Fujii Kaze, Back Stabbers | COVERS

In the 44^th edition of COVERS (2023), Fujii Kaze delivers a compelling rendition of “Back Stabbers,” originally performed by The O’Jays.

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 44^th edition of COVERS (2023), 🎙 Fujii Kaze delivers a compelling rendition of 🎵 “Back Stabbers”, originally performed by 🎙 The O’Jays.

“What they do!” Indeed, 🎙 Fujii Kaze, indeed! The handsome, talented Japanese 🇯🇵 singer recorded a covers album in 2020 entitled, 💿 HELP EVER HURT COVER.  Notably, the third track from the project is a 1970s beloved soul cut, 🎵 “Back Stabbers”. Written by 🎼 ✍ Gene McFadden, John Whitehead, and Leon Huff, “Back Stabbers” was originally recorded by 🎙 The O’Jays. Where the original is noted for both its high-flying, soulful vocals and lush arrangement (Philly soul, baby), the Fujii Kaze rendition gets a more stripped take.  Even so, the dramatic piano 🎹 introduction remains intact, and the piano accompaniment overall soundly supports the singer.

Though he has a tough act to follow, Fujii Kaze impresses with his vocals.  He channels the soulfulness of the era, commanding from the first note he sings. Of course, he allows for that dramatic pianistic introduction to gas him up, even sans additional instruments, namely drums 🥁.  His tone is gorgeous, while his ad-libs are sweet too.  Further amplifying this 2020 take are the harmonized background vocals during the chorus (“They smilin’ in your face / All the time they want to take your place / The back stabbers, back stabbers”). Kaze channels his inner The O’Jays sensationally 🤩. Another strength? His accent! The accent adds more charm, truly making his take of 🎵 “Back Stabbers” sound true to self… well, true to Fujii!

🎙 Fujii Kaze • 💿 HELP EVER HURT COVER • 🏷 Universal Music LLC • 🗓 2020

Fujii Kaze, Back Stabbers: Covers No. 44 (2023) [📷: Brent Faulkner /The Musical Hype; Universal Music LLC; cottonbro studio, MART PRODUCTION, Ron Lach from Pexels; Paul Brennan from Pixabay]