“Unchained Melody” was composed in 1955 by Alex North (music) and Hy Zaret (lyrics) for the film Unchained. Though the title uses the word “unchained,” Zaret opted not to include the word in the lyrics at all — instead crafting a plaintive yearning for reunion with a distant lover. The first recording in the film was by Todd Duncan, but the song quickly became a standard, with more than 1,500 recorded versions by over 670 artists worldwide.

The version most familiar to the public was recorded in 1965 by The Righteous Brothers (lead vocals by Bobby Hatfield).  Their rendition is widely regarded as definitive — its soaring tenor vocal, lush orchestration, and emotional depth elevated the song into pop‑culture immortality. The track experienced a resurgence in popularity after being featured in the 1990 film Ghost, further cementing its legacy.

Over the decades, the song has held its appeal because of its universal theme of longing, its dramatic vocal climax (particularly the high notes that so many listeners mention), and its wide adaptability across genres and languages. From soul to pop to film soundtracks, it continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. Its durability is proof of the enduring power of melody and emotion in music.