Different Renditions Of The Song Hallelujah By Leonard Cohen - Assignment Example

Different Renditions On The Song Hallelujah By Leonard Cohen The song Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen has several renditions by different musicians since it was first release. The song is complex and covers a wide range of themes that include sex, religion longing and regret. As such it touches many people as they can identify with at least one them from the song. The song is so universal that it can be sang at funeral or weddings and at Muslim or Christian functions. Cohen also took a lot of time composing this song and perfects it (Browne & Browne 2011). He actually stated that he took a long time before finishing the song. The song among the musicians who have covered this song includes Rufus Wainwright, Michael McDonald, Bon Jovi, John Cale, Jason Castro a former contestant in the American Idol among others. The different artists used the original lyrics while other changed the lyrics to fit their preference as Cohen never put a restriction on the modification of this song. One of the famous versions of this song is Jeff Buckley’s version that was the top song on the Hot Digital Songs chart of 2008. The same year another version that again topped the charts was released by Alexandra Burke who won the talent show “The X factor” by Simon Cowell mastermind U.K. These are just a few of the many singers who have remixed and performed this song (Browne & Browne 2011). In this paper the performance by Justine Timberlake and Matt Morris in a charity concert called “Hope for Haiti” will be compared with Jeff Berkley performance. The performance by Timberlake and Morris moved the crowd. It was a very beautiful duet that moved the crowd. The two sang harmoniously which no wonder is considering that they have been working together. The song was not very different from the original version. It was close to their performance by Jeff Buckley. However, it stood out in the manner the singers put their emotions to their performance and almost drove some of the audience to tears. There were other performers during the show such as Mary J. Blige but Timberlake and Morris performance stood out. The two were dressed impeccably and their performance matched their outfit. However, the song stood out from the other versions that have been sang because it was a duet. Timberlake and Morris sang different lines making it look like a conversation which was very intriguing. The only instrument that was used in this performance was the guitar which made the music soulful (Leibovitz 2014). The vocals of Timberlake and Morris were distinct and complemented each other. The two musicians effectively used the stage moving from one corner to another in unison. At some point one would have thought that they were singing to a musician as their countenances expressed the meaning of the word they sang to. Although Haleluyah is a slow song the crowd was energized by this performance. One could not help but observe how the audience was absorbed in the deep vocals by the two artists as they moved their heads and their bodies in harmony with the beats of the guitar. The climax could be felt throughout the concert as the only sound that could be heard was that of the vocalist and the guitar. It was a solemn moment one of those that makes one feels like they are closer to God. This song closely matched the theme of the occasion which was dedicated to Haiti where people had greatly suffered. It drew people to contribute towards a worthy course that would see several thousands of Haitians that were suffering from natural disaster. The conclusion of the song was at a very high note which left the audience energized and earning for more. Timberlake has been known to deliver amazing performances in the past but had outdone himself in this performance. Morris did not just ride on the Glory of Timberlake but he also delivered a powerful performance (Leibovitz 2014). His vocals were distinct and appealing, his stage performance impeccable and intriguing. Morris and Timberlake have been working together in creating an album and good teamwork could clearly be seen in their harmonic performance. Justin and Morris performance of Hallelujah song can be compared to Susan Boyle’s performance of the same song. Susan Boyles is a renowned gospel musician who became famous after releasing her album “Gift”. She has done a rendition of the Hallelujah song. This song is in an album called the “Gift” which is meant for the Christmas season. This song fits perfectly for Christmas and is a way of forgetting the all year trouble and just flowing with the Christmas tidings. Susan performance of this song was very great. She has a mezzo soprano voice that is quite unique (Leibovitz 2014). She has a unique voice that awed her fans. According to some of the people who have listened to this song, her voice is angelic and uplifts the should. Among all the renditions that have been done, Boyles gave the song the holy effect that was soul uplifting. Her first performance of this song left the audience awed as the shook the crowd with her energy. Unlike the performance by Justin and Morris, Boyle’s performance was a solo performance. Nevertheless, although it lacked the harmonization of the duet, Boyle’s performance was dazzling. She was very emotional and she gave life to the lyrics of the song through her performance. Drawn by her deep voice the crowd could not help but join in the chorus as a solemn worship (Leibovitz 2014). However, her chorus is a little rushed compared to the other version which makes the song lose its original touch. Boyle’s version gives the song the effect of a church choir as it has some backup singers and strings which any church going person would identify with. The difference between Justin version and Boyle’s version is that Justin version is designed for a crowd that is not too religious. It is can be enjoyed by any person regardless their religions. Boyle’s version on the other hand is characteristic of Christian religion and mostly Christians will identify with it. Boyles also hollows over the songs lines that she does not consider too religious. There is also presence of a choir and choir beats which limits the kind of audience that would enjoy this song. Justin and Morris version does not shy away from tacking the sex theme in the song which may not be welcome by the Christian religion. Their version is more romantic and sensual. It sort of makes one fell like they are listening to something they should not be listening to and it’s almost similar to Jeff Berkley’s version. Justine version is thus closer to the original version than Boyle’s version. References Browne, R. B., & Browne, P. (2011). The guide to United States popular culture. Bowling Green, OH: Bowling Green State University Popular Press. Leibovitz, L. (2014). A broken hallelujah: Rock and roll, redemption, and the life of Leonard Cohen. . Read More