Susan Boyle, Up to the Mountain | COVERS

In the 52^nd edition of COVERS (2023), Susan Boyle delivers a compelling rendition of “Up to the Mountain,” originally performed by Patti Griffin.

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 52^nd edition of COVERS (2023), Susan Boyle delivers a compelling rendition of “Up to the Mountain”, written and performed by Patti Griffin.

“I went up to the mountain because you asked me to / Up over the clouds to where the sky was blue.” What lovely, lovely lyrics! Scottish singer Susan Boyle, who came in second place on Britain’s Got Talent, sounds utterly sublime covering “Up to the Mountain”, penned and performed by Patty Griffin. “Up to the Mountain” appears as the seventh track on Boyle’s no. 1 debuting, multiplatinum debut album, I Dreamed a Dream. Her tone is glorious truly celestial.  She sings expressively, never over nor under-singing – bringing just the right punch.

“Sometimes I feel like I’ve never been nothing but tired

And I’ll be walking ‘til the day I expire

So sometimes, I just lay me down, no more can I do

But then I go on again because you ask me to.”

The pen game by Griffin is on-point, while Boyle does a masterful job of authenticating vocally.  She’s backed by a reverent gospel choir, which sounds warm and further amplifies the authenticity.  Beyond the choir, Boyle also receives sound accompaniment courtesy of piano, organ, and guitar. The decision to go drum-less is smart – the rest of the rhythm section carries the rhythm without a hitch. The simplistic, uncomplicated nature of “Up to the Mountain” feels right – a bunch of frills aren’t necessary. All told, this three-and-a-half minute rendition “Up to the Mountain” is sweet, sweet, sweet!

🎙 Susan Boyle • 💿 I Dreamed a Dream • 🏷 Simco Limited / Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited • 🗓 2009

Susan Boyle, Up to the Mountain, Covers No. 52 (2023) [📷: Brent Faulkner /The Musical Hype; Simco Limited / Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited; cottonbro studio, MART PRODUCTION, Ron Lach from Pexels; Paul Brennan from Pixabay]