The first time I heard Me’Shell NdegeOcello was in 1994 when she and John Mellencamp released a cover version of Van Morrison’s “Wild Night.” I loved it! But then Me’Shell NdegeOcello seemingly disappeared and I only rediscovered her again after hearing she just released an album of cover versions performed as “reimagined” duets with guest vocalists.
Synonym has 15 songs. I’m familiar with most of them. I liked “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me) with Cynthia Erivo. Chaka Khan does a nice job on “Islands in the Stream.” “Gold Ring” with Brandi Carlisle is well done, too.
If you’re in the mood for a great sounding cover album, Synonym has a lot going for it. GRADE: B+ (For both CDs)
TRACK LIST:
| John Mellencamp* With Me’Shell NdegéOcello– | Wild Night | 3:28 | |
| John Mellencamp*– | Dance Naked (Live Mix) | 3:09 | |
| John Mellencamp*– | When Jesus Left Birmingham | 3:56 | |
| John Mellencamp*– | Love And Happiness (London Club Mix) | 6:28 | |
| John Mellencamp*– | Small Town (Acoustic) | 4:11 |
TRACK LIST:
1. “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)” w/ Cynthia Erivo – originally by Aretha Franklin & George Michael (1986 album track, 1987 single)
2. “Don’t You Want Me” w/ Cat Power – The Human League (1981 album track, 1981 single)
3. “Don’t Stop the Music” w/ Nick Hakim & Robert Glasper – Rihanna (2007 album track, 2007 single)
4. “Islands in the Stream” w/ Chaka Khan – Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton (1983 single, 1983 album track)
5. “It Ain’t Me Babe” w/ Madison Cunningham – Bob Dylan (1964 album track)
6. “Always on Time” w/ Laura Lee (5) – Ja Rule feat. Ashanti (2001 album track, 2001 single)
7. “Be Real Black for Me” w/ Emily King & Lizz Wright – Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway (1972 album track)
8. “Don’t Look Any Further” w/ Lianne La Havas – Dennis Edwards feat. Siedah Garrett (1984 single, 1984 album track)
9. “The Closer I Get to You” w/ Destin Conrad & Moses Sumney – Roberta Flack with Donny Hathaway (1977 album track, 1978 single)
10. “Golden Ring” w/ Brandi Carlile – George Jones & Tammy Wynette (1976 single, 1976 album track)
11. “I Got You Babe” w/ Anohni – Sonny & Cher (1965 single, 1965 album track)
12. “Here We Come (Here He Comes)” w/ Evann McIntosh – Brian Eno (1977 album track as “Here He Comes”)
13. “Guilty” w/ Ink (4) – Barbra Streisand & Barry Gibb (1980 album track, 1980 single)
14. “Hunger Strike” w/ Willow (52) – Temple Of The Dog (1991 album track, 1992 single)
15. “With God on Our Side” w/ Bill Callahan & Chris Thile – Bob Dylan (1964 album track)