A magnificent piano piece originated in 1975 by Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes (with Teddy Pendergrass singing lead vocals) from their platinum selling album, Wake Up, comes a John Legend cover featuring the Roots, Common, and Melanie Fiona from his & The Roots’ forthcoming collaborative album of the same original name.
I first heard the spectacular interpretation at the World Cup 2010 Kick-off Concert with John Legend on his own (it had been released months before, mind you). I then proceeded to search frantically for the single only realising later that it had yet to be released for sale and was part of the new The Roots & John Legend album to be released on 21 September 2010. So I decided to follow John Legend on Twitter to find out more on this brilliance. Seeing that his avatar is the cover of the upcoming album:
@johnlegend: “Listen to my new album WAKE UP! w/The Roots before release day. http://bit.ly/9DkVxj”
Wow! There are so many variations of this song with Mr. Legend being at the forefront of it all, I was confused as to which was the original recording for the WAKE UP album.
In its entirety, this new version does more than justice to the original 1975 version, and the Blue Notes would be and should be proud of what their incredibly music abilities has brought about.
Besides the music, what do you think of the album art? Trash it or bag it?
Check out the Sony online store for preorders and merchandise.
That song is a banger! The drums on there are ridiculous. Gotta get. Gonna get! My overseas posse???
oh wow this song...
Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes are a classic
Finally got the video to embed. Yes, I replay the Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes over and over.
I'm loving this version too. I really do.