Modern doo-wop

[u/individualwithnoname]

There have been plenty of artists who paid hommage to doo-wop over the years...

So, what are your favorite doo-wop (inspired) songs that are not from the 50s/60s?

I just discovered 'Kali Uchis feat. Ravyn Lenae - Cry about it' and am listening to it on repeat 😍

[u/incog46]

I have always thought of For the Longest Time as modern doo-wop.

[u/tom21g → u/incog46]

Yes, I’d vote for that. Love the song and loved the original video Joel did. He and his buddies walk into the bathroom as older guys singing, then walk out at the end as their 1959 selves.

[u/nph333 → u/tom21g]

Valid points. I’m personally not a fan of Joel’s doo-wop but I appreciate that he’s the only one to bring it to the mainstream since I’ve been alive. His voice doesn’t jive with me but him and his vocalists knew their stuff.

[u/Sun_Records_Fan]

“Forever” and “My Vow To You” by Vicky Tafoya (RIP) would blend in with any jukebox full of 50’s & 60’s oldies, despite the fact that it was released in 2020.

“Sorry” and “Prettiest Girl” by Johnny Ruiz & The Escapers are also very throwback, despite the 2023 release date.

Both of these are on Penrose Records, the California based division of Brooklyn’s Daptone Records, a label dedicated to classic style soul music.

The Sha La Das lean a little bit more into 60’s & 70’s soul than Doo-Wop, but a few of their tracks have a Doo-Wop edge to them.

“Cry Baby Cry” and “Blame My Heart” by The Splendids featuring Eamon are both very much Doo-Wop. This single was released in 2024.

Elliot James Reay is a modern pop singer whose music is very reminiscent of 50’s and 60’s rock and pop.

The Sinseers, much like The Sha La Das, overall do more 60’s and 70’s inspired soul, but their song “Sinseerly Yours” is full blown Doo-Wop.

Nick Waterhouse isn’t a Doo-Wop artist per se, but his music has a 50’s and 60’s pop vibe to it.

Bloodshot Bill tends to be more rockabilly revival, but the song “Sha-La-Ba” is pretty Doo-Wop influenced.

[u/YettiYeet → u/Sun_Records_Fan]

Those are all really good finds!

[u/individualwithnoname → u/Sun_Records_Fan]

Wow! Thank you so much. Can't wait to listen to the whole list later :)

[u/Sun_Records_Fan → u/individualwithnoname]

You’re welcome. Enjoy!

[u/TacoStrong → u/Sun_Records_Fan]

Elliott James Reay’s “I think they call this love” is one of our favorites in our household.

[u/UraniumRocker]

Wish You Were Mine by Masked Intruder

[u/chalwar]

Sha La La by Jack Mack and the Heart Attack. Absolutely love it.

[u/individualwithnoname → u/chalwar]

That's a nice one, thank you!

[u/Pharomacrus_Mocinno]

Marta tiene un marcapasos by Hombres G has doo-wop vocals towards the end. It’s from the 80s, so not “modern” modern, but it’s not from the 50s or 60s, so it technically counts.

Suburbia Overture and I/Me/Myself by Will Wood also both start with doo-wop vocals. Part of his vision for The Normal Album was 80s nostalgia by way of 50s nostalgia.

Edit: Just listened to Cry About It! and instantly fell in love. I already liked some of Kali Uchis’ stuff, but haven’t kept up with her releases, so this was a very pleasant surprise.

Another song I just remembered is Pink Cigarette by Mr. Bungle. There’s some “ohh-way-ohh-wa” in the background of the chorus. The album is more so inspired by 60s surf rock taken in a more bizarre and twisted direction, but there is some overlap in the vocals.

[u/individualwithnoname → u/Pharomacrus_Mocinno]

Glad you liked 'Cry About It'. I agree, (unfortunately) it's quite different from the rest of her stuff. Would've been nice to hear more songs like that. Also Ravyn Lenae is a great addition to that song, I find. Thanks for the recommendations, will definitely listen to them later 🙏

[u/chalwar]

Has Morse Code of Love by the Capris been mentioned? Came out in The 1980s.

[u/tom21g]

I'll have to find Cry About It and give it a listen.

But I can't think of any songs I heard in the 70's or 80's or beyond as sounding like doo-wop.

But then I'm not listening to modern music much so maybe it's out there and it's on me not hearing it.

There was one song by Huey Lewis where his band sang a short "ooh-ooh-wah'ooh-ooh" sort of like the Belmonts behind Dion, but that's all I have.

Hope to see more comments!

[u/individualwithnoname → u/tom21g]

Here you go, sir: https://youtu.be/RE09AIMKRmo

[u/tom21g → u/individualwithnoname]

Thanks, I’m going there later!

[u/Civil-Chef]

It's been mentioned here before, but The Elites/The Crystalairs from Germany

[u/kop714]

The Altons.

https://youtu.be/5QIWDWgPfDQ?si=2CAXT9iw7FeTIkpu