The story behind
Beyond the Sea (La Mer), according to DoReSol
The song Beyond the Sea (La Mer) is an English adaptation of the beautiful French composition La Mer, created by Charles Trenet. This version, which strays from the original's homage to the sea, becomes an emotional declaration of love thanks to Jack Lawrence's lyrics. The most famous interpretation of this song was Bobby Darin's, released in 1959, which achieved notable success on the charts, reaching high positions on the Billboard Hot 100 and other international rankings.
In 1985, the talented guitarist and singer George Benson also ventured into this classic, offering his own version under the title Beyond the Sea (La Mer). This release was part of his album 20/20, which was produced by Russ Titelman. Benson's recording is characterized by its R&B style, combining his distinctive deep voice with fluid guitar playing, reflecting his skill as a musician. His version entered the UK Singles Chart in April 1985, where it remained for three weeks. This fresh and contemporary approach to a song with such a rich history highlights the versatility of music and how it can reinvent itself over decades, connecting with new audiences.
From album
20/20
George Benson · 1985 · Track 5
Details
Credits
Lyrics Jack Lawrence
Music Charles Trenet