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4 out of 5 stars

Jamal Roberts, Heal [๐Ÿ“ท: 19 Recordings, Inc. / BMG Rights Management (US) LLC]American Idol winner Jamal Roberts delivers a moving, spiritual rendition of the Tom Odell single, โ€œHeal.โ€

โ€œTake my mind and take my pain / Like an empty bottle takes the rain / And heal, heal, heal, heal, heal,โ€ American Idol winner Jamal Roberts sings on his debut single, โ€œHealโ€.  If those lyrics sound familiar, it is because โ€œHealโ€ is a cover. It was written and originally recorded by English singer/songwriter Tom Odell in 2013 (Long Way Down).  However, this cover is not a straightforward one, with some new lyrics and a different perspective compared to Odellโ€™s original. Roberts sings with a rich, smooth tone.  His voice sounds โ€˜simply beautiful.โ€™ With every lyric and note he sings, you believe every word he says.  While this song was originally an alternative/indie record, Roberts successfully transforms it into a moving, soulful gospel record.

When Roberts soars, showing off his impressive upper register and power, it gives chills.  Adding to the radiance of this cut is the production.  Initially subtle, โ€œHealโ€ evolves into something much grander than the original โ€“ a truly spiritual experience.  Robertsโ€™ ad-libs are spot-on in the third and final verse: โ€œOh, youโ€™re the only one, the only that can heal / So please, heal from depression, Jesus, from suicidal thoughts, please heal / Youโ€™re the only one that can do it, from sickness, oh / Restoration right now.โ€ Amen! Hallelujah! Jamal Roberts does a superb job with โ€œHealโ€. Iโ€™m cheering this talented singer on!

4 out of 5 stars


Jamal Roberts // โ€œHealโ€ // 19 Recordings, Inc. / BMG Rights Management (US) LLC // 5.18.25

[๐Ÿ“ท: 19 Recordings, Inc. / BMG Rights Management (US) LLC]

 


the musical hype

the musical hype (Brent Faulkner) has earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music (music education, music theory/composition respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and freelance music blogger. Faulkner cites music and writing as two of the most important parts of his life. Notably, he's blessed with a great ear, possessing perfect pitch.

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