Candi Staton, Clean Up America | COVERS

In the 35th edition of COVERS (2024), Candi Staton delivers a compelling rendition of “Clean Up America” originally performed by Z.Z. Hill.

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.  It is open to established musicians and musicians who may not be as well-known. In the 35^th edition of COVERS (2024), Candi Staton delivers a compelling rendition of “Clean Up America” originally performed by Z.Z. Hill.

“We gotta listen a little bit more / Talk a little bit less / Turn hate into love / And clean up our own mess.” Amen! A couple of years before “Young Hearts Run Free”, Grammy-nominated R&B/gospel singer Candi Staton had another task: to “Clean Up America”.  That’s a big one! “Clean Up America” is the 10^th and penultimate cut from her 1974 album, Candi. It was written by Tom Brasfield, Al Cartee, Brent Cartee, and George Soule.  Notably, it was released the same year as “Clean Up America” performed by the late Z.Z. Hill (Arzell J. Hill).  His recording is noted as the first. Regardless, as she always does, Candi made “Clean Up America” hers.

In Staton’s hands, “Clean Up America” runs a few seconds longer.  One of its defining features is the recurrent instrumental riff.  Ultra-groovy, the soulful backdrop superbly supports Candi. She’s backed by a tight rhythm section characterized by a big bass line and percussion. Also, the biting horns up the ante regarding timbre. Where the bread is buttered on “Clean Up America” are the vocals. Candi’s lead is expressive and nuanced, oozing with S-O-U-L.  She sings the lyrics with conviction: “We blame politicians for the world today / Just turn our heads hope it goes away / We view our problems through too many colors / Never stop to think we’re sisters and brothers.” Amen! Staton is supported by talented background vocals, who help bring the centerpiece, the chorus, alive in all its glory:

“We got to pitch in (pitch in) and clean up America

We got to pitch in (pitch in) and clean up America

We got to pitch in (pitch in) and clean up America

Or it won’t be America anymore.”

In addition to ‘killing it’ with the core melody, Staton slays with fabulous, soulful riffed vocals at the end. “Clean Up America” in the hands of Candi Staton is nothing short of awesome!

Candi Staton // Candi // Warner // 1974

Candi Staton, Clean Up America: Covers No. 35 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner /The Musical Hype; Warner; Alan Cordero, Ba Tik, Kampus Production, Matteo Milan, SHVETS production from Pexels; OpenClipart-Vectors, StockSnap, Vicki Hamilton from Pixabay]