to the elusive sweetheart, it’s a question that hangs heavy in the air throughout the song. The lyrics paint a picture of a complex young woman who keeps the narrator guessing. She seems to enjoy his devotion, yet leaves him feeling lonely and abandoned. This emotional push and pull creates a fascinating tension that keeps the listener engaged.
Musically, the song is a delightful slice of rock and roll with a country twang. The acoustic guitars strum a steady rhythm, punctuated by the occasional flourish. The Everly Brothers’ voices weave in and out of each other, creating a tapestry of sound that’s both sweet and slightly melancholic.
The melody itself is deceptively simple, but it burrows into your ear and refuses to let go. It’s a testament to the songwriting prowess of Ray Charles, who penned the original version, that the song remains so effective even after being filtered through the Everly Brothers’ unique sound.
“What Kind of Girl Are You?” might not be a song with a happy ending, but it’s a song that resonates with anyone who’s ever been hopelessly smitten with someone who seems just out of reach. It’s a song about the complexities of love, the confusion, and the yearning for clarity.
So, put on your blue suede shoes, crank up the volume, and let The Everly Brothers take you back to a simpler time, a time when a catchy tune and a heartfelt question could capture the essence of young love’s delightful chaos.