Akon, Lonely | COVERS

In the 23^rd edition of COVERS (2024), Akon delivers a compelling rendition of “Lonely,” originally performed by Bobby Vinton (“Mr. Lonely”).

Ah, it’s time to get cozy and cover up! In COVERS, we highlight a musician or band covering songs by another musician (likely a popular musician). COVERS focuses solely on the musician who covers, as opposed to the original/most famous performer.  It is open to both established musicians and musicians who may not be as well-known. In the 23^rd edition of COVERS (2024), Akon delivers a compelling rendition of “Lonely” originally performed by Bobby Vinton.

“Lonely, I’m Mr. Lonely / I have nobody for my own.” In 2004, Akon released his debut album, Trouble, when he was 31 years old… we believe. Age isn’t pertinent when discussing his hit single, “Lonely”.  Even if he was ‘older’ achieving his breakout success, many of his younger fans likely didn’t grow up listening to the Bobby Vinton classic, “Mr. Lonely”, a no. 1 hit on The Billboard Hot 100 in 1964. The Senegalese American musician samples and reworks the 60s classic for his huge pop hit. “Lonely” peaked at no. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2005. Also, “it was a multiplatinum single from his platinum-certified debut LP.

The verses on “Lonely” are brand-new.  In the first verse, Akon is dismayed his girlfriend is gone. Sad, he reflects, “Tryin’ to figure out what I do to make it go bad / ‘Cause ever since my girl left me / My whole life came crashin’.” You know what that means.  Our boy, Akon, is… “Lonely (so lonely) / I’m Mr. Lonely (Mr. Lonely) / I have nobody (I have nobody) / For my own (to call my own, girl).” Akon lifts the chorus, and rightfully, Vinton and co-writer Gene Allan get songwriting credits.  Vinton sings the core of the chorus, while Akon sings the response. The second verse is like the first, with Akon lamenting her exit and his stupidity.  “What really hurt me is I broke your heart,” he sings, continuing, “Baby, you a good girl and I had no right.” At least he’s contrite, even if it’s after the fact. The third verse keeps the same energy as well. All told, Akon marvelously reintroduced “Mr. Lonely” via “Lonely” to an entirely new generation.  He sings it authentically and beautifully. This song right here is easily one of his best – a highlight of his career.

Akon // Trouble // Universal / UMG Recordings, Inc. // 2004

Akon, Lonely: Covers No. 23 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner /The Musical Hype; UMG Recordings, Inc., Universal; Andrea Piacquadio, cottonbro studio, MART PRODUCTION, Matteo Milan from Pexels; MR1313, OpenClipart-Vectors, Vicki Hamilton from Pixabay]