Alicia Keys, “Every Little Bit Hurts” | COVERS

In the 3^rd  edition of COVERS (2023), Alicia Keys delivers a compelling rendition of “Every Little Bit Hurts” originally performed by Brenda Holloway.

Ah, it’s time to get cozy and totally cover up! In COVERS, we highlight a musician or band covering songs by another musician (likely a popular musician). COVERS separates itself from a related column, Head 2 Head 🗣️ only highlighting the musician who covers, as opposed to the original/most famous performer. COVERS is open to both established musicians and musicians who may not be as well-known. In the 3^rd edition of COVERS (2023), 🎙 Alicia Keys delivers a compelling rendition of 🎵 “Every Little Bit Hurts”, originally performed by 🎙 Brenda Holloway.  

Not every musical artist could release a successful unplugged album.  By successful, I am referring to 💿 Unplugged, the 2005, 🏆 Grammy-nominated, unplugged R&B album by 🏆 Grammy winner, 🎙 Alicia Keys.  The album debuted at no. 1 on the Billboard 200, eventually earning platinum certification from the RIAA. Unplugged features a mix of Keys originals, including a newbie, 🎵 “Unbreakable” as well as – wait for it – covers.  One of the best covers from Unplugged is 🎵 “Every Little Bit Hurts” which appears as the ninth track.

In Keys’ hands, “Every Little Bit Hurts” is introduced to a brand-new audience.  Likely, unless you are extremely well-versed in early Motown, or younger, you may be unfamiliar with the original by Brenda Holloway.  Keys retains the sanctity of the original, with modern recording technology playing a sizable role, as well as adding her own pizazz.  She’s commanding from the onset, infusing additional soulfulness towards the end – really digging in and going for it!  This is one way she truly distinguishes from the original. Also making this cover utterly brilliant is magnificent recreation of the original orchestration and stellar production work.  Does Keys try to usurp the original? No, she just strives to add her own artistry to this epic classic soul gem.  She does just that exceptionally.

🎙 Alicia Keys • 💿 Unplugged • 🏷️ Sony Music Entertainment • 📅 2005

Alicia Keys, “Every Little Bit Hurts”: Covers No. 3 (2023) [📷: Brent Faulkner /The Musical Hype; Sony Music Entertainment; Paul Brennan from Pixabay, Pexels, Sdf Rahbar on Unsplash]