Top Of The World (from Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile) (arr. Mark Brymer): SSA Choral Octavo

Mark Brymer's arrangement captures the song's infectious optimism while keeping the voicing straightforward enough for mixed-ability choirs. The pop sensibility translates beautifully to SSA without losing the melodic charm that made the original stick in listeners' heads.

Sunny and forward-moving, with the kind of melodic straightforwardness that makes an audience smile instantly. The arrangement has warmth without sentimentality; it's pop that feels genuine rather than manufactured.

Choirs looking to program contemporary pop with legitimate artistic substance will find this a strong choice. It works equally well for groups seeking accessible repertoire that engages students who grew up with Mendes' music and for directors wanting to bridge pop and choral traditions.

• Balance the rhythmic drive in the accompaniment against clear vowel placement in the melodic line; the groove should energize rather than overshadow the singers.
• Lean into the consonant clarity on repeated syllables and phrasing breaks to keep the text conversational and alive.
• Shape dynamics subtly through the verse and chorus rather than forcing dramatic contrasts; let the arrangement's layering create dimension naturally.
• Consider mic placement if performing amplified, as pop arrangements benefit from even volume distribution across all three voice parts.

Slot this into a spring or end-of-year concert where you want a crowd-pleasing moment that also shows off your singers' ability to handle contemporary material with style. It pairs well alongside either musical theater selections or lighter jazz charts, and it works particularly well as a finale or penultimate number.

• Phrasing and breath placement in pop idiom
• Balancing harmonic support with forward melodic motion
• Text clarity and conversational delivery
• Rhythmic precision in syncopated arrangements
• Blend and balance across three voice parts with distinct ranges