Contemporary soul singer Andra Day masterfully covers and reinterprets the 1963 Billy Taylor classic “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free.” The single appears from the Tyler Perry film, ‘Acrimony.’

Classy.  That’s one adjective that can be used to describe soul singer Andra Day.  Day is known for her uplifting hit, “Rise Up,” one of many highlights from her 2015 debut album, Cheers to the Fall.  Day is back with a new single, “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free.”  If the title sounds familiar, that’s because it’s a cover of a 1963 Billy Taylor/Richard Lamb-pennedclassic. Furthermore, the single hails from the Tyler Perry film, Acrimony, starring Taraji P. Henson.

Typically, “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free” is a groovy, spirited number. Nina Simone is known for her performance of this gem from her 1967 album, Silk & Soul. John Legend covered it in soulful fashion on his 2010 Grammy-winning collaborative album with The Roots, Wake Up!  Both keep the tempo moving. In this particular instance, Andra Day opts for a much slower pace and a more dramatic performance.  As she sings, she expresses the pain and desire of the lyrics of this ‘freedom’ number.  While this is how those familiar with the song expect to hear it, Day makes it her own.

Final Thoughts 

Besides the pace and her vocals (naturally on autopilot), the moodiness of the production further increases the emotion.  Rather than bluesy pianistic accompaniment, Andra Day is backed by orchestra – lush strings (including harp) and menacing brass.  The result is a stunning, truly unique performance, further building Day’s star.

Andra Day • I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free– Single • Warner Bros. • Warner Bros.

Photo Credit: Warner Bros.