When an indie artist decides to take on a song as famous as Marvin Gaye’s 1971 classic, the risk of falling flat is huge. Most covers end up sounding like cheap karaoke or try way too hard to re-invent the wheel. Cheryl Craigie dodges both traps on her latest release by stripping things back and playing every instrument herself. Hearing one musician build an entire arrangement layer by layer gives the track a personal, grounded atmosphere right from the opening bars.
Her singing carries a clear, honest tone that pulls you in immediately. You can tell she feels a real connection to the song’s message about peace, empathy, and standing together through tough times, and Eric Goldberg handled the production work and Lenny Delorey mixed the track, giving the sound clean separation so her vocals never get lost in the mix. The rhythm section moves along at an easy pace, giving the heavy lyrics plenty of space to sink in.
What really caught my attention here is how comfortable Cheryl sounds in this setting. She has built a reputation with her original indie tracks like “Migraine” and “Martini Morning,” but stepping into classic soul feels natural for her style. The recording choices stay straightforward, allowing the natural warmth of her voice to drive the whole piece. It feels like sitting in on an intimate living room jam session.
This release proves that a classic track can still hit home when approached with genuine heart. Make sure to follow Cheryl on Instagram to catch her next project.
Follow Cheryl Craigie: Instagram – Spotify
