May 2013 sees the 40th Anniversary of Virgin Records’ first album release, “Tubular Bells” by the then unknown instrumentalist Mike Oldfield. “Tubular Bells” is the best selling instrumental album of all time.

The 1960s and 1970s were very much the heyday of the instrumental hit single and there were some absolute belters!! For some people, an instrumental devoid of vocals and lyrics makes them feel like they have been cheated of the full song. I would argue that a great instrumental has a strong melody and sings to you in just the same way as vocalised music.

The great thing about listening to an instrumental is that you can add your own lyrics, in the same way that a book allows you to exercise your imagination in a way that a film does not. If you are still not convinced by the argument that a good instrumental matches a good vocalised song, and in many cases surpasses it, check out on You Tube this Recordpress Top 20 Best Instrumental Hits –

Top 20 Best Instrumental Hits

 1) John Barrie – Theme from The Persuaders ( 1971 )

2) Ennio Morricone – Chi Mai ( Life & Times of David Lloyd George ) ( 1981 )

3) John Barrie Orchestra – James Bond Theme ( 1962 )

4) Fleetwood Mac – Albatross ( 1969 )

5) The Shadows – Apache ( 1960 )

6) London String Chorale – Galloping Home ( Theme from Adventures of Black Beauty ) ( 1974 )

7) Mike Oldfield – Tubular Bells Part One ( Theme to the Exorcist ) ( 1973 )

8) Elton John – Song For Guy ( 1978 )

9) Richard Clayderman – Ballade Pour Adeline ( 1978 )

10) Booker T & M.G.s – Green Onions ( 1962 )

11) Space – Magic Fly ( 1977 )

12) Herp Albert – Rise ( 1979 )

13) Bimbo Jet – El Bimbo ( 1975 )

14) ODS Band – Fly ( Theme from The Red Arrows ) ( 1981 )

15) MFSB – Sexy ( 1975 )

16) Van McCoy – The Hustle ( 1975 )

17) Mike Oldfield – Bue Peter ( 1979 )

18) Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra – Onedin Line Theme ( 1971 )

19) Mike Oldfield – In Dulci Jubilo ( 1975 )

20) Percy Faith Orchestra – Theme From A Summer Place ( 1960 )

Which are your favourite Instrumental and why? Let us know in the Reply Box below.

Celebrate your favourite Instrumental in your home or office, by ordering your favourite Instrumental song in a vinyl or CD format; single, album or album cover; framed and mounted as a picture disc souvenir. You can also personalise it with an inscribed / engraved plaque…… 

ORDER NOW…….. www.myfirstrecord.co.uk/

Also available – the DVD of your favourite film or TV programme framed with a personalised engraved plaque  ORDER NOW… www.myfirstrecord.co.uk/

Framed vinyl records, framed CDs and framed DVDs with a personalised plaque, make unique presents or original gifts for a special celebration  / special occasion ie a Wedding ( Wedding First Dance Song ), an Engagement Party ( Our Song ), a House Warming Party ( New Home ), a 21st, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th Birthday ( How about the No1 song on the day of birth? ), a Silver, Ruby or Golden Wedding Anniversary, Father’s or Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day!!  THE PERFECT PERSONALISED PRESENT!!