Jaguar Wright, Love Need And Want You | COVERS

In the 7^th edition of COVERS (2023), Jaguar Wright delivers a compelling rendition of “Love Need And Want You,” originally performed by Patti LaBelle.

“Ijust want you to know how I feel, how I feel…” 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 separates itself from a related column, Head 2 Head 🗣️ only highlighting the musician who covers, as opposed to the original/most famous performer. COVERS is open to both established musicians and musicians who may not be as well-known. In the 7^th edition of COVERS (2023), 🎙 Jaguar Wright delivers a compelling rendition of 🎵 “Love Need And Want You”, originally/famously performed by 🎙 Patti LaBelle.  

Covering a big-voiced soul singer is not easy – PERIOD. 🎙 Jaguar Wright proved she was up to the task on her 2002 debut album, 💿 Denials Delusions And Decisions. It’s worth noting, Wright only released two studio albums – sad 😢. It’s also worth noting that her life since her heyday has its fair share of issues. On the fourth track from Denials…, she tackles the one-and-only 🎙 Patti LaBelle – WOO! LaBelle scored an R&B hit in the 1980s with 🎵 “Love Need And Want You”, one of her truly beloved songs. Despite having huge shoes to fill on this 🎼 ✍ Kenneth Gamble and Walter “Bunny” Sigler penned gem for ‘Ms. Patti,’ the neo-soul artist proves she can hold her own.

“I love and need and want you, baby

I love and need and want you, baby…”

The production is fitting, essentially reproducing the original 80s backdrop for the early aughts – the height of the neo-soul movement.  Wright keeps the Philly soul alive and well. There are no major tweaks in the sound, honestly.  Vocally, Wright brings an incredible amount of soul to the table.  Soulful she is, she NEVER forces things, letting things flow naturally.  Her expression and nuances capture the essence of the original, and the love-oriented song lyrics themselves, but it never feels as if she tries too hard.  Essentially, Wright brings an 80s R&B staple and introduces it to a new audience and new generation.  What is hard to believe is this marvelous love song, in Wright’s hands, is now two decades old! One thing is for sure – it NEVER grows old.

See also 🔻:

• Patti LaBelle, “Love, Need and Want You”: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 135 (2023)

🎙 Jaguar Wright • 💿 Denials Delusions And Decisions • 🏷 Geffen • 🗓 2002

Jaguar Wright, “Love Need And Want You”: Covers No. 7 (2023) [📷: Brent Faulkner /The Musical Hype; Geffen; Paul Brennan from Pixabay;  Sdf Rahbar on Unsplash]