With her new single, "What's Going On," Cheryl Craigie takes on a meaningful task, and she's doing it with integrity and respect. When she tells her story, it's clear that it wasn't a hurried or easy decision. She knows the significance of this song and gives it the attention it deserves.
From start to finish, her voice carries the song. It's warm and full of feeling, yet still balanced. The way that she sings is so honest, it feels like a cover, but it's really not. She brings her own voice to the song while maintaining respect for the heart of the original song.
It remains subtle and considerate throughout, allowing her voice to be heard. The strings and the steady beat lie quietly beneath, enhancing the message of the song, but not stealing the spotlight. The harmonies are softly layered, giving added warmth and richness to the track.
The key to this cover is that Cheryl is very clear about the meaning of the song. Her version always has the caring concept at its core, which is the same concept the original is all about. She doesn't want to alter the song. She just reminds people why its message is still so relevant today.
Cheryl does all the instruments and singing on this song, so it has a very personal feel to it. This hands-on method makes the recording intimate and personal, which is ideal for the subject matter. Each part is selected with thought and not just for length or filler, and the song moves in a very natural manner.
This is not Cheryl's first time in the studio either. That's where her music experience in folk, rock, country, pop and more comes through. It allows her to perform such an iconic song with confidence and skill, without losing its essence.
From someone who obviously knows her care when covering this song, which means so much to so many people, “What's Going On” is a heartfelt and well-executed recording. It is worth listening to, and its message is as relevant as ever.
