Korean Soul, Encourage Yourself | COVERS

In the 46th edition of COVERS (2024), Korean Soul delivers a compelling rendition of “Encourage Yourself” originally performed by Donald Lawrence.

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 46^th edition of COVERS (2024), Sooyong of Korean Soul delivers a compelling rendition of “Encourage Yourself” originally performed by Donald Lawrence.

“Sometimes you have to encourage yourself.” True dat! Donald Lawrence penned a gem with the contemporary gospel song “Encourage Yourself”. Performed by The Tri-City Singers with Sheri Jones-Moffett singing lead, “Encourage Yourself” still makes my soul happy every time I hear it.  Covered by various singers, Sooyong of Korean Soul covered “Encourage Yourself” from his tiny room (per the YouTube video caption) in 2019.  Even in the intimate setting, Sooyong ‘tears it up.’ It’s not surprising, however. If you have never heard Korean Soul perform, you are missing out – they are awesome.

Sooyong has big shoes to fill as Sheri Jones-Moffett ‘killed it’ singing lead. Guess who else kills it? Sooyong! His vocals are top-notch: dynamic, expressive, and nuanced.  His tone is beautiful and perfectly tailored for gospel music. His runs are silky smooth and soulful. His ad-libs sound authentic and never forced.  Sooyong sings with conviction as he touts encouragement in the Lord.

“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, yeah

(I’m encouraged)

All of my help, all of my help comes from the Lord, yeah

(I’m encouraged)

I believe I believe everything he said about me

Oh, yes I am

(I’m encouraged)

Oh, yes I am

(I’m encouraged)

Oh, yes I am

(I’m encouraged).”

You can tell that he believes every word he sings, and that his faith is incredibly important.  Furthermore, as Sooyong blesses us from his tiny room, he gets a lift from the background choral vocals.  “Encourage Yourself” in the hands of Korean Soul is super encouraging!

Korean Soul // “Encourage Yourself” // 2019

Korean Soul, Encourage Yourself: Covers No. 46 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner /The Musical Hype; Korean Soul; Alan Cordero, Ba Tik, Kampus Production, Matteo Milan, SHVETS production from Pexels; OpenClipart-Vectors, StockSnap, Vicki Hamilton from Pixabay]