This week’s invitation from Jim for Song Lyric Sunday, in his post Transcending The Original, is to play a cover song that we think is better than the original. I really should be claiming this as an episode in my (very) occasional Under The Covers series, shouldn’t I! Having recently extolled the virtues of First To Eleven as one of my favourite covers bands I thought about going for one of theirs, but somehow that felt like I would be taking the easy way. So I’m going instead with a lovely version of a power pop song song from the Eighties. Trimmed down this has a delicate beauty that I think is much more enjoyable than the overblown bombast of the original.
The song I’m playing today is The Power Of Love. The title has been used for three songs that I’m aware of, by Huey Lewis and the News, Jennifer Rush, and Frankie Goes To Hollywood. Three very different songs, and this is Gabrielle Aplin’s version of the FGTH one:
And if you’d like the lyrics, these are they:
Ay, ay, ay, ay Feels like fire I’m so in love with you Dreams are like angels They keep bad at bay, bad at bay Love is the light Scaring darkness away, yeah
I’m so in love with you Purge the soul Make love your goal
The power of love A force from above Cleaning my soul Flame on, burn desire Love with tongues of fire Purge the soul Make love your goal
I’ll protect you from the hooded claw Keep the vampires from your door When the chips are down I’ll be around With my undying, death-defying love for you Envy will hurt itself Let yourself be beautiful Sparkling love, flowers And pearls and pretty girls Love is like an energy Rushin’ an’ rushin’ inside of me, eh
The power of love A force from above Cleaning my soul Flame on, burn desire Love with tongues of fire Purge the soul Make love your goal
This time we go sublime Lovers entwine, divine, divine Love is danger, love is pleasure Love is pure, the only treasure
I’m so in love with you Purge the soul Make love your goal
The power of love A force from above Cleaning my soul The power of love A force from above A sky-scraping dove
Flame on burn desire Love with tongues of fire Purge the soul Make love your goal
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Brian Philip Nash / Peter Gill / Mark William O’toole / Holly
FGTH had a UK #1 with their original in December 1984, though only for one week, as it was knocked off the top by the Band Aid charity single. It has long been thought of as a Christmas song, though it isn’t actually about Christmas: its theme of love is fitting for the season, though, and I guess that is why that has come about, helped no doubt by the video that was released for it. It would also have been relevant for Friday, if the calendar hadn’t spoiled things!
Gabrielle Aplin had made a name and following for herself by posting her acoustic music on YouTube, and actually self-released three EPs before she was awarded a record contract in February 2012. Though they have gone off the boil a bit in recent years the John Lewis retail chain was at that time well known for its annual Christmas tv ad, which was eagerly awaited and usually set a high bar for others, who tried to better them and failed miserably. Gabrielle was chosen to record her version of the song for the 2012 ad, as you can see and hear from this:
On the strength of the vast tv coverage that both the ad and the record received, Gabrielle’s version also reached #1 in the UK, in December 2012, and went on to sell more than 600k copies. I think the simple piano/orchestral accompaniment gives the song a perfect treatment, and I much prefer it to the original, to which I linked earlier in case you really needed to hear it. In May 2013 she released her debut studio album, English Rain, which got to #2 in the UK and includes this song. I bought it at the time and played it a lot: it is a lovely record, and I have all of her subsequent three albums in my collection too.
I thought that as an additional treat I’d play you another of Gabrielle’s songs. This is from that same album, and was the follow up single to her big debut hit:
Please Don’t Say You Love Me came out in February 2013 and got to #6 in the UK (entirely on download sales of 400k), and also reached #3 in Australia: it was released there in July 2014 after a contestant had performed it in the auditions for their version of The X Factor. It is another lovely little song, so typical of what she does, and I like the video too. In case you were wondering, the actors are Iain De Caestecker, from an American tv series I’ve never seen, called Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D, and the English actress Ophelia Lovibond, who has a whole string of movie and tv appearances to her name: I’m most familiar with her from her recurring role in the US series Elementary, the one in which Jonny Lee Miller played a slightly odd Sherlock Holmes. He was good, but I preferred Benedict Crumblecrutch in his version of the stories.
That seems to be a good note on which to leave you for today. I hope you’ve enjoyed this taste of some delicately beautiful music after I blasted your eardrums last Sunday! Enjoy the rest of your day, and I’ll see you again for Tuesday Tunes. Take care 😊
You’re the first to say that! Everyone else was expecting Huey Lewis! Celine’s was a copy, of another song with the same title, by Jennifer Rush. Three different songs, and Gabrielle has a lovely voice.
The Huey Lewis one was a different song, though with the same title. Gabrielle’s was a cover of Frankie Goes To Hollywood, and I much prefer her version – theirs was too OTT for me. She’s a favourite of mine – I’m a sucker for female singer-songwriters!
I wasn’t aware of Gabrielle Aplin, but I too prefer her version of Power of Love. Sometimes a cover like this can make you appreciate how good a song actually is.
Her own song is good too- odd that she hasn’t gone on to more success.
Happy to have introduced you to her. I’m pleased you like her version of the song, and her own one too. She hasn’t been especially prolific, four albums up to 2023 and several more EPs and singles, some in collaboration with others, such as Nina Nesbitt. Her singles chart success has petered out but all four of the albums have made the UK charts – two of the others were top twenty and the other got stuck at #24 – it was released just before the pandemic so she had to cancel promotional tours.
Not a big name but I think she has found a niche for herself. I’m a fan!
Great Choice though I have Gabrielle’s voice is great and much to my taste. I had to laugh when John Lewis picked The power of love for a Christmas advert … 😂😂😂💜💜
Thank you, Willow, I’m pleased you like her. As I said in the piece many think of the song as a Christmas one so I can see why John Lewis chose it – even if I disagree!
I have never heard of either songs (I searched and listened to the original), nor the artists. But between the two, I do prefer Gabrielle Aplin’s version. She has an angelic voice. But I did enjoyed it more while watching the advert video!!!!! 🙂
You could have saved yourself the search, as there’s a link in the post! But thank you for trying it, and I’m glad you agreed with me. The advert had the benefit of being shorter with a sweet little story 😊
Clive, I will repeat what Violet said and add to it. Gabrielle’s Power of Love was unrecognizable, so I checked out FGTH’s version on YT which was equally unrecognizable. I didn’t know the song. Neither rendition is something I’d listen to again, sorry to say. Gabrielle’s was too dirge-like and rather depressing …. not my favorite sound. BUT I totally loved Please Don’t Say You Love Me …. both the song and the video. What a delightful song, definitely more my style and Gabrielle’s voice was, IMO, much better suited for that type of song. Other than sports and an occasional movie, I don’t watch TV so I was unfamiliar with the shows you mentioned. The advert was amazing …. nothing short of what I’ve come to expect from you in the advert department. It was poignant and darling and really got me in the feels. Loved it! Thanks, Clive. I always eagerly look forward to your musical posts. 😊
Power Of Love probably isn’t my favourite song either, but I love Gabrielle Aplin and she can do no wrong for me. I’m pleased you liked Please Don’t Say You Love Me, which is typical of her own wry songwriting style, and as you say the video is lovely, right down to the little twist at the end.
I’m pleased you liked the ad too: you can see why they chose her version for it, I think – it is a good fit for the delicate little story of the snow people.
I watch far too much tv, but even then I managed to some across a show I’d never seen!
You’d get along well with Bill. The TV in the LR is on from the moment we wake up until the moment we go to sleep. Even if Bill goes outside to shovel snow or drive down to the super market, the TV stays on! I can’t concentrate on writing when the TV is on so, if I’m not in the kitchen cooking, you’ll find me and my laptop in the den. Thankfully, after dinner is the time we watch movies and/or sports but I can’t remember the last time I watched a show other than Jeopardy.
I’m not quite that bad! Mine doesn’t usually go on until lunchtime for the news but then I end up watching crap all afternoon if I’m not careful. It can easily take over if you aren’t careful 😊
I’ve never watched Jeopardy – not even sure if it’s on here.
