With the stage musical Beautiful opening in Sydney next month, it seems Australia is falling in love with Carole King all over again. Carole King covers were sung at the recent Helpmann Awards, and now we have the release of Beautiful: A Tribute to Carole King, featuring some of the best-known names in the Aussie music industry.
Covers albums like this are always a bit uneven. Invariably some performances shine brighter than others. Sometimes treatments are right on the money, and other times they can leave you just a little cold. However, when you’re working with the music of someone as talented as Carole, you’re already ahead of the game in my opinion.
This album probably has more standout performances than the average album of its type. It starts with Esther Hannaford’s performance of “Beautiful,” a track that reminds you exactly why she scored the coveted lead in the stage production. There’s an earthiness about her voice that’s so reminiscent of Carole’s own unique tone. It was only a few months ago that Vika Bull was performing the songs of Tapestry live, so it’s unsurprising that her versions of “(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman” and “The Loco-Motion” (which also features her sister Linda), are first class. Dami Im, ever the consummate professional, delivers a knock-out blow with “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow,” capturing the love and uncertainty in those lyrics beautifully. I haven’t heard much from Jack Jones and Stan Walker in recent years, but their versions of “No Easy Way Down” and “Way Over Yonder” respectively reminded me how much I’ve always loved what they do. Excellent.
Not every cut is a hit though. As I listened to Guy Sebastian’s version of “You’ve Got a Friend” I was reminded how much I enjoy James Taylor’s more introspective take. There’s just a little too much going on here for my taste. But keep in mind, I’m in the minority of people who prefer Carole King’s version of “(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman” to Aretha Franklin’s. There’s no denying the man can sing. Ditto the boys from Human Nature, who are among the best male vocalists this country has produced. However, their take on “One Fine Day” takes the song’s already kitschy vibe to the extreme. It’s lost its heart somewhere in the treatment and it’s a real shame. “I Feel The Earth Move” just feels like the wrong song for Samantha Jade. I’m not sure what I would have given her, but with such strong instrumentation her delicate voice gets a little lost.
It’s not a perfect homage to Carole King, but there are some really special moments on Beautiful: A Tribute to Carole King. It also serves as a timely reminder just how good Carole’s music is.
Beautiful: A Tribute to Carole King is in stores now.