Today, Atarah Valentine unwraps his stellar new cover of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” on the Sony/ATV label.
Recorded in Valentine’s apartment on his laptop, the song consists of 72 doubles of Valentine’s voice, and one violin as the string section, along with Valentine’s talent on guitar, piano, and cello.
Valentine says, “‘Hallelujah’ has been a part of my life since I was a child. I didn’t write it, obviously, but it set a standard of artistry, songwriting, and craftsmanship that made me want more than to just be a singer on a television competition.”
With his distinctive alt rock sound, a blend of ’90s grunge, The Beach Boys, and modern pop, Valentine performed at Lollapalooza in 2015. His performance blew people away because of his intense talent and flair for showmanship. In 2017, he debuted in the movie Wanderland, delivering a poignant version of “I Melt With You,” receiving enthusiastic praise from The Los Angeles Times.
Single by Atarah Valentine
Preview, download or stream Hallelujah – Single by Atarah Valentine
“Hallelujah” opens with an acoustic guitar, gentle and serene, along with Valentine’s trembling voice. A shimmering bridge paves the way for the music’s expansion, as the piano and choir enter, infusing the tune with gospel-like dimensions and nuanced radiance. When the violin enters, the harmonics achieve a sumptuous orchestral suffusion. As the resonance swells, the sublime savor of the choir merges with Valentine’s angelic timbres.
Depending on delivery, Cohen’s lyrics may be melancholic or elevating.
“Well I’ve heard there was a secret chord / That David played and it pleased the Lord / But you don’t really care for music, do you? / Well it goes like this: / The fourth, the fifth, the minor fall and the major lift / The baffled king composing Hallelujah / Hallelujah / Hallelujah / Hallelujah / Hallelujah.”
Valentine explains his interpretation: “I wanted to be the antithesis of what was put in front of me. To give people who don’t feel represented a voice, to let people know it’s okay to have big feelings, to be different, and show them the strength of vulnerability. Leonard Cohen did that for me.”
Atarah Valentine’s “Hallelujah” is simply gorgeous, full of tenderness, vulnerability, and an uplifting essence that’s inspirational and mesmerizing.
Randy Radic is a Left Coast author and writer. Author of numerous true crime books written under the pen-name of John Lee Brook. Former music contributor at Huff Post.
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