Blake - Hallelujah single 25 Feb 2008

When a group releases a new version of a song that they have already recorded previously, it is difficult not to draw comparisons with the original,or have preconceived ideas as to how it will sound.

Blake’s new single Hallelujah (released digitally on 25th February 2008) is an a capella version of the song that they had previously recorded for their debut album. It is the same song written by Leonard Cohen and produced by Nick Patrick, but this version has many subtle differences which set it apart from the original Blake recording.

Being sung a capella you get to hear and appreciate the music in its natural, raw state and with new vocal arrangements by Blake themselves; it is easy to forget at times that there is no backing music. Their voices are the instruments and in this version, you are able to more fully appreciate the power and quality of the harmonies. Whilst some of the harmonies are only slight changes from the earlier version, they seem to enhance rather than detract from the original beauty of the music and poignancy of the lyrics. The fact that Blake are responsible for the vocal arrangements on this version, hi-lights further their skills as musicians and I hope that they will develop this talent further in future projects as the results are truly wonderful.

Both versions of Hallelujah are enjoyable in their own way, but I find the a capella version very soothing, relaxing and personal, perhaps more so than the original version as it feels at times, as though the group are actually in the room with you. The sound is quite unique but with incredible, pure harmonies that you have come to know from Blake.

Proceeds from the sale of the single are being donated to the War Widows Association of whom Blake have recently been made Ambassadors.

 

Added: March 4th 2008
Reviewer: xantha
Score: