Laura Nyro, It’s Gonna Take A Miracle | COVERS

In the 33^rd edition of COVERS (2023), Laura Nyro delivers a compelling rendition of “It’s Gonna Take A Miracle” originally performed by The Royalettes.

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 33^rd edition of COVERS (2023), 🎙 Laura Nyro and 🎙 LaBelle delivers a compelling rendition of 🎵 “It’s Gonna Take A Miracle”, originally performed by 🎙 The Royalettes.

“It’s gonna take a miracle / Yes, it’s gonna take a miracle / To make me love someone new / ‘Cause I’m crazy for you.” Despite a short life, just 49 years, 🎙 Laura Nyro made her impact known. A talented and soulful singer/songwriter, one of the true bright spots of Nyro’s discography is her 1971 covers album, 💿 Gonna Take A Miracle.  The title track from the album, 🎵 “It’s Gonna Take A Miracle”, appears as the 10^th track.  Nyro covers the Baltimore girl group, 🎙 The Royalettes, who peaked at no. 41 on the Billboard Hot 100 with the original from 1965.  Performing alongside Nyro is none other than 🎙 LaBelle including the one and only 🎙 Patti LaBelle.  Safe to say, given Nyro’s high flying lead, and LaBelle’s superb background vocals, “It’s Gonna Take A Miracle” ends up being a truly special record.

“Oh, didn’t you know / It wouldn’t be so easy / Letting you go / I could have told you.” In Laura Nyro’s hands, “It’s Gonna Take A Miracle” features a slow, relaxed tempo.  She NEVER gets in a rush. Her vocals are superb – expressive and filled with ear catching soulfulness. Furthermore, the harmonized backing vocals by LaBelle only up the ante.  Beyond the chorus, the bridge marks one of the best moments, particularly the energy Nyro brings on the final line (“I’ll never be the same anymore”).   Beyond elite vocals, coupled with the masterful songwriting by 🎼 ✍ Teddy Randazzo, Lou Stallman, and Bobby Weinstein, the production work is radiant, including rhythm section and warm, lush strings.  In the hands of Nyro and LaBelle, 🎵 “It’s Gonna Take A Miracle” is a surefire vibe.  It’s a shame this rendition didn’t hit the pop charts – it is incredible!

🎙 Laura Nyro & LaBelle • 💿 Gonna Take A Miracle • 🏷 Sony Music Entertainment, Inc. • 🗓 1971

Laura Nyro, It’s Gonna Take A Miracle: Covers No. 33 (2023) [📷: Brent Faulkner /The Musical Hype; Sony Music Entertainment, Inc.; cottonbro studio, MART PRODUCTION, Ron Lach from Pexels; Paul Brennan from Pixabay]