Hallelujah x 4
It looks like Alexandra Burke's version of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah will be Christmas number one, with Jeff Buckley's version in at number two. But for your consideration is my personal favourite, by John Cale and a bonus of an amazing version by Alison Crowe (see live performances below).
Why do I like John Cale's version more than Jeff Buckley's version? I think I like the grander and fuller sound by Cale. Buckley has a more emotive voice but Cale gives the song hope where as Buckley is a sound against darkness. Buckley sings Hallelujah at the moment of redemption, where as Cale has already been redeemed.
I also think Hallelujah is one of those invincible songs that is very hard to do a bad version of. I love the song, but surprisingly (even to myself) don't hate the X Factor winner's version. Not that I would buy it myself, or listen to it out of choice, but because of the untouchability of the music and lyrics, I'm just happy to be hearing Hallelujah in any form.
Enjoy.
John Cale - Hallelujah. Performed in 1992
Alison Crowe - Hallelujah.
2 comments:
Love Hallelujah. There was an interesting BBC article about the construction of the song before Christmas.
Leonard is the man though.. The real man.. Did you get to see him on his world tour? Oh my Goodness, talk about a transcendental, spiritual experience!
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