British pop artist Ellie Goulding delivers a beautiful, ‘true-to-form’ cover of the 1971 Don McLean classic, “Vincent.”  

British pop artist Ellie Goulding returned on Valentine’s Day 2018 with a ‘new’ single.  Actually, the song at hand, “Vincent,” isn’t new in the least.  It’s a cover of the 1971 Don McLean classic from his album, American Pie.

“Vincent” has always been a unique song, and not just because it was based on the life of artist Vincent Van Gogh.  It’s a bit of a tough song to successfully execute – making it compelling and interesting mostly.  Why? It’s more of a singer-songwriter number, and naturally, has a sleepier vibe – no shade.  How does Ms. Goulding do pulling it off?

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, Ellie Goulding does a nice job with a difficult, but beautiful ballad.  Accompanied by guitar, it retains the original simplicity. She has a beautiful, distinct voice in her own right, which gives her an edge.  With “Vincent” needing a ‘colorful presence’ to successfully seal the deal, it gets that with Goulding.  She never grows particular rousing, but then again, never does the original “Vincent.”  For more casual fans or newcomers who are looking for something truly ‘wowing’ to make them hardcore fans of Goulding, “Vincent” probably won’t do it.  Artistically and vocally, this cover of “Vincent” is well-done by all means.

Ellie Goulding • Vincent – Single • Polydor • Release: 2.14.18

Photo Credit: Polydor