“Unchained Melody” is a classic 1955 love ballad composed by Alex North with lyrics by Hy Zaret, originally written for the little-known prison film Unchained—hence the title. Despite its movie origins, the song quickly grew beyond the film and became one of the most recorded songs of the 20th century, covered by artists across genres. Its most iconic rendition is widely considered to be the Righteous Brothers’ 1965 version, featuring Bobby Hatfield’s soaring, emotionally charged vocals, which h