Mesmerizing cover album showcases A.A.’s raw talent
Like many artists, death-gospel singer-songwriter A.A. Williams has released an album made in quarantine, the aptly named Songs From Isolation. The album consists of a collection of dark, brooding covers of iconic rock songs by artists like Nine Inch Nails, Radiohead, The Cure and many more.
The London-based musician has created an amazing lockdown project with her cover album, bringing a new variation to the typically rock-heavy songs she chose to cover. Most songs are set over a deep piano instead of the intense riff of a guitar, and her voice is enchantingly hypnotic, going from a gentle lull to powerful vocals.
Songs From Isolation starts off with the iconic “Lovesong” by The Cure. Set in front of a melancholy piano, Williams’ version of the song adds an element of deep sadness to both the sound and the lyrics. Williams’ cover of “Creep” by Radiohead is an automatic favorite. Her slightly creepy, gothic style and the eerie piano music gives the song a new twist, as it quite literally creeps forward and becomes more and more intense with every line. Her voice towards the end trembles with each line, making the song ever more heartbreaking. It’s followed by a cover of The Moody Blues’ “Nights In White Satin”—another standout on the album.
The song choices on the album also go really well with the title and theme of isolation and quarantine, like the Nine Inch Nails classic, “Everyday Is Exactly The Same.” Williams’ does a great job with her rendition of the song, harmonizing with herself throughout the song which creates a beautiful sound. The final song on the album is a cover of “Porcelina Of The Vast Oceans” by Smashing Pumpkins. The opening piano riff, while still having a forlorn beat, sounds bright. Williams takes this song and makes it entirely new.
Songs From Isolation is a wonderful collection of covers and a great introduction to the strong vocal talent of A.A Williams. With her vocals, each of these songs are given a new vibe. Her ethereal voice adds a soft, somber sound to these famous tunes.
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