Perfume Genius, Can’t Help Falling in Love | COVERS

In the 39^th edition of COVERS (2023), Perfume Genius delivers a compelling rendition of “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” originally performed by Elvis Presley.

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 39^th edition of COVERS (2023), 🎙 Perfume Genius delivers a compelling rendition of 🎵 “Can’t Help Falling in Love”, originally recorded by 🎙 Elvis Presley.

“Wise men say, only fools rush in / But I can’t help falling in love with you.”  Such beautiful, iconic lyrics! On his cover of 🎵 “Can’t Help Falling in Love”, 🎙 Perfume Genius (Mike Hadreas) makes the 🎼 ✍ George David Weiss, Hugo Peretti, and Luigi Creatore penned song, originally recorded by 🎙 Elvis Presley his own. Released in 2016, “Can’t Help Falling in Love” in Hadreas’ hands runs under two-and-a-half minutes (shorter than the original). Despite the brevity, there are plenty of selling points that make the cover special.

Hadreas surprises early on.  Rather than the expected, smooth, legato backdrop, the lister is given a distinct, rhythmic, minimalist synth.  The minimal vibes, which are consistent throughout “Can’t Help Falling in Love” provide contrast to the original. Hadreas delivers enigmatic vocals which are cool, calm, and collected. His performance is incredibly sophisticated. He never perspires, yet despite being even-keel, he’s potent. Also, it’s worth noting that “Can’t Help Falling in Love” is set in G major, as opposed to D major, the original key. Something else that makes this cover unique is how it simultaneously sounds classic and contemporary. Sure, those driving synths are far removed from the piano 🎹 arpeggiations of the 60s, but other elements of this subdued production still hearkens back to the past (the rich guitar 🎸), reminding us of the vintage nature of the song. 🎵 “Can’t Help Falling in Love” gets a fresh interpretation in the hands of Perfume Genius, who is an incredible talent.

🎙 Perfume Genius • 🎵 “Can’t Help Falling in Love” • 🏷 Perfume Genius / Matador • 🗓 2016

Perfume Genius, Can’t Help Falling in Love: Covers No. 39 (2023) [📷: Brent Faulkner /The Musical Hype; Perfume Genius / Matador; cottonbro studio, MART PRODUCTION, Ron Lach from Pexels; Paul Brennan from Pixabay]