Luther Vandross, Going in Circles | COVERS

In the 3^rd edition of COVERS (2022), Luther Vandross delivers a compelling rendition of “Going in Circles,” originally/famously performed by The Friends of Distinction.

Ah, it’s time to get cozy and totally cover up! So, what’s the premise of COVERS? 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 🗣️, because it only highlights the musician who covers, not the original/most famous performer. In the 3^rd edition of COVERS (2022), 🎙 Luther Vandross delivers a compelling rendition of 🎵 “Going in Circles”, originally/famously performed by The 🎙 Friends of Distinction.

When the late, great 🎙 Luther Vandross covers a song, WATCH OUT! Why? Well, the 🏆 Grammy winner possessed one of the most silky, smooth voices of all time.  He is the exemplification of a cool energy. With many covers of the 🎙 The Friends of Distinction classic, 🎵 “Going in Circles”, the Vandross take from his 1994 album, 💿 Songs, ranks among the crème de la crème.

In Luther’s hands, 🎵 “Going in Circles” gets an adult contemporary R&B makeover – a sound that was popular in the 1990s.  The unique harmonic scheme that graces the original written by 🎼 ✍ Jerry Peters and Anita Poree remains firmly intact.  With the smooth production of 🎛 Walter Afanasieff (a 1990s ‘it’ producer), “Going in Circles” sounds incredibly chill despite the fact that Vandross is singing about the plight of love.  Throughout the course of the record, Vandross sounds as if he never broke a sweat recording it, even when he amplifies the energy during the timeless chorus.  It is these cool-as-a-cucumber performances that define Vandross’ legacy.  Had no one else recorded or covered “Going in Circles” prior, you could swear this was a Vandross original, particularly given some of the distinct ad-libs and nuances incorporated.  Paired with 🎵 “Love The One You’re With”, “Going in Circles” peaked at no. 95 on the Billboard Hot 100.

🎙 Luther Vandross • 💿 Songs • 🏷 Sony Music Entertainment • 📅 1994

Luther Vandross, “Going in Circles”: Covers No. 3 (2022) [📷: Brent Faulkner, The Musical Hype, Paul Brennan from Pixabay, Pexels, Sdf Rahbar on Unsplash, Sony Music Entertainment]