CAFFE` LATTE` TOP 2000 TRACKS

#145 I DON'T KNOW HOW TO LOVE HIM Marcia Hines
"I Don't Know How To Love Him", the unforgettable ballad from the rock opera "Jesus Christ Superstar", has been covered by a wide array of vocalists, including Helen Reddy and ABBA's Agnetha Faltskog. It is Marcia Hines' version that is singled out here. Hers is the tenderest interpretation of the showstopper, oozing vulnerability and heart.
The song was penned by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice for the 1970 cast album that was created before the stage show existed. That album version featured Yvonne Elliman's take on the song. In the show, the ballad is sung by Mary Magdalene about Jesus. The original version was issued as a single in 1971 and was followed up the charts by Helen Reddy's remake. 
As productions of the 'rock opera' sprang up around the world, an Australian cast was assembled. The show opened in 1972. Its original Mary Magdalene was Michelle Fawdon. At the time, Hines was busy in the local version of "Hair". When she became aware of "Superstar", the Boston-born singer expressed her keen interest to be a part of the show. Hines finally joined its cast in the following year. Controversially, the Australian immigrant was the 1st black woman to portray Mary Magdalene. Trevor White (as Jesus) and Jon English (Judas) remained as her co-stars. This cast proved to be legendary and made Hines a star in her new home. 
The Australian production wrapped up in early 1974. Hines joined the jazz act Daly-Wilson Big Band. That year also saw her sign a solo recording deal with Wizard Records. Her 1st solo release was a cover of the James Taylor hit "Fire And Rain". The disc began its chart ascent while Hines was on tour in the then Soviet Union with the Daly-Wilson Big Band. 
As more hits followed, Hines swiftly established herself as 1 of Australia's most beloved performers. She took out the much coveted "Queen Of Pop" title 3 years in-a-row, beginning in 1976. The award was the result of a public vote.   
 
This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
A new song from the Top 200 is added each day, while another 2 are also included from positions 1501-2000 daily. Check back here every 12 hours for an update of the 2000.