Boyce Avenue, Will You Be There | COVERS

In the 29^th edition of COVERS (2023), Boyce Avenue delivers a compelling rendition of “Will You Be There,” originally performed by Michael Jackson.

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 29^th edition of COVERS (2023), 🎙 Boyce Avenue delivers a compelling rendition of 🎵 “Will You Be There”, originally performed by 🎙 Michael Jackson.  

“Hold me / Like the river Jordan / And I will then say to thee / You are my friend.” Covering any musician can a difficult task, particularly when said musician possesses truly elite, prodigious talent. Topping the one and only 🎙 Michael Jackson (1958 – 2009), The King of Pop, is arduous to the n^th degree if even possible.  Sure, many artists have covered his songs, but how many of them came close to outshining the King? 🎙 Boyce Avenue, a band comprised of brothers 🎙 Alejandro Manzano, 🎙 Fabian Manzano, and 🎙 Daniel Manzano, are superb at covering other musicians – that’s their thing.  Still, tackling a big song like 🎵 “Will You Be There”, from Jackson’s 💿 Dangerous (1991) and 💿 Free Willy soundtrack is ambitious.  Guess what? Alejandro (lead vocals) and company nail it.

Alejandro is on autopilot from the jump of this acoustic, piano driven cover of “Will You Be There,” PERIOD. His tone is radiant.  He sings expressively, milking that beloved, tuneful melody for all its worth.  Milking is not equated with over-singing because the balance that Alejandro shows is perfect 💯.  He takes his time setting up “Will You Be There,” not rushing to get to the biggest moments.  When he ascends up the octave in the second verse, clearly, it feels like ‘it’s on.’ Eventually, the piano is joined by acoustic guitar and percussion, adding color to the palette.  The intensity grows, with a consistent groove established, and Alejandro riffing commandingly over background vocals (“Hold me / Show / Lay your head lowly / Told me…”).  During this final section – the part we all lick or lips in anticipation for – like the original, Boyce Avenue nail those key changes.  I love how smooth and refined the backing vocals are, while Alejandro truly gives his soul riffing on the lead.  Michael Jackson is a tough cover but boy do Boyce Avenue honor the king on this interpretation from 💿 Cover Sessions, Vol. 2 (2012).

🎙 Boyce Avenue • 💿 Cover Sessions, Vol. 2  • 🏷 Peace • 🗓 2012

Boyce Avenue, “Will You Be There”: Covers No. 29 (2023) [📷: Brent Faulkner /The Musical Hype; Peace; cottonbro studio, MART PRODUCTION, Ron Lach from Pexels; Paul Brennan from Pixabay]