Bill is a news junkie so that’s on all day except when he gets bored with it and will watch something on the DVR like old B&W monster movies or The Three Stooges. Typical guy crap although I do enjoy a good monster flick! He doesn’t watch game shows or soap operas or sitcoms so his mind hasn’t turned entirely to mush yet. 😂
Jeopardy is excellent. The questions are not easy and it’s good for the brain. It is the antithesis of The Three Stooges. Nyuk, nyuk, nyuk! 🤣
If Jeopardy isn’t available in the UK, I’m sure you can watch it on your computer. The format is unusual in that the contestants are given the answers and must come up with the question. If they don’t ask in the form of a question, they are penalized. The answers start out a bit easy with low dollar amounts and get significantly more difficult with higher dollar payoffs as the game progresses. It’s a good show. Weird Al’s “I Lost On Jeopardy” is a parody of the Greg Kihn Band’s “Our Love’s In Jeopardy“; I probably won’t feature that one because it’s not that great and I doubt anyone remembers the Greg Kihn Band! 😂
Ooh my gosh Clive this brought tears to my eyes! First the most beautiful cover of The Power of Love (I have added it to one of my playlists) Then that memorable and moving John Lewis Christmas ad. Thank you my friend for both ☺️💗
They are rather lovely aren’t they, Christine. I’m 0leased you’ve added that to a playlist: I much prefer it to FGTH’s rather OTT original. John Lewis were the one everyone looked up to for Christmas ads back then – it was always a news event when they released one. This is a little gem, amongst many. I’m glad you enjoyed them 😊
I had never heard of a song by this name done by anyone other than Huey Lewis so this was a real eye opener for me. Nor had I heard of Gabrielle Aplin so you are just schooling me all over town this morning , Clive! Thank you.
As I said, I know of three different songs with that title and I didn’t expect this one to be known over there. Glad to have introduced you to it and to Gabrielle, one of my favourite singer-songwriters 😊
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When I read that the song was Power of Love, I thought it was Celine Dion’s song. 🙂
But Gabrielle has a great voice too!
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You’re the first to say that! Everyone else was expecting Huey Lewis! Celine’s was a copy, of another song with the same title, by Jennifer Rush. Three different songs, and Gabrielle has a lovely voice.
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I have listened to her music so much, so that’s why it came to my mind right away. 🙂
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I don’t like her, so it was nowhere near my thinking! 🤣
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Pffftt! LOL!
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I remember the Huey Lewis version of this song. I haven’t heard of Gabrielle Aplin.
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The Huey Lewis one was a different song, though with the same title. Gabrielle’s was a cover of Frankie Goes To Hollywood, and I much prefer her version – theirs was too OTT for me. She’s a favourite of mine – I’m a sucker for female singer-songwriters!
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I wasn’t aware of Gabrielle Aplin, but I too prefer her version of Power of Love. Sometimes a cover like this can make you appreciate how good a song actually is.
Her own song is good too- odd that she hasn’t gone on to more success.
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Happy to have introduced you to her. I’m pleased you like her version of the song, and her own one too. She hasn’t been especially prolific, four albums up to 2023 and several more EPs and singles, some in collaboration with others, such as Nina Nesbitt. Her singles chart success has petered out but all four of the albums have made the UK charts – two of the others were top twenty and the other got stuck at #24 – it was released just before the pandemic so she had to cancel promotional tours.
Not a big name but I think she has found a niche for herself. I’m a fan!
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Great Choice though I have Gabrielle’s voice is great and much to my taste. I had to laugh when John Lewis picked The power of love for a Christmas advert … 😂😂😂💜💜
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Thank you, Willow, I’m pleased you like her. As I said in the piece many think of the song as a Christmas one so I can see why John Lewis chose it – even if I disagree!
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Lol me too very much!
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Such a pretty voice….I don’t know the second track so thank you again , Clive xx
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It’s lovely, isn’t it, that’s why I like her so much. I thought that second one would be new for most: one of her own songs and a sweet video xx
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Yes it is makes a change from the loud music sometimes you just want easy listening xx
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Enjoyable post, well done
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That’s a lovely ad Clive. The Power of Love was a favourite of mine and I liked her version too. Not familiar with the other song though.
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It is, isn’t it. I thought that British readers would know the song and the ad. I really like the other song too, more typical of her own stuff.
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We haven’t got a TV so it’s the first time I’ve seen the ad.
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Sorry, forgot that!
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I have never heard of either songs (I searched and listened to the original), nor the artists. But between the two, I do prefer Gabrielle Aplin’s version. She has an angelic voice. But I did enjoyed it more while watching the advert video!!!!! 🙂
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You could have saved yourself the search, as there’s a link in the post! But thank you for trying it, and I’m glad you agreed with me. The advert had the benefit of being shorter with a sweet little story 😊
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I probably saw a link while reading, but by the time I got to the end of your post, I had forgotten about any link. Old age, uh?
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Happens to the best of us 🤣
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Clive, I will repeat what Violet said and add to it.
Gabrielle’s Power of Love was unrecognizable, so I checked out FGTH’s version on YT which was equally unrecognizable. I didn’t know the song. Neither rendition is something I’d listen to again, sorry to say. Gabrielle’s was too dirge-like and rather depressing …. not my favorite sound. BUT I totally loved Please Don’t Say You Love Me …. both the song and the video. What a delightful song, definitely more my style and Gabrielle’s voice was, IMO, much better suited for that type of song. Other than sports and an occasional movie, I don’t watch TV so I was unfamiliar with the shows you mentioned.
The advert was amazing …. nothing short of what I’ve come to expect from you in the advert department. It was poignant and darling and really got me in the feels. Loved it!
Thanks, Clive. I always eagerly look forward to your musical posts. 😊
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Power Of Love probably isn’t my favourite song either, but I love Gabrielle Aplin and she can do no wrong for me. I’m pleased you liked Please Don’t Say You Love Me, which is typical of her own wry songwriting style, and as you say the video is lovely, right down to the little twist at the end.
I’m pleased you liked the ad too: you can see why they chose her version for it, I think – it is a good fit for the delicate little story of the snow people.
I watch far too much tv, but even then I managed to some across a show I’d never seen!
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You’d get along well with Bill. The TV in the LR is on from the moment we wake up until the moment we go to sleep. Even if Bill goes outside to shovel snow or drive down to the super market, the TV stays on! I can’t concentrate on writing when the TV is on so, if I’m not in the kitchen cooking, you’ll find me and my laptop in the den. Thankfully, after dinner is the time we watch movies and/or sports but I can’t remember the last time I watched a show other than Jeopardy.
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I’m not quite that bad! Mine doesn’t usually go on until lunchtime for the news but then I end up watching crap all afternoon if I’m not careful. It can easily take over if you aren’t careful 😊
I’ve never watched Jeopardy – not even sure if it’s on here.
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Bill is a news junkie so that’s on all day except when he gets bored with it and will watch something on the DVR like old B&W monster movies or The Three Stooges. Typical guy crap although I do enjoy a good monster flick! He doesn’t watch game shows or soap operas or sitcoms so his mind hasn’t turned entirely to mush yet. 😂
Jeopardy is excellent. The questions are not easy and it’s good for the brain. It is the antithesis of The Three Stooges. Nyuk, nyuk, nyuk! 🤣
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Can’t be much fun watching news programmes there at present. Soon there will only be Trump State TV for you to watch.
It’s good to have a quiz show that isn’t too easy. Some of ours are an insult to the intelligence!
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If Jeopardy isn’t available in the UK, I’m sure you can watch it on your computer. The format is unusual in that the contestants are given the answers and must come up with the question. If they don’t ask in the form of a question, they are penalized. The answers start out a bit easy with low dollar amounts and get significantly more difficult with higher dollar payoffs as the game progresses. It’s a good show. Weird Al’s “I Lost On Jeopardy” is a parody of the Greg Kihn Band’s “Our Love’s In Jeopardy“; I probably won’t feature that one because it’s not that great and I doubt anyone remembers the Greg Kihn Band! 😂
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Sounds like fun – I’ll see if I can find it somewhere.
Don’t know that Weird Al one or the band, so it’s probably a good idea to leave that one out!
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I really enjoyed the Please Don’t Say You Love Me song, Clive. Thanks for sharing your music again.
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You’re welcome, Jim, and thanks as always for hosting. I’m pleased you liked that one – I added it in to show that Gabrielle doesn’t just do ballads 😊
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Thank you for the music especially Power of Love. I hope you have a great new week ahead.
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Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it. You have a great week too 👍
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Ooh my gosh Clive this brought tears to my eyes! First the most beautiful cover of The Power of Love (I have added it to one of my playlists) Then that memorable and moving John Lewis Christmas ad. Thank you my friend for both ☺️💗
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They are rather lovely aren’t they, Christine. I’m 0leased you’ve added that to a playlist: I much prefer it to FGTH’s rather OTT original. John Lewis were the one everyone looked up to for Christmas ads back then – it was always a news event when they released one. This is a little gem, amongst many. I’m glad you enjoyed them 😊
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I definitely did Clive. You were right. Too bad it wasn’t Valentines day today. It would have been the perfect pick.
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As I mentioned in the post, the calendar let me down!
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I had never heard of a song by this name done by anyone other than Huey Lewis so this was a real eye opener for me. Nor had I heard of Gabrielle Aplin so you are just schooling me all over town this morning , Clive! Thank you.
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As I said, I know of three different songs with that title and I didn’t expect this one to be known over there. Glad to have introduced you to it and to Gabrielle, one of my favourite singer-songwriters 😊
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