Stemin, By Your Side | COVERS

In the 13th edition of COVERS (2025), Stemin delivers a compelling rendition of “By Your Side” originally performed by Sade.

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 13^th  edition of COVERS (2025), Stemin delivers a compelling rendition of “By Your Side”, originally performed by Sade.

“You think I’d leave you down when you’re down on your knees / I wouldn’t do that.” Covering a Sade hit is an elephantine task.  Sade Adu is the sugar, honey, iced tea, PERIOD.  Even though “By Your Side” from Lovers Rock (2000) was a modest hit on the pop charts (number 75 on the Billboard Hot 100), it is still one of the band/singer’s better/most notable songs. Beyond compelling us with a “Gay, Gay, Holiday”, queer, Amsterdam-based R&B artist Stemin impresses with a cover of this Sade gem.  Our handsome (understatement ) and talented fella works magic to make “By Your Side” sound like an original.

The tone of “By Your Side” is set by the warm piano accompaniment.  This piano balladry is perfect for Stemin.  It contrasts with the accompaniment of the original, which features guitar, bass, keys, and percussion. Also, the Stemin rendition slackens the tempo. He delivers gorgeous vocals, showcasing his pure tone. To quote the classic Eddie Murphy film,  Coming To America, “Goddamn, that boy can sing… He good”! It’s true, as Stemin sings authentically and expressively. It is easy to buy what he is selling.  The chorus is one of his best moments: “Oh, when you’re cold, I’ll be there / Hold you tight to me.” Aww – hold me, Stemin, hold me ! As awesome as he sounds on the song’s centerpiece, he kills it during the bridge, showing off the power of his pipes: “And if you want to cry / I am here to dry your eyes / And in no time, you’ll be fine.” Stemin concludes exceptionally as he promises, faithfully, “I’ll be there by your side, baby.” Baby, baby, baby, say that! Notably, he omits the third verse. “By Your Side” gets a fabulous rendition by an artist more folks in the United States need to familiarize themselves with.  Sade is the sugar, honey, iced tea, as is my man, Stemin! #Slay!

Stemin // By Your Side // Stemin Music // 2025

Stemin, By Your Side: Covers No. 13 (2025) [: Brent Faulkner /The Musical Hype; Stemin Music; Alan Cordero, Wolf Art from Pexels; AcatXIo, Enrique, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]