Is South African R&B girl group Jamali's reworking of Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up," titled "Love At First Sight," cheesy as you can possibly imagine? Oh yes. Would I have it any other way? Absolutely not.It's not the only cover on the third album by the three girls of the group, who lost on Popstars but who have gone on to be far more successful than the winners: "Knowing Me, Knowing You," the lead single, is an unsuccessful attempt at modernizing and claiming a pop song from decades past by shoving a nominally African beat underneath it. It's impossible to listen to without not only thinking about the original version but also thinking how unexciting the song sounds in this version.
"Love At First Sight," on the other hand, reminds you of how great the original is while also working in its modern format. "Modern" might be a bit of an overstatement--like the Young Divas' first album, there is still something a bit '80s about the melodies at work here, but the production has been updated. Somewhat. A bit.
There is something not only cheesier but also cheaper about "Love At First Sight" than the aforementioned Young Divas album, but the song is so adorable in its cheesiness that it's the good kind of pop froth: bubbles of pop bliss rise, dance, catch the light for a few moments, and then disappear with no trace left behind but the smile on your face.
To buy Jamali's third album, 3rd Base, go here (physical).
Next up: maybe a round-up sort of post.
