Stan Walker, Ultralight Beam | COVERS

In the 9^th edition of COVERS (2024), Stan Walker delivers a compelling rendition of “Ultralight Beam,” originally performed by Kanye West.

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 9^th edition of COVERS (2024), Stan Walker delivers a compelling rendition of “Ultralight Beam”, originally performed by Kanye West.

“We on an ultralight beam, we on an ultralight beam / This is a God dream, this is a God dream / This is everything, yeah.” Australian-born, New Zealand singer Stan Walker is incredibly talented.  His voice soars, filled with expression.  When he sings, you believe every lyric and every note.  In 2020, alongside The Levites, the winner of the Australian Idol, Season 7, covered a brilliant, Grammy-nominated gospel-rap/ Christian rap song: “Ultralight Beam” by Kanye West.  Most of the original by West is sung or melodically rapped, but there is a mostly un-pitched rap verse by Chance The Rapper. Focusing on the highlight from his live album, Stan Walker – Live with The Levites, Walker puts in serious work.  Notably, a year prior, Walker recorded “Ultralight Beam” on his EP, Faith Hope Love.

Stan Walker and The Levites superbly reproduce “Ultralight Beam.”  There are some tweaks to the instrumental, beginning with the drum groove.  The additional rhythm provides contrast to the minimalist original from The Life of Pablo.  In addition to the drums, there are some stellar instrumental contributions from the keys, bass, and guitar that give the Walker take distinction. Of course, the biggest reason why “Ultralight Beam” is a success in Stan’s hands is… wait for it… Stan! He delivers soulful, spirited vocals.  His ad-libs – the nuances and runs – cement this as his own interpretation. The backing choral vocals provide a sensational lift, adding color the production.  Something that differentiates the live version is the fact that everything is sung – melody is the modus operandi! Among the best moments is the vamp on “They don’t know,” performed by the choir, with Walker riffing, and touting the importance of equality (“When Black lives matter”). “Ultralight Beam” in the hands of Stan Walker = utterly stupendous.

Stan Walker // Live with The Levites // Sony Music Entertainment New Zealand Ltd // 2020

Stan Walker, Ultralight Beam: Covers No. 9 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner /The Musical Hype; Sony Music Entertainment New Zealand Ltd; Andrea Piacquadio, cottonbro studio, MART PRODUCTION, Matteo Milan from Pexels; MR1313, OpenClipart-Vectors, Vicki Hamilton from Pixabay]