Angie Stone, Trouble Man | COVERS

In the 24^th edition of COVERS (2023), Angie Stone delivers a compelling rendition of “Trouble Man,” originally performed by Marvin Gaye.

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 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 24^th edition of COVERS (2023), 🎙 Angie Stone delivers a compelling rendition of 🎵 “Trouble Man”, originally/famously performed by 🎙 Marvin Gaye.

via GIPHY

“No weapon formed against me shall prosper.” That is Biblical talk – scripture – that  🏆 Grammy-nominated neo-soulstress, 🎙 Angie Stone, commences 🎵 “Trouble Man” with. “Trouble Man” appears as the ninth track on her 1999 neo-soul classic, the gold-certified 💿 Black Diamond.  Of course, it should be noted that 🎵 “Trouble Man” was recorded 27 years earlier by its writer and original performer, 🎙 Marvin Gaye.  It takes some serious chops to cover an icon like Gaye, chops that Stone clearly possesses.

The voice – Angie’s voice – sounds amazing on “Trouble Man.” She oozes with soul and nails the agile, rhythmic melodies without a hitch.  The timbral contrast, moving from the male lead of the original to a  female lead on the cover, is a major selling point.  The production does a nice job of recapturing the essence of the original while simultaneously updating the sound.  The jazz-soul vibes continue to emanate, though less pronouncedly. One reason for this is a simpler arrangement and less instrumentation.  The focus are the keys, guitar, bass, and drums compared to the orchestra accompanying Gaye. This rendition embraces the 1990s contemporary soul sounds, helping to make “Trouble Man” sound more original.  Furthermore, the Stone version runs about two-and-a-half-minutes in duration where Marvin went nearly four.  Covering an icon is an arduous task but when you’re Angie Stone, you have the tools to do so.  🎵 “Trouble Man”, hence, is awesome!  

via GIPHY

🎙 Angie Stone • 💿 Black Diamond • 🏷 BRM / Peace Bisquit • 🗓 1999

Angie Stone, “Trouble Man”: Covers No. 24 (2023) [📷: Brent Faulkner /The Musical Hype; BRM / Peace Bisquit; cottonbro studio, MART PRODUCTION, Ron Lach from Pexels; Paul Brennan from Pixabay